Chapter One in Manchester

initially gave this 5 stars, hate what they've done to the place what happened to the cute little bookshop cafe it used to be!!

Mint location. Grab a book and a coffee and chill so hard you fall back asleep. I am the king of the castle.

I used to come here a couple years ago for somewhere quiet to grab a drink. When going in yesterday, it all seemed so overwhelming. They have merged with next door and seem to be an amalgamation of different food places into one. There is so much 'unique' decor that it just looks tacky. It's such a shame that this place has changed for the worst

Super expensive coffee (£4) + extra 30p for non dairy + mandatory service charge+ optional tip??? For QR ordering? And no books/no indication it's no longer Chapter One Books? Wild man. Wild.

I understand that Chapter One Books and Mala have merged, which is unfortunate. That said, I really like the place. It’s a great spot to work or read in the morning, though it does get quite loud after noon. One thing that feels a bit odd is having a security guard on the floor—it can be intimidating.

The bookstore no longer exists!

Mi amigo y yo visitamos este lugar mientras que en Manchester - es un lugar encantador, y estaba ocupado cuando estuvimos allí. Tenía el pastel vegano Lotus Biscoff y estaba muy delicioso. Sin embargo, había algún tipo de portero/guardia de seguridad caminando por el lugar, lo que le restaba el toque pintoresco que habían intentado crear. Él me dijo groseramente que fuera por la botella vacía de Oasis que yo había traído y puesto en la mesa, y dijo ‘no hay comida o bebida fuera’. Cuando señalé que era solo una botella vacía, me ladró para guardarla. Era simplemente innecesario, y me di cuenta de que había despedido a otras personas por varios delitos graves, como tener un ordenador portátil fuera. Mirando a través de las críticas recientes, todas las personas parecen estar quejándose de lo mismo, por lo que me gustaría instar al Capítulo 1 a revisar su estrategia antes de que pierdan toda costumbre. No eres intocable, hay otros lugares en Manchester donde la gente tomará su negocio en su lugar.

Wow what can I say... you have absolutely ruined it, new management. All so Mala can sell booze under Chapter One's licence. People used to come here to grab coffee, cake, study and do uni work. What was once a peaceful late-night cafe has now been merged with Mala and is blasting loud music, tacky disco balls, no books sold and what is presumed to be the new manager walking about with a security tag on intimidating customers to make sure they have ordered. If I wanted to go to Mala I would've gone and sat in Mala. Felt like I was being watched, vibes are just off. Heard people say they were not allowed to use a laptop here now as well? Ridiculous. Another place in town to grab a beer, like we don't already have enough of those. We want our unique, quirky cafe back.

Pretty much heartbroken at what's happened. This used to be such a great place to go for a chai, to meet friends or get some quiet reading done. Now there's a bouncer (?) walking around the tables eyeing you up, the disco balls make it feel tacky as hell, the seating is so much less comfortable, the music is thumping and the atmosphere is dead. Whoever led these changes has managed to ruin a really great cafe.

used to be my favourite cosy cafe, truly a one of a kind, chill, beautiful place in town where i made many great memories with friends. it has now been turned into a noisy restaurant filled with copy-pasted wooden seating and tables, where once there were unique soft couches, coffee tables and bookshelves with eccentric decor. clearly a financial decision but a very sad and disappointing one. i won't come here ever again. rest in peace chapter one, you were taken away from us by this greedy city, and you will be dearly missed 🙏❤️

He sido habitual en el Capítulo 1 en Manchester durante años, visitando tanto a amigos, colegas y parejas sentimentales, pero después de mi experiencia más reciente, no volveré. Durante mi visita, un miembro del personal se acercó a mí para informarme que otro cliente se había quejado de que yo besara a mi misma pareja sexual y apoyara mi mano en su muslo. Para ser claros, nuestras acciones no fueron abiertamente sexuales, solo demostraciones naturales de afecto entre una pareja. El funcionario, al tiempo que intentaba suavizar la situación con cumplidos y seguridades de que personalmente no tenía ningún problema, finalmente nos pidió que nos abstuviéramos de besar o tocar. Como alguien nacido y criado en Manchester, me sorprendió. Esta fue la primera vez que me confronté en público sobre la intolerancia de otra persona, y fue especialmente desalentador experimentar esto en un lugar que previamente había visto como un espacio inclusivo y creativo. Desafortunadamente, ya no puedo considerar el Capítulo 1 un ambiente seguro o acogedor, particularmente para las personas LGBTQ+. Insto a otros miembros de la comunidad a reconsiderar el apoyo a una empresa que, en lugar de oponerse a la discriminación, opta por defender los prejuicios de unos pocos selectos. Lo que hizo que esto fuera aún más humillante fue la forma en que se desarrolló: ser señalado en un espacio público, hablado como si mi relación fuera algo inapropiado y hecho sentir como si nuestro afecto fuera algo que necesitaba ocultarse. No fue solo decepcionante, fue profundamente embarazoso. En lugar de abordar la clara intolerancia de la persona que se quejó, el personal optó por vigilar nuestro afecto inofensivo, haciéndonos sentir inoportunos en un lugar que una vez había considerado un espacio seguro. El mensaje era claro: nuestra presencia era un problema, y eso es algo que nunca olvidaré.

