Founded in 1985 by John Berry and Martin Price (of 808 State), Eastern Bloc quickly became a cultural cornerstone of Manchester’s music scene. Originally based in Afflecks Palace and now thriving in Stevenson Square, the store played a pivotal role in the city’s musical evolution – launching the careers of local legends like Inspiral Carpets and hosting in-store signings with The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays.
Renowned for breaking new ground in dance music, Eastern Bloc was one of the UK’s first shops to import cutting-edge electronic sounds from around the world. Its influence extended far beyond Manchester, with a clientele including Carl Cox, Laurent Garnier, Sasha, the Chemical Brothers, and many more. The shop’s alumni include a who’s who of DJ royalty, from Justin Robertson to Marcus Intalex.
Today, Eastern Bloc continues to champion underground music, specialising in drum & bass, jungle, dubstep, house, techno, and electronica. Its current home doubles as a café, offering hand-roasted coffee, specialist teas, and homemade cakes—making it a must-visit for crate diggers and caffeine connoisseurs alike.
