If you’re like me and love books and a brew then a visit to the House of Books of Friends in Manchester would be an ideal way to spend some chilling time. This is housed in a listed building on Kings Street in the heart of the city centre.

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This is a unique space with a mission to help stop loneliness and isolation. This is from their website ” Our mission is to combat loneliness and social isolation. We want every customer or visitor to leave our shop feeling better connected with the community. By reinvesting our profit back in to projects and activities “every book sold makes a difference”.

Loneliness can have a devastating effect on someone’s life, often leading to depression and sometimes the taking of a person’s own life or an unbearable sadness that a person lives with for the rest of their life. It can become exaggerated by a society that values social media but has lost the value of close friends and neighbours. In an age where we have the opportunity to be more connected than ever, there are people who go for days, weeks and even months without having a conversation”

This is such a meaningful concept. Having visited this unique shop for books and a brew I can honestly say it has such a peaceful, friendly vibe about it. The staff are so friendly and everyone acknowledges your entrance and presence without being intrusive.

Books

I first found out about The House of Books and Friends via an Instagram post. I have to admit that from first impressions I didn’t think it was for me. I mistakenly thought it was a very niche store selling books that wouldn’t interest me. How wrong I was. On a morning out in Manchester I decided to pay a visit, I was instantly in love with it! I have returned several times since.

There is quite a large range of both paperback and hardback books. The range is from Fantasy fiction. LGBTQ+, children’s books and story’s through to contemporary fiction including crime and biographies.

As you enter there is usually a selection of the latest arrivals. I found a great crime novel Murder at the Sanatorium by Radnor Jonasson, an author I had not come across before. Such a great read and an opportunity to practice pronouncing Icelandic surnames in your head!

Seating

The book shop has several spaces to sit, read or work. These spaces range from sofa’s to tables by the tea and beverage area. Great tea and coffee is available to purchase, nice pastries and biscuits, also gluten free and dairy free options. In good weather there is a seating area outside on the pavement – but it is Manchester so its not always set out.

What is a real plus for me is an area in the back of the store. This appears to have kept most of the original features of the original building. The building itself, Manchester Club, is an impressive Victorian Gothic Grade II-listed building steeped in history, originally opening back in 1871 as a members club, with members including Winston Churchill. The building, is also home to the opulent bar and restaurant Grand Pacific on the first floor.

There are tables in a fabulous opulent room, dark wood original features. This room can be used to enjoy an afternoon tea or hired as a space for a celebration such as a baby shower or a meet up for friends or colleagues. There are usually visitors in there enjoying a read and a drink or working on there laptops. One space to highlight is the ladies toilet, I’m unable to comment on the gents area. The interior is in keeping with the buildings age and status, which means the pipe works and plumbing don’t facilitate the flushing of wipes etc. What is a lovely touch is that there is a selection of free female hygiene products for anyone in need. As someone who was a victim of period poverty in my teens this is something I’m passionate about.

Summary

In summary The House of Books and Friends has fast become one of my favourite space in the City centre of Manchester. If you love, books, a brew or even an admirer of listed buildings this is definitely worth a visit. They often hold events such as authors talks and book signings. In my opinion it’s somewhere you will love to visit for at least a second time and if you live in Manchester or visit regularly you will want to return again and again.

As I’ma born and bred mancunian I love to share fab things from my city – why not take a look at my review of Tast Catala Restaurant – just a stones throw from House of Books and Friends

Thank you for popping in and reading. If you enjoy my contact I’d love it if you return.

Elaine