This used to be lovely. Now there's a bouncer, absolutely clueless staff, everything is extremely overpriced, waiting for a coffee and a cake for 45 minutes and trying to cancel which also seems to be very difficult.

Once one of my favourite places to come for a (expensive) drink, with the benefit of a relaxing atmosphere that actively invited you to stay and read, work or sit with friends. The environment now is deeply hostile, loud and uninviting. There are restricted work zones and jarring music playing constantly. Very disappointing to see such a pleasant cafe turned into an antisocial cash cow.

Amazing place. The atmosphere is amazing. The food is very delicious, and so are the dessert. The coffee is fantastic too. The Spanish latte from here is the best I’ve had in Manchester, both hot and cold!

STOP THE SINGING. - (and keep Chapter One Books as its own thing) PEOPLE LIKE TO COME IN HERE TO STUDY IN A QUIET PLACE. NOT LISTEN TO SOMEONE SINGING AT 1PM DURING THE WEEK.

waited 30+ minutes for 2 slices of cake from Chapter One Books (still waiting !!), which are pre-cut and sat on the counter, despite going over and asking if we could just take our order ourselves to speed things up. Guy just mumbled and turned his back to us … weird, unorganised and unfriendly service, wouldn’t ever come back. Cakes were average, drinks were tiny but really nice, everything really really overpriced and spoilt by the slow service. p.s. I wouldn’t recommend coming if you’re in a rush or on a lunch break like us, nor if you want a quiet place to do work or studying :/

As many have mentioned already - Mala and Chapter One appear to have merged which in turn has resulted in a safe haven for quiet workers and readers to lose a beloved spot and I simply cannot understand the thinking behind it? Mala itself is a fun, quirky space that is also deceptively large and served a purpose if you want an array of food and drink options as well as live music and a more bustling atmosphere with the neighbouring Chapter One being a serene place for many to read and work quietly whilst respecting the more muted and individual atmosphere it encouraged. I’ve been visiting Chapter One for some years and was delighted that when I finally moved to Manchester in October I would have a late night coffee spot to read and relax inside of, however the wall separating both Mala and Chapter One has been knocked down, the comfy seats have seemingly been replaced with benches and wooden seats and the intense number of security on site really gives an unsettling atmosphere as they are constantly marching around. The library in the back which was only opened last year also appears to no longer be an option, and if you want to actually try and read or work here then you’d be best investing in some noise cancelling headphones and sunglasses. The staff as well also just generally seem quite rude which saddens me to say as the staff last year were lovely, genuinely seemed passionate of the beautiful cafe they worked in - a place that encouraged reading, community and hosted regular reading clubs and poetry readings and book signings is now another overpriced, alcohol induced husk of a once beautiful cafe. A real shame. Chapter One was a true dream for so many and to watch it literally be gutted inside out to what it has become is a crying shame indeed. I can only hope these reviews echo across to the new owners that have caused a real upset amongst so many of us.

was my favourite place until they have combined with mala, no longer a nice place for coffee / chill vibes…. Horrible atmosphere now & v overpriced

Went in last week after years of coming and sad to say that it was my last visit. Chapter One used to be a busy place with a quiet, respectful atmosphere, and now it is a horrendous very clearly mismanaged mess. They’ve knocked the whole middle wall down between it and Mala and all you can hear is a cacophony of noise; even in the ‘quiet area’ library (where for some reason they don’t even allow laptops to do work in anymore) you are put directly at the intersection of two speakers playing completely different music, which needless to say is very unpleasant. The drinks used to be a little more on the dear side but felt very worth the cost to spend your time in such a lovely atmosphere, however now the portion size for even a drink is ludicrous, as I ended up paying £5.50 for a coffee and got served with a tiny, double shot’s worth of liquid. Security were roaming around and for some reason going up to people, don’t know if they were looking for a specific individual, however they were incredibly unprofessional and came over to me whilst I was sat doing nothing but drinking said terrible coffee and started talking to me clearly attempting to intimidate me. No redeeming qualities to speak of, oh how the mighty have fallen.

