Featured image: Edward Firman
There is no better combination than a good book and a hot cup of coffee; it’s the ultimate feeling of cosiness no matter the season. However, there’s something comforting about rainy days in Manchester, when the skies are gloomy and you stumble upon an independent bookstore.
Over the years, bookstores have become community hubs and places to gather with people finding comfort in cosy bookshops rather than public libraries.
Manchester, a UNESCO City of Literature, is home to many independent bookstores with cafes and each independent bookstore allows readers the opportunity to relax with a freshly brewed coffee and a wide range of literature, surrounded by like-minded people.
Greenhouse Books
Located in Stockport’s ‘coolest’ district, Greenhouse Books is one of the few vegetarian bookshops in the UK. Offering tasty vegan cakes, artisanal coffee and a curated range of books and comics, it’s the perfect place to unwind. It even has plenty of space for book launches and clubs.
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Blackwell’s Manchester
Not necessarily an independent bookstore, Blackwell’s is still a perfect spot for students, conveniently situated near Manchester Metropolitan University. It provides a cosy literature haven with its welcoming space and in-house cafe. They also host a range of regular events, from discussions and readings to book launches and more.
House of Books & Friends
House of Books & Friends, a recent addition to Manchester’s bookshop community, is a social enterprise bookshop that uses literature to battle loneliness. Located in the city centre, it provides a comfortable environment for readers to have a cuppa, engage in bookish discussions and participate in community events.
The Art of Tea
The Art of Tea charming second-hand bookstore with a cute cafe, located in Didsbury, Manchester. Stocking a wide range of books and poetry, you can enjoy a classic while drinking loose leaf tea and sampling locally-sourced produce. It even features art exhibitions from local artists, further cementing it as a cultural hotspot.
Queer Lit
Not only is Queer Lit Manchester’s longest-running independent LGBTQ+ bookshop, it’s also the largest in Europe. A winner of multiple awards including Best New Business, you’ll quickly become immersed as you trawl through their extensive 4,500-book collection of LGBTQ+ reads. They also boast a joint coffee shop, allowing readers to have an even more relaxing experience as they catch up on the latest queer fiction.
These indie businesses serve as a reminder that bookshops are more than just places to buy things; they are thriving cultural centres where people gather, spread ideas and exchange stories.
The next time you’re looking for an inviting space to relax with a well-brewed coffee and a fantastic book, why not check out one of these literary hideaways? You may just find your new favourite reading spot, hidden away in the city.
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