Chapter One Books has been part of the Northern Quarter furniture for almost a decade – but now this much-loved bookshop-cafe hybrid has a Middle-Eastern cafe concealed inside too.
Visitors will be able to get lost in flavours and books thanks to the arrival of Gulf, where you’re instantly transported to the Middle East from the minute you see the restaurant’s decor to the moment the food hits your tastebuds.
All the meals prepared at Gulf are inspired by foods which have been brought to the middle east by migrants from India and Pakistan – expect authentic chapatis with traditional fillings like egg and soft cheese or falafel with labneh and tahini.
The interior is an instant stress soother with a stone water fountain acting as the venue’s centrepiece with lots of intricate decorations which help to frame the eatery’s many chairs and tables.
You feel as though you’re stepping into a mini holiday with the Moroccan-inspired space, just tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main cafe.
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There are hand-painted walls, comfy cushions and warm-toned rugs everywhere.
The cheesy garlic pide is a must-have – it’s the ultimate cheesy doughy pick-me-up to power anyone through their next study or work session.
The ultimate foodie fuel – cheesy garlic pide at GulfA full set-up of all the various Gulf menu favourites we tried.Hot drinks at GulfCredit: The Manc Group
The oval shaped flatbread came with a creamy hummus topped with chilli flakes and fresh herbs. This pairing is a match made in heaven.
Their Karak tea is a signature drink on their menu, a hot drink brewed for around an hour with a secret blend of spices. It’s no surprise that the flavours with this are unmissable as the word ‘karak’ translates to strong.
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The gulf toast is another highlight – their take on French toast has all the usual rich flavours from the caramel and ice cream, with a Karak tea pouring sauce for the more adventurous foodies.
Served in a cute dainty pot, the tastes coming from this warm and creamy sauce are anything but small. It contains the same secret spice blend giving any sweet tooth a perfect pairing of flavours.
Gulf’s menu is quietly geared towards vegetarians, with only a beef quesadilla and keema chapati containing meat.
And that’s not the only hidden gem space to discover inside Chapter One.
There’s also a mini library, with bookshelves adorning all four walls, nestled at the back of the building.
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Find your next read during your visit to Chapter One Books.An overview of most of the seating area at Chapter One Books & Gulf.Socialise with friends and play some board games provided by the cafe.Credit: The Manc Group
With an array of tables and cozy armchairs, workers can sit back and sink into an environment which wouldn’t feel too out of place in Hogwarts.
Both Gulf and the mini library are quiet zones within the bustling establishment, where you’ll often find masses of people sat at laptops or socialising over a coffee.
Diners can have the best of both worlds as they respond to those relentless emails while enjoying a taste of the Middle East.
In the evenings, the space even has some zen time for after the working day is done. There are a variety of classes and groups that take place in the workspace including a free meditation workshop every Thursday from 6pm and a creative writing group every Tuesday from 6.30pm.
Both Gulf and Chapter One Books are open everyday from 10am until 9pm meaning guests have a whole 11 hours everyday to sample all their incredible delicacies.
Inside The Head of Steam as huge new pub opens in Northern Quarter
Daisy Jackson
The Northern Quarter has a brand-new pub, as The Head of Steam moves into the city centre.
The craft beer brand has taken over what was formerly Cottonopolis (and then briefly the Lamb of Tartary), completely transforming the historic Grade II-listed space.
The Head of Steam has added a huge central bar into the building, surrounded by cosy booths and bar tables, plus six screens showing live sports.
There’s augmented reality darts and a photo booth, plus a VAST range of beers behind the bar, all packed into this 2,800 sq ft space in the heart of the city.
Expect 30 lines (24 keg and 6 cask) of beers, including The Head Of Steam’s own British-brewed range and an extensive selection of Belgian favourites.
And on the food menu, you’ll find USA-style smash burgers and a gigantic sharing platter of sides, from Salford street food favourite That Burger Place – previously named among the top burger joints in the UK.
To celebrate its launch – and to kick off its arrival into the city centre in style – The Head of Steam will be giving away 1,995 free pints.
Craft beer fans will have the chance of winning a free pint of the Head of Steam’s own IPA, Lager, or Gold.
That Burger Place platterThe mozzarella slabBeer and wine flight at The Head of SteamThe Head of Steam in the Northern Quarter
If beer’s not your thing, there’s also a cocktail menu, premium spirits range, and wine list – plus the option to order a beer or wine flight for the beer-curious.
The Head of Steam is set to open later this week, its 16th venue nationwide and second in Greater Manchester.
David Scott, Retail Director at The Head of Steam, said: “We’re incredibly proud to confirm our opening date in the Northern Quarter – it’s one of the most vibrant areas in Manchester and the perfect place to bring our craft beer community together.
“With some fantastic West Coast beers on offer, partnering with That Burger Place, a food brand who share that love for bold West Coast flavours, just made perfect sense.”
Ryan McDermott, Co-Owner of That Burger Place, added: “We’ve always loved The Head of Steam brand. I grew up in pubs as my parents ran several sites, so hospitality has always been in my blood.
“When the opportunity came to bring That Burger Place into The Head of Steam, it was a no-brainer. Working with the team feels like a perfect match, and we can’t wait to share our burgers with Manchester city centre for the first time.”
To sign up for a chance to claim a free pint when The Head Of Steam opens in the Northern Quarter on Friday 28 November, head HERE.
Global sensation Eggslut is FINALLY coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
After waiting what feels like a lifetime, worldwide viral sensation Eggslut is at long last coming to Manchester city centre.
Cracking news (sorry not sorry).
Honestly, there aren’t many big-name food chains that we’ve been waiting to arrive in Manchester longer than Eggslut, which started as little more than a food truck in LA and has gone on to become a truly global giant in the culinary scene.
Set to pop up at Centurion House over on Deansgate, which backs onto Lincoln Square, Eggslut is scheduled to make its Manchester debut very soon.
Literally drooling at the mere thought more than those drips. (Credit: Publicity pictures)
I mean, LOOK at it. Class, just class…
Aiming to launch in the new year, Manc foodies who have been clamouring for the brand’s arrival for more than a decade now will soon be able to get their chops around fan favourites and internet-famous items like the ‘Fairfax’ and ‘Gaucho’ sandwiches, as well as the standard but signature ‘Slut’.
Oh, and yes: having tried various parts of the menu down in London, we can assure you they are just as naughty as they sound – especially those truffle hash browns and those new dippy French toast sticks, which we cannot wait to sample for ourselves.
The video of founder Alvin Cailan talking us through the story behind Eggslut and the secret ‘off-menu’ special order that was so good that people just couldn’t stop forcing it into the mainstream is still one of our most-watched videos of all time.
Not only is this the eighth UK location, but Manchester will also be the first venue in the country outside of the capital.
With the first CGIs of the space having now been shared with the ravenous masses, we confirm it is set