If there are two things Manchester does extremely well, it’s coffee shops and book shops. There are a fair few establishments in town that combine the two, but there’s only one that has an entire dedicated reading room hidden from plain sight to curl up with a book in, and that’s Chapter One in the Northern Quarter.
Both bookshop and coffee shop, the cosy nook in the centre of the Northern Quarter offers a sweet hideout to watch the world go by, with books surrounding the tables and different areas of seating for whatever you require. The water feature in the middle of the shop provides a gentle background noise to keep things chilled, and believe us when we say you could spend hours sipping and reading at this Manchester gem.
But, venture further into Chapter One, and you’ll find a gorgeous reading room that’s heaven for Manchester bookworms. Enveloped in dark wood and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, the reading room at Chapter One is like stepping into a whole other world – think dark academia, a touch of Harry Potter and perhaps a dash of Bridgerton charm.
Beautifully bound first editions adorn the shelves, and characteristic portraits cover the walls of the reading room, with the classic Chapter One leather armchairs fitting perfectly into the cosy space. Of course, you’re well-served if you want to curl up and enjoy the latest Sally Rooney, or a classic Brontë for that matter, but you can also find some peace and quiet for working away on your next project.
Plenty of solid wooden desks litter the reading room, complete with banker’s table lamps to set the mood, and of course the entire Chapter One drinks menu can be ordered to the space, so you can keep yourself hydrated and caffeinated throughout. Plus, the floor is carpeted, which is good for two reasons: it’s nice and characterful like the rest of the reading room, but also ensures that most noise is absorbed, making it the ultimate peaceful paradise.
So, the next time you’re looking to shelter from the awful weather, or get some work done in peace, head to Chapter One and check out their hidden reading room. That’s if you can find it!
📍 Chapter One, Chatsworth House, 23 Lever St, Manchester M1 1BY.