This was my go to cafe for 4 years, I'd go there to catch up with friends, do uni work, or relax with a book. It was so quiet you could relax and listen to the water fountain, and had a very cosy atmosphere. Now it is has been taken over by a bar and is constantly noisy, with security walking around and trying to intimidate you for no reason when you are sat quietly wifh a drink, it has lost all of its charm and shouldn't even be called a cafe anymore. I will never be returning, if I wanted to go to mala I would, there is no need to join the venues into one space. Extremely disappointed I can't even put it into words

Ruined it completely by opening it up with Mala, trashy and tacky now

WHY has the best most wholesome cafe in Manchester turned into a tacky bar 🥲

Used to be my regular place to escape the busy town with my book and when i got nothing to do on a Friday night, sad to say it has turned into a bar and i will no longer be coming here.

I read the reviews for this place online and it seemed like my kinda place -- great coffee, cakes, zen environment, perfect for reading, screenwriting (like me) or catching up on uni work. But I got there (5:30pm ish)... and it was a bar. A bar?!?!?! This is NOT the same place as advertised! Clearly there's been some drastic change very recently, I just feel bad for all those who visited it regularly before and have now come to find its like this. Not coming back unfortunately.

Used to love it here, but things have taken a dark turn. No longer a serene, quiet study space, great for cosying up with a book. Chapter one has since merged with Mala (which I love) to become a hybrid bottomless brunch cafe. It’s trying to be too many things at once. Why have they merged them? So hard to concentrate with a DJ booming in my ear. This is my last chapter with Chapter One.

Chapter one was a safe haven for studying from early afternoon til late in the evening, with even quieter nooks, and a genuine respect from the customers on noise levels as we were mostly all there to do the same thing. You could tuck into the smaller gulf area and play board games, or sit in dead silence in the darker library area. There was a book club, a book community, spoken word events… genuinely never been more upset than sat at an open bench for a food hall while a lad sings Coldplay louder than anything, not being able to think even with headphones on, and realising that this is now a bar - a bar I wouldn’t even go to. Massively disappointing, guess I’ll just stay in the library.

Let me start saying that I have been coming to Chapter One since I moved to the area 3 years ago. It is clear that this is a new business now, with new owners, and it has been converted into a bar. Books are not for sale anymore. All little reading areas gone (including that “secret library”) Selection of teas and coffees drastically reduced. Cakes / pastries are not the same quality. Live music made atmosphere weird instead of adding anything to it. An order of 2 teas and 2 cakes took over 40 mins to deliver. My pain au chocolat did barely have any chocolat. The place is also still being refurbished while opened, so there’s additional noise, paint smell etc. It wasn’t particularly clean. It’s a shame because it was a very nice place to have a late coffee and good atmosphere. I will always remember fondly the pistachio latte with rose petals that used to be my favourite thing. Alas, will not return and will look for another cafe to go from now on. Wish them best of luck with the bar, but I am upset they had destroyed a good business for no apparent reason.

This is the prime example of if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!! I have been coming here since I moved to Manchester 4 years ago and it was my favourite cosy cafe. The merge with Mala has turned my favourite quiet place for reading and studying into an overwhelming loud nightmare!! All of the walls have been knocked out and the cozy corners closed off so there’s nothing to dampen the sound and created a sensory hell with the acoustics of the space. Absolutely ruined what used to be a lovely atmosphere. im so disappointed :(

I came here to relax and read a book, why is there a live concert behind me playing coldplay songs? Don't come with the intention to do any work

I used to love Chapter One. It was on the pricey side but loved that it offered a place to have a coffee late in Manchester. It's been absolutely ruined now. By integrating it with Mala, they've turned a lovely coffee shop into a rubbish extension of a bar. It's no longer a quiet place to read and relax - it's just an overpriced bar with zero atmosphere. Will not be coming back unless the change is reversed.

hate this place. first off, it's so not a bookshop. there is a fake library in the back and the odd book here and there in the rest of the building - for decoration. so that people can absorb some bookness while they laptop or do phone. it's also so impersonal. why am I forced to order with a qr code? and why is the service always SO slow even when it's not busy? why did my coffee come in a paper cup? there are virtually no actual bookshops and this is one of the worst offenders. go here if you like the aesthetic of bound sheets, perhaps with some nice old leather on the outside, but not if you care for the squiggly lines inside.

Guy at the front with long curly hair is so aggressive and rude He needs better customer service training Completely unacceptable behaviour

I don't usually write reviews but I had to this time. I don't like the fact that Mala is taking over the cafe, been coming here for a few months and now I feel like I'm not going to cafe, but a bar with loud and annoying music. Could barely hear myself think. Ordered 2 bottles of pop and a bag of sweets, it took over 50 minutes to get them and I didn't even get the sweets. Server was very dismissive, and said I'd been refunded for it, still haven't. Very poor. Quit stealing all the little quirky quiet cafes. The last thing Manchester needs is another bar.

Took 30 minutes to get a cake, shame.

This place was a lovely, cosy gem unlike any other in the city. Book themed coffee shop. Nice snacks, drinks etc But now, they've removed the wall to the next door 'Mala' - so there is always loud music blaring. Ruined the place, totally tone deaf.

