Chapter One Books — Restaurant in Manchester

I bumped into this place while I was looking for a sweet treat. As this was my first time, as soon as I walked inside, I did not know what to do as I was unsure whether I should wait to be seated or simply find a table and wait for someone to take my order. The staff walked around me a few times, but no one bothered to say “Hello” or ask if I needed any help and therefore I decided to just approach a table and try to figure it out how to order. Eventually, I noticed there was a QR code that I had to scan and order from there. Placing the order wasn’t difficult and the fact they offer both Google and Apple Pay made the payment process easy and fast. No need to create accounts to login; I simply selected the items I wanted to order and paid for it. After a bit of a wait, a lady approached my table with a coffee, but then realised it wasn’t my order. I politely asked if she knew what happened to my order and she answered very annoyed they had a lot of my orders and it would be probably be on the queue, then left. I was a bit surprised about the tone and her manners, but few minutes later a gentleman approached the table with my order. At that point, I asked if I could get some sweetener for the coffee and the gentleman said he would come back straightaway with it. I waited, waited, waited but nobody came back and I had to drink my coffee without sugar. The cake was better than expected and so was the coffee (from which the caramel sirup was unfortunately missing), but the staff attitude towards customers was unacceptable and I am definitely not going back. It is a shame as they seem to have some good cakes (I wish there were some standard ones in addition to the gluten free and vegan options) and do not charge extras for syrups on drinks (maybe this is why they do not add it in the end?), but I was made feel uncomfortable but their staff and that’s not acceptable.

UPDATED:

I returned to the cafe after being kindly invited by their manager. Unfortunately, there was a limited (but still good) variety of cakes available on the day and the one I had was good but not so great as the previous one. The staff was friendly but, again, the I could not taste the caramel syrup in the cappuccino and the cocoa powder on top was missing. I have changed my review from 1 star to 3 stars as they clearly made an effort to improve and the staff was much better than the one I met on my first visit. Maybe this is just not a place for me and other customers might have a different...

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...

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...