Travel Tuesday - Week 4 - Manchester, England - Chapter One Books

TRAVEL TUESDAY

Week 4 - Manchester 

Chapter One Books

I visited Manchester this weekend, as part of a Hen Party. I've visited Manchester a few times but really only for short stays, attending gigs, or as overnight stops on a longer journey. This time I was there for 3 days so had the opportunity to explore a little more. 

The first thing I will say about Manchester is that there is PLENTY to see and do. No matter your interests, how long you are there for, whether you're there as a couple, a family, or a group, you will find something to while away the hours.

We stayed in the Northern Quarter, slightly further out from the city centre, but easily accessible by walking and public transport. It's quite a quirky part of town with comic book stores, vintage and independent clothing, and plenty of places to eat and drink including a little square with bars all around, outside seating, and a lovely chilled vibe. 

Within a 5-minute walk from our apartment, was an escape room for a fun daytime activity, a gorgeous Instagram hotspot serving Cinderella Cocktails from glass slippers (and a great value bottomless brunch) called On The Hush, a giant Primark for the last-minute essentials, and the bus station to get us home to Scotland again. 

On the way back to the bus station after checking out I, of course, wanted to visit a bookstore and found Chapter One Books (also under 5 minutes away on foot). It's an independent bookstore, with a cafe serving various hot/chilled drinks and a great selection of cakes. 

This bookstore/cafe has a lovely look and vibe and seems like a great place to study or socialise. It has various little areas to sit in and enjoy a coffee and cake. We sat in a cute area set up like an old-fashioned living room. Mismatched sofas, 1950s TV, the works. There was even a little library area, low lighting, bookshelves all over the walls, and small tables to sit quietly and study/read. Did I mention the indoor fountain? Yup, there's an indoor fountain! 

When you walk in, there's a pile of board games to pick up and play during your visit. Overall just a really laid back and casual atmosphere, I loved it! They seem to have plenty of events and bookclubs, really turning it into a hub of activity for the social butterflies out there.

I'd say that it is more of a cafe than a bookstore. Though there were books everywhere, they seemed more for display purposes than anything else (I could be wrong!). They did have a little preloved bookshelf though where I found a Karin Slaughter book for £1 which I happily bought alongside my latte. 

From a cafe point of view, it was perfect. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options and some quirky cakes (one was an avocado cake, and one a vegan Oreo cake) along with staples like lemon drizzle. We had a lovely chilled morning while we waited for our bus. I'd recommend it to anyone visiting the Northern Quarter, looking for a chilled-out way to spend a couple of hours with good books, friends, or coffee (or all three!). A lovely way to spend a couple of hours. 

Here's a link to their website if you want to find out more! 

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