Gone downhill since they have expanded the main area. Intimidating security patrolling and rudely demanding whether you've ordered. Used to be a much nicer atmosphere but it's too loud and the security make it unpleasant.

It looks lovely but you can't get served unless you scan a QR code. Instead of faffing about I left and had coffee elsewhere as there are dozens of coffee shops in Manchester City Centre

Nice place to unwind and relax and really good food. Staff aren’t the friendliest but a good time was had all round and I will return!

Quite possibly the slowest service I've ever experienced. I fail to understand how it can take in excess of 30 minutes to make a cappuccino and flat white. Thankfully, I wasn't in a hurry. Poor.

love this place, one of the only places in Manchester with a comfortable reading space too. it's laptop free which amazingly i keep seeing people kick off about (you could either go in the huge main area rather than the laptop free zone or ANYWHERE else in manchester rather than ruining the only laptop free space and making everything about you and forcing everywhere to be the same 🥰) but yeah, great here.

A very unusual renovation/use of an old library into a cafe and restaurant. We popped in for a coffee to re charge our batteries and were pleasantly surprised by the higgledy-piggledy layout. The slightly low service rating was the length of time you wait after scanning your order online. The waiter took our drinks to several other tables before finding us and my coffee as a result of all this was tepid. Would I visit again. Yes.

It used to be a cosy little spot, where you could go for a solo, couple or friend date. You could read, sketch, journal or work away with minimal distractions. A charming place to coexisting in the evolving city. Now, it’s a crowded, overstimulating environment with overbearing music. They plan to turn the place into a bar. New management rules are, no sketching, no reading, no working, all while who I assume is the GM or AGM is working away on their laptop in the corner - very hypocritical. The last thing Manchester needs is a new bar, what once was a safe refuge for peace in a busy city centre has now become an establishment I will never return to.

I used to come here to the back room to sketch, read and relax - only to be told that the new role is you can’t read, draw or use anything in there anymore? I mean come on the name is CHAPTER 1 BOOKS ?? Not only are these rules sudden, I got told this after I’d already ordered cake and coffee, such a sad outcome for a great previously cosy place - gentrification is getting ridiculous!

Used to come here all the time and since they’ve merged the cafe with Mala, it’s become a psychedelic simulation and is no longer a place to study. If you’re a student, DONT study here unless you’re already deaf, if you’re not, the blasting club music in the place will make you deaf. I don’t understand why they would incorporate the cosy studios vibes with the bar, how does it improve the environment? Feels like someone took the wrong business move and ran with it. The place is now overcrowded, overstimulating, and the blaring music is not only loud but also sounds awkward . I won’t be coming here again.

Sadly can't rate anything on Food, Service and Atmosphere. I first found Chapter One in 2019 as a quiet cafe to eat, drink, read and relax which helped me to do so with a family member that was ill and passed near end of year. I've been out of Manchester for some years since then. Back in Jan 2025 I can't believe the change. A guitarist playing loudly and singing like a cat in pain. My order took ages and the containers and portions were tiny. I would have been better getting a Costa or Nero coffee for the same price in a bigger cup and they take over 15 minutes to get your food to you (I went to the counter after 15 minutes). It spoiled my recommendation to take a birthday friend there. Also packed. I sadly won't go back there again.

Chapter one used to have such a nice ambiance and it was a genuinely pleasant place to be but now it’s just crowded, overstimulating and it is not giving the cozy vibes it used. It seems they’ve prioritised turnover than a genuine good experience, the seating is overcrowded, cramped and what once would be a nice area to chat with a friend, get a good coffee or get some work done has just turned into the opposite.

He estado yendo aquí por un tiempo, como cliente de pago. Ayer, me pidieron groseramente que me fuera del área de la biblioteca para hacer algo de trabajo / lectura (a pesar de que había comprado bocadillos de las instalaciones). Me dijeron que era un «área social» y que no se iban a utilizar ordenadores portátiles. Señalé que NO estaba usando una computadora portátil o un Ipad y solo tenía unos pocos libros conmigo. Independientemente de esto, el funcionario me pidió que abandonara las instalaciones y me dijo que me fuera. Como cliente tranquilo y pagador creo que esto es totalmente inaceptable. No voy a volver o recomendar si quieres seguir tranquilamente con algún trabajo o lectura independiente.

This used to be my absolute favourite cafe and I would take everyone here but i don’t know what happened in the last month or so but it has now been incorporated with Mala which wouldn’t be an issue if they didn’t have completely different vibes. The cosy, relaxing atmosphere has been replaced by what now feels like a psychedelic induced fever dream. The music is just too loud and blaring and even though it always used to be busy before the layout now feels too overwhelming and claustrophobic. I doubt I will ever be returning which is a shame because this really used to a gem.

