My most read stories; two years on Substack
This newsletter is 2 years old today, let's look back on popular posts
When I started this Substack, I wasn’t sure if anyone would read it.
I published my first story on 29th May 2023, two years ago today. I’d wanted to do my own thing for ages. I knew my writing was good. I knew my knowledge was good, but I had worked for two big media companies. I didn’t know if I could reach people if I stepped away from those behemoths.
But I did. And you reading this now is proof of that.
Thank you for being here for any part of these past two years. If you want to read or re-read some of my most popular features, keep scrolling to find them, but first.
For the nerds among you, here are some stats
In two years of independently publishing my food and drink writing on Substack, I have amassed over 600 subscribers.
There have been over 42k total reads from over 28k users, many of whom have found me in the past few months. We are small but growing, and it is so beautiful to see.
I reckon this recent growth spurt has been down to me posting more regularly on TikTok and Insta. Sharing across multiple platforms is still key.
The vast majority of my readers are in the UK and specifically in or near Manchester, but I was impressed (and surprised) to see that this newsletter is read by people across 16 US states and 25 countries worldwide.
My average open rate for emails is still well over 50%.
According to email marketing giant Campaign Monitor, a good email open rate is 17-28%, and the average open rate in 2021 was 21.5% across all industries. I remember them being as low as 7% on some emails at big media places I worked for.
Why am I telling you this? Because (I hope) it’s empowering. You don’t have to work for someone else to be able to write and reach people with your writing. You can do it too, if you want. I’m also telling you this because I am proud of myself. Well done me.
To celebrate my second Substack birthday, here is a little birthday discount for anyone who would like to become a paid subscriber (offer open for one month from today).
Here in reverse order are my top ten most-read articles of the past two years:
#10
The 20 best things I ate in Manchester in 2024
In January 2024, I pledged to eat at restaurants in all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester that year. I’m ashamed to say I didn’t quite succeed. But isn’t that how it always goes with New Year’s resolutions? You get all cocky about the huge things you will do with the fresh year ahead, all the positive changes you are going to make. It starts promisingl…
#9
Red snapper and smoked coconut rice in Stockport
My favourite places to eat are often ones with very short menus. The shorter, the better. I like a chef that specialises in something rather than trying to please everyone. So the one-item Saturday menu at Cafe San Juan in Stockport works perfectly for me.
#8
My top food and drink tips for Manchester in 2024
Another year is on its way out and everyone is starting to look towards what 2024 will bring. The past year was full of big changes for me. I launched this Substack (and my wine one), I quit my job (again) and I launched a small business as a side hustle that has actually now become my main hustle. I may have left Big Manchester Media but my love of our hospitality is stronger than ever. Now I can focus on what I really care about and ignore (or throw shade on) the hype and the noise.
#7
A surrealist Brazilian-British tasting menu (in a pub basement)
I knew that Brazilian chef Caroline Martins was hosting the latest iteration of her ‘chef’s table’ tasting menu experience from an NQ pub. I knew it was a footy pub, yet it was still discombobulating arriving there for a posh dinner.
#6
#5
Manchester restaurants open on a Monday
It’s Monday night and you’re in Manchester looking for a good restaurant. You’re armed with a list of recommendations but so far, none of them are open. Well, damn.
#4
Nine places to eat 'Asian' food in Manchester that aren’t Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat
Disclaimer: These are my personal views and do not necessarily reflect those of anybody else who employs me as a writer.
#3
Can you trust 'content creators'?
There has been a lot of huffing and puffing about influencers, food writing, and honesty lately. I have seen several posts and articles with people who write about food and drink lambasting ‘content creators’ and suggesting they are largely disingenuous.
#2
Skof Manchester is open - and I tried it
Last night I ate at Skof, Manchester’s most anticipated new restaurant in years.
#1
Cantaloupe: Stockport's new neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar
This week, a stylish new wine bar and restaurant called Cantaloupe opened in Stockport and I was one of the first in line to try it.
Well done Kel! So great to see this grow! X