Indie City

Throughout its 41-year history, the bookshop where Spokes works has had repeated threats and actual attacks from far-right groups who object to it stocking lefty, feminist and LGBT books, magazines, music and DVDs on its shelves.

They've had two such threats from National Action in the last month and today was one of the days when the shop was known to be at particular risk. Of course the police had been notified but word-of-mouth and social media ensured that loads of customers and supporters were out in force in the shop all day to show solidarity and to provide a helping hand should it be needed. In the end the threatened attack did not materialise but it was heartening to see so many people turning out to support this much-loved local shop and its staff.

Spokes actually had a day off today but we both popped into the shop for a while this afternoon to see how things were going. While we were there we met our friends Inez and Paul and we all ended up heading up the road to another of Liverpool's top independent retailers, 92 Degrees Coffee, for a drink, a bite to eat and a chat.

92 Degrees ( www.92degreescoffee.com/pages/about-us ) is a relatively recent addition to the local landscape. A superb coffee shop with a great atmosphere, an interesting selection of books on the shelves and, currently, prints by photographer Teresa Hardy on the walls. It's also Liverpool's only micro-roastery. Which is rather cool.

Not only do they serve a selection of excellent coffees and teas (and a splendid hot chocolate with soya milk - a particular favourite of mine!) but they offer a damn fine selection of bagels and ciabatta sandwiches with a similarly fine selection of toppings/fillings too. And they have a team of lovely, friendly staff who are obviously passionate about what they do. Today's blip subject, Danny, is the Manager and didn't take too much persuading to pose for a quick portrait - thanks Danny!

Here's to independent businesses run by people who care about what they do - and to the customers who care enough to support them.

Time for some Elliott Smith... www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8iWDrln8AY