An absolute gem to coexist with your people in! If you’re wanting to work away, catch up, converse and coexist in a charming setting, this is the place in Manchester to do that. Quirky and cosy, but big enough to find your own corner in it. The coffee was delightful. And, with what’s available to you, it’s very easy to see yourself being here all day and night. Even if it looks like the toilet is judging you for using it, haha A place to be out in public but remain at home, hidden and private. You can go here many different times and have a different experience of it, depending on the mood you are in.

Chapter one books is a cafe suffering from an identity crisis. The appearance of the cafe is that it has a rustic cosy vibe, it looks very inviting and has features such as a library style room, a meditation room and a water fountain in the middle of the cafe. Unfortunately you cannot hear the sounds of Running water because of the constant Electronica dance music playing through loud speakers. Unsure of why they play this music, perhaps they are attempting lo-fi style music, in which case I can only say that YouTube is free. The quieter part of this rave cafe is the library room, perfect for studying... not that you're allowed your laptop in that room so your forced back into the dance party you were trying to escape. This cafe is part of Mala, although I am a big fan of Mala, I do not believe that they should be combined in the way they are. I Believe there is opportunity to have different vendors for Chapter one rather just the one vendor for coffee and then having limited brunch options. I hope one day Chapter one gets over it's identity crisis and commits to being an eccentric cafe

Love the parata and falafel! Good place to chill and play games.

Tiramisu & drinks were lovely, however I had to wait 45 minutes for one latte which completely offsets how nice the drink was. I asked one of the members of staff if they had actually received our order because we'd been waiting so long and was told it was a 25 minute wait. It stated this nowhere, but if it had been 25 minutes I wouldn't have had an issue as it's a Saturday afternoon and they are busy as is to be expected. At the time of me being told this I had already been waiting 40 minutes and was finally brought my drink soon after. My main issue though lies with the attitude of the member of staff I spoke to as they were just unnecesarily rude towards me. I was asking a simple question with no malice coming from myself and I was met with an eye roll and probably the rudest attitude I have ever experienced from a member of staff in a cafe. The way she said it was as though she somehow expected me to know it was a 25 minute wait despite it being displayed nowhere and this being my first time speaking to any member of staff and she seemed incredibly pissed off that I had dared to ask a question. I used to love this cafe & visited often but I don't think I will return in the future. A long wait time is one thing, and is fine when politely dealt with by the staff, but being met with such a standoffish demeanour just rubs you the wrong way.

Cannot go to the library with a laptop , will be asked to leave even though it is a library and study space with tables made for laptops , main cafe now no space for people to eat as all the people that have come with laptops to study in the library have been told to move

Exactly in the best place to study in and get assignments done, where it's nice and quiet, without any loud music jamming in the background -- it is not allowed to work on the laptop. When someone asked why, the waiter said "it's just a rule from the management". I'm sure the waiter is just doing his job, so I'm not blaming him at all. But to whoever is running this place, if you want to make a comfortable place for students to study in, PLEASE allow laptops. Or if not, at least give a good damn reason! Thank you.

Quite busy but nice inside, however the music is far too loud and I doubt it would be possible to read in those conditions. The cakes and tea were good but far too expensive for what you get. The cups are small and you barely even get a full cup of tea despite paying £4+ just for this.

It was one of my favorite places, now it has become a noisy, unfriendly and expensive place. The truth is that it is no longer worth going there, a shame.

Siempre me encantó aquí, pero últimamente se ha vuelto más estéril. Quieren que pidas a través de una aplicación. La vergüenza como siempre fue acogedor .. también parece ser cada vez más caro. Solían hacer algunos pasteles sin gluten, pero ahora hacen solo uno al día que se agota rápidamente.

Chaotic and laptop not allowed in the library. Security guard watching you like a hawk but he was just doing his job. There are people who just come in to hang out without buying anything. The library is a draw to this place. Might be worth it to rethink your social media and customer experience strategies.

Great environment, lots of cool spaces, terrible coffee.

I came here almost every week for a year. Always love it but today I had the worst experience. I was doing work and a guy ( looks like a security guard) came ask me have I ordered- I have to order to sit there. Fair enough. Then I made an order, a few minutes later, my order hasn’t arrived, he came asked me again: did you order? It was like I was being watched all the time and I had to show him my order. He did not even apologise or show any respect, he just walked away. I felt so uncomfortable- imagine going to a coffee house to chill, and have someone constantly checking whether you have ordered anything and prepared to be asked to leave any time. I’m not saying not ordering is right, but please respect customer and at least say sorry if you are wrongly accusing someone who already ordered. Such a terrible experience.

