By Megan Levick, Faith Manalili, Chloe Brown, Laila Hulatt, Mollie Boardman
Chapter One Books
Chatsworth House, 23 Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1BY
There are few better feelings than settling down to unwind with a warm cup of tea and a good book. Luckily for you, this family-run, independent bookstore/café is the perfect location to do both. Tucked away in the Northern Quarter of urban Manchester, Chapter One is a hub of eclecticism and warmth, offering a delightful escape for bookworms and coffee lovers alike.
On display, there is a thoughtfully chosen selection of titles, which can be enjoyed whilst indulging in one of the many baked goods on offer or one of their speciality drinks. The interior has a rustic and cosy vibe, which really adds to the ambience and warmth of the space. There is a unique and charming quality about this bookstore/café that evokes a sense of calm and belonging, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing afternoon of reading and sipping coffee.
Chapter One also celebrates creativity in the community by hosting regular events, including a collage club, a creative writing group, open mics and yoga.
Phlox Books
159 Francis Rd, London, E10 6NT
Since its opening on Francis Road in East London in 2017, Phlox Books has attracted many customers for its cafe/bar and its great selection of books.
This charming, independent bookshop is housed in a beautiful Victorian building with large storefront windows and is a nice place to enjoy a cup of Allpress Coffee paired with a new book. On sunny days, you can also sit outside on the patio with a cold glass of craft beer or wine.
Phlox houses a vast array of classics, contemporary fiction, children’s books and non-fiction. The titles are hand-picked and you’re sure to find an absorbing read here. Originally from Belfast, the owner, Aimée, has a background in English literature and a long, illustrious career in bookselling.
ReadingLasses
17 South Main Street, Wigtown DG8 9EH
In Scotland's National Book town resides the warm bookshop and cafe ReadingLasses, focusing on women's books in particular. Here is the most cosy place to read and talk about books, as well as tables to try the selection of fantastic home-baked, savoury foods. Moreover, ReadingLasses stocks titles directly from Persephone Books who reprint mainly women writers from the early twentieth century.
Upon visiting the front room, you will find shelves dedicated to books by and about women. Meanwhile, the middle room hosts an expansive list of genres by a broad range of authors. This is the perfect venue for bookworms who love discovering new stories, women's voices and amazing sweet treats.
Pritchard and Ure
Camden Garden Centre, 2 Barker Drive, London, NW1 0JW
Pritchard and Ure is located on the mezzanine level overlooking Camden Garden Centre’s houseplant section. It’s a haven for book and plant lovers alike.
Café owner, Andrea Massaro, tells us that the space has been gradually transforming in the last two years into an “organically curated bookshop.” The space is adorned with vintage tables and cabinets stocking “less of the obvious reads” and more books from independent publishers, even Andrea’s own favourite Italian-translated fiction.
The transition to a bookshop café has been very popular with customers, she says it’s because “food opens up people’s minds and books have the same effect.” This year, on an evening in June, the café hosted its first book launch and welcomed authors Florence Wilkinson and Anna Chapman Parker to discuss their nature-related reads, Wild City and Understorey. The café hopes to develop their book events into a regular programme for customers to enjoy.
Camden Garden Centre itself is a social enterprise that was founded originally to help tackle youth unemployment in the area. Today, they also provide opportunities to ex-offenders, homeless people and those who have struggled with addiction. It’s an award-winning garden centre selling top quality plants and also a prominent part of the Camden community.
House of Books & Friends
81 King St, Manchester, M2 4AH
Born during the pandemic, House of Books & Friends, a hybrid bookshop and café, was founded as a way to combat the growing loneliness that was recognised in the local community and wider society.
This brilliant bookshop offers many initiatives for customers to help address social isolation and loneliness, as well as opportunities to connect a wide breadth of people with their community through events and a café. The café itself is perfectly cosy, showcasing delicious treats and good coffee whilst helping to support others struggling or just plain forgetful through a Pay It Forward scheme.
A particularly popular event is Bookish Afternoon Tea, a get-together filled with an assortment of treats with a variety of dietary options, engaging company and a splendid array of books. This event is already fully booked until October, so make sure to book your spot quickly when new dates are released.
If you are in the Manchester area, do take the chance to visit House of Books & Friends for a glimpse of their fantastically curated selection, lovely café menu and dedication to promoting human connection. After all, who can deny how great a pairing of good coffee and good books is at bringing people together.
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