I visited this remarkable bookshop / café in one of the dark
days after Christmas, just about in the New Year. Normally on such a day I would not venture
out unless I had to. It was below four degrees Celsius. However, I was on my way
to a meeting that was cancelled at the last minute and I was kind of in the
area.
It is a remarkable space. The floor seems only half finished
but that somehow adds to its charm. There
is a big water feature ad its gentle tinkling keeps the atmosphere calm. The
staff were friendly and actually made me feel rather like royalty. I ordered my Americano and a waiter brought
it to my seat later. I chose to sit in a
high-backed chair near one of the windows. There was plenty of choice in
seating, including some fascinating booths furnished with small tables and
typewriters. The cake looked fabulous but as I knew that there was Christmas
cake waiting at home I refrained this time. Another time I won’t hold back.
Even on a quiet day like today there were clearly half a
dozen or so people networking / holding meetings. Two groups had found very private
spaces. Another young man worked away on his Apple Mac. There is easy access here
with a good signal to the Manchester free Wi-Fi. I hooked up my phone with no
problems. I sat and wrote in my note book.
This place wins as a bookstore, too. It sells an unusual mix
of books and they are beautifully presented.
It’s the type of store I’d go to in order to buy a special present.
Well worth a visit.