Used to be my favourite place to relax and get some uni work done. Now it’s physically impossible to focus or even have a conversation. The music is so insanely loud and in the quieter library section you are not allowed to use a laptop. Feels like they are actively trying to get you to leave so you aren’t taking up a table that they could make money off. Such a shame 😔

I used to love coming to Chapter One to read my book, have a few coffees/teas and do a bit of life admin. Today I had to listen to 3 consecutive Michael Jackson songs at full volume and was told I can’t use my laptop (people around me were eating chicken tenders and drinking beer in a library???). The atmosphere has been absolutely killed to try and force people in-and-out, I can’t read my book if the lamp in the middle of the table is rattling from the bass.

Let's be honest about what's happening here, the place became popular because of the nice atmosphere, and they have now tried to capitalise on this popularity in the process making it an unwelcoming, hotspot for people to burn money on underwhelming coffee. Nowhere else in town can you pay £4 for a bad cortado and hear 3 Michael Jackson songs in a row on full blast before queueing straight into smells like teen spirit. The title "chapter one books" really used to make sense, however the thought of reading here is like trying to play chess whilst overdosing on stimulants. When I had been before it was welcoming to people who maybe don't have space at their home to work, and so need to find somewhere open later that is work friendly. The music has always been minimal and non-intrusive, the unspoken agreement to me always seemed to be "yes the drinks are overpriced and underwhelming, no you get any positive human interaction in the ordering process, any accomodations aren't going to be made for your stay but if you pay for an overpriced drink you're free to work in peace". However, now the cafes greed and out-of-touch approach has meant that there is legitimately no reason to come here. The only "quiet" space is a gorgeous library in the back, however you can still hear all of the music coming from the main room, during my stay they were playing the weeknd's 'the hills' on full blast, not exactly a quiet space. They also make it extremely clear that you cannot use your laptop in the quiet space, that would be absolutely fine if the music in the main room wasn't so loud, randomly chosen and over the top that you feel like you're at a strangers afters at 4am. If you want drink lavender tea at a Freshers party then you do you, but honestly this place is a mess at this point.

I want to start this off by saying I work in hospitality myself, so I understand how high pressure and stressful work can be. However, there was a clear lack of care from the workers. When me and my date finally found a seat to sit down in (it was packed, noisy, messy and boiling) we found some seats adjacent from the 3 toilets. I decided to go to the toilet, only to realise ALL THREE stalls were clogged and filled to the rim with toilet water. One of them was a disgusting brown yellow colour which makes me sick to think back on. Then to top it all off, the most disgusting one of all began to leak and started flooding out into the seating area. Sorry but how does it go that long without any staff checking the toilets are okay? How is that hygienic at all that as I’m sat down literal excrement is trailing towards me? I immediately got up to leave and told a staff member about it, just for her to give me a glare and say ‘I know?’ in a really sarcastic manner. I would be fed up if I was told that too, but as a waitress myself all you need to do is apologise and show recognition towards the problem. I have never in my life written a bad review like this but the experience overall was just unhygienic and careless, I had high expectations and I’m honestly sad to say I won’t be back because the standards of how a cafe should be ran is extremely low here.

The first time I visited Chapter One was in September 2019. I loved it because it was a charming place with no music—a chill space to enjoy coffee. It was a spot for students and friends, very different from the rest of the places in Manchester. However, that place doesn’t exist anymore. I’m pretty sure they’ve been acquired by another company or new owners, likely the same ones who own Mala (the restaurant next to Chapter One). I’m not saying it’s a bad place now, just that it’s a completely different coffee shop, even though they’ve kept the same name—they should probably change it. They’ve even hired a bouncer… a bouncer in a coffee shop! Since they’re rebranding Chapter One, I wouldn’t be surprised if they bring in a DJ soon, so make sure to bring your ID with you. P.S. The coffee and cakes are poorer than they used to be. Also, they’ve kept the same prices but with smaller portions.

Make you order through the QR code which makes you pay a service charge, tip etc it's a pricey coffee for the quality

harassment Nice place but noisy I couldn't sit down and read my book I thought because there was a library it would be quiet :( but the songs were loud But it's safe to visit. They have Gulf seating and Arabic tea and coffee, I think

Life-saver coffee shop, always open till late and nice vibes. Tables are a little small though!

A mixed experience. Despite the name it doesn't appear to actually include a book store. The cafe is surprisingly big and very popular with students as a place to work. It feels like they've crammed as many tables as possible into the main area, and it's a bit awkward to walk through. It has a few other rooms each with different decor, but overall it feels a little tired and shabby which I suppose is part of the charm. I sat in the library room which was nice and peaceful. I agree with others that it seems odd that you aren't allowed to use laptops there as there are large tables with plugs, ideal for working. But on the other hand I imagine this rule means the room is often very quiet, so a good spot to escape to if you want to get away from people for a while. You can order with a QR code. There is an interesting tea selection, and I had a vegan cinnamon bun which was fine. The staff are not particularly friendly.

Was told by staff that they don’t accept cash for payment of a hot drink. Since when has cash been banned? More and more cafes in Manchester refuse to accept cash.

I gave them 5 stars before, now 4 because of the beauty of the place and the quietness, and the problem I have is that in some places they prevent the use of iPads or laptops and so on.. The reason I come is because of work by my Ipad and many people are like that, so why is it forbidden in some of their places?

Domingo en Manchester, diciembre 2024 . Estaba a punto de pasar por este lugar. Un poco turbio e invisible por fuera, pero dentro encontramos un oasis de cafeterías, bares, salas de lectura, salones y grandes sillones reclinables. Música clásica en los altavoces. Un buen lugar para calentarse de nuevo cuando hace frío y viento afuera.

Chapter One Books is a charming and relaxing café with a serene atmosphere and a beautifully curated aesthetic, making it a perfect spot for students and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. The design is thoughtfully executed, exuding elegance and warmth. While the food can be a bit pricey, it feels justified given the quality and experience. One standout feature is the enchanting water fountain, which adds a soothing touch to the ambiance. Personally, I think incorporating more water features—like additional fountains or subtle water elements—could elevate the space even further, enhancing its tranquil and refreshing vibe.

It's a great place with different rooms for whatever you need. My only issue is you can use a laptop in the library to study, the main area is to loud and the outside always has live music so you can never focus.

I’m not one to leave reviews but honestly this time I have to. The wait times recently in chapter one have become out of order. I waited 30 minutes for a chai latte, 30 minutes for 1 drink is not an acceptable wait time. Especially when it was £5 and eventually arrives cold and in an especially tiny mug. Don’t get me wrong I understand the everyday stresses of hospitality and can totally empathise with a busy shift ESPECIALLY in the run up to christmas. I’ve worked enough christmas market periods in my time to know it’s not a pleasant experience. But regardless, when the people sitting around you that arrived after you are getting their hot drinks (also after a considerable wait) and you still don’t it can be a little frustrating. To be honest I am more than happy to wait 15 minutes for a hot drink, maybe even 20, but half an hour? that’s pushing it a little. Either way it happens right? But i’m afraid when my partner tried to ask about the drink or its whereabouts they were met with sarcasm and defensiveness by 2 separate members of staff, with one saying, and i quote, “well it’s made now so i don’t know what the problem is” My partner is about the most mild mannered person i know so can’t imagine they said anything to constitute this reaction.Therefore I dont feel comfortable going and talking to a member of staff about, also I dont want to be “that person” especially when I can see it’s busy, but perhaps posting this will bring to light to the members of staff what can go a long way- an apology and a little bit of empathy. For a place that is locally renowned for being queer and ND friendly, the vibe from some of the staff is remarkably conceited and judgemental. On a more positive note the food is genuinely delicious and I would recommend for lunch if you’re not super hungry and don’t mind waiting.

This used to be my favourite place to sit and work in Manchester. However today when working in the library (I work remotely) I was asked to move out as it is now a 'work free zone'. I have used the library many times in the past as it is a quiet place to focus and often there are no other free seats in the cafe (including today). It's also one of the few places that has enough plugs to charge devices. This rule has apparently been put in place so that people can come in and take photos? Bit bizarre if you ask me? To add to this, there seems to be no WiFi anymore? I usually visit twice a week and there's alwayssss been free WiFi. And now there is an added fee for plant-based milks? Chapter One used to be vegan friendly (and lactose intolerance friendly!!) but I guess not anymore... Not to mention that they have adopted the compulsory service fee that has been added now it has joined forces with MALA. This would be fine if the service was outstanding but many of the staff here are very cold. Really disappointed as no other cafes/libraries are open as late and I don't know where to go and work ://

Used to be a real gem, now it's a money farm.

You used to be able to sit in library with laptops ( understandbly) but they removed a big table and dont allow you to sit in there with laptops anymore? you can only sit outside in cafe where theres alot of commotion and no plugs to charge anything. Also works going on inside which is disruptive. Dont recommend

El café y las tortas son geniales, pero han introducido una nueva regla sobre no tener computadoras portátiles en el mejor espacio de trabajo. La mayoría de la gente viene aquí a trabajar. Si abres tu portátil te piden que busques una nueva tabla de permisos, aunque hayas realizado un pedido. Quienquiera que haya ideado esta nueva regla necesita que se examine la cabeza, ya que esto alejará a muchos clientes habituales.

Very disappointed they use only plastic cups for iced drinks and paper cups for hot drinks. I don’t know why they started doing that. On the top of that some members of the staff don’t smile or greet at all. Bring back the old chapter one!!!!

Rude staff. Changed rules… never coming again

Food is definitely amazing, and the drink specials are fabulous as well, however the place seems to have gone too far in the ‘edginess’ and is instead messy and gross - wherever you look the place seems unclean and if you look up, you’ll discover, near the windows, a ceiling filled with black mold that clients and staff must be breathing on a day to day basis, which is so so so bad as black mold causes many health problems.

It's such a shame what this place has become now. It's got a very cozy atmosphere but they can be hostile and stingy towards customers, particularly students. The library space (which i used to love) can no longer be used as a place to work so as to create a space for others who want to sit there. Ironically, there was no one in there when we went to work. Plus, you get asked to buy another drink or leave after about an hour... not cheap either, £5 for a small coffee??

Been coming here for a while now, I absolutely love the atmosphere and food. However they have recently made the library a no work zone and I think that is really inconvenient so I had to take a point off. Some feedback, let us work in the library!! The cafe itself is good for socialising however I always enjoyed working quietly in the library, is there a specific reason as to why this is not allowed anymore?? Please allow laptops and work again, thank you.

The café has been a staple workplace for many students/young professionals in the community, but the shop has recently changed its policy to not allow laptops in the library area, and force long-time customers to get more drinks or leave. Essentially weeding out the repeat long-term customers to make room for new people. Doesn't help that a cuppa is £4 and a coffee is £5, and no drinks of your own are allowed. But if that is okay for you, the place is cosy and has a fabulous vintage interior.

Nice place to relax and read, quite a lot of seating but it’s usually very busy. Coffee is really bad unfortunately (£4 and tastes very much like instant coffee) but they have different flavours of tea which are quite nice. Bit expensive but you’re paying for the atmosphere.

Can be difficult to find a place but it’s one of the most comfy, classy and surprising coffee shops on the planet

Looks so interesting when you walk in, was busy busy ( 12 ish). Eventually found 2 seats, not very comfy squished up against a wall. As queuing at the counter we decided to try QR code on table. Order took 20 mins to arrive, that was ok as not in a rush. On plus side , quirky surroundings, definitely worth a visit to experience something different, would have liked to have a good look round if it hadn't been so busy, so be mindful of peak times. Cappuccino was mediocre and I felt expensive. Not sure if will return. 😏

Very peculiar visit. Just turned up at 20:15 for a brew whilst waiting for my lift home. The server said they had already stopped serving. So I said is it okay to sit in? She said no but the kind server behind her said yes. Odd. This one of my fave spots in Manc 🤷🏼‍♀️

Feels very dirty, miserable staff don’t smile very unfriendly. Drinks are expensive for small mediocre drinks. Avoid this place nothing like shown on social media! Disgusting

En la aplicación pedí mi café pistacho extra caliente pero no llegó ni caliente. Era casi tibia. Para una cafetería era un café terrible. Si no hubiera pedido pastel le habría dado 1 - 2 puntos pero el pastel estaba delicioso. Hay un montón de otros lugares para ir que hace café CALIENTE así que solo volverá si estoy tomando pastel. Estaba muy ocupado, así que supongo que puede haber sido un chasco de su parte. Pero no podía molestarme en devolverlo. Mi visita fue el 1 / 11 / 24.

One of the most beautiful cafes I have visited. Exceeded my expectations with how big the place is ( soo much seating !). I ordered a flat white which was tasty (certainly much tastier than the one I had from cafe nero that morning).

Waited 20 minutes for my coffee, came too sweet with too much syrup and too small mug for this price, won’t be coming back

You still only provide vegan options as cake no other food. You overcharge for hummus and bread and your meals are not a filling portion. Plus as you have now changed your mugs to a smaller size, I'm paying £4 for 3 mouthfuls of a matcha latte. And if I order a latte / cappuccino it doesn't matter because you add the same shot size and milk amount in those small cups so either way it is too strong and doesn't taste nice at all. It is disappointing to see you care little for the customer and more about your own profit. If you are going to decrease the size, then decrease the price too. And if you are going to ban outside food, make your menu more inclusive.

This is NOT a bookshop (thus four stars). However, it is an exceptional cafe and study space! The atmosphere is perfectly cosy and charming, with some intriguing nooks (and an indoor fountain). Staff are very friendly, and there are a couple of nice vegan cakes available. An excellent hideaway in the city centre. (A few books and it would be perfect!)

A fantastic place to study, meet and have a drink. Late open times at the weekend is a huge win! Great vibe.

Lovely atmosphere for relaxing and reading as well as studying 📑 I love the library 📚 and the warmth of seating areas. I highly recommend 👌🏻 try the karak and chapati 🫓 and set inside the library or the Gulf section. Definitely coming again 😍

Their coffee and ambience is average but the best thing about Chapter One is it’s open until late when I compare to other coffee shops in the town. That’s why I’d prefer to go there. P.S: Whenever I eat something there, I regret after eating them. I’m afraid the food is tasteless in general. Hope they’ll improve this.

It was an absolute dream visiting this place for a cute midweek study sesh. I got the lavender matcha latte hot and it was absolutely divine, though perhaps not the hefty £5.40 price tag that came along with it.

Good place nice atmosphere but coffee is cheaply made and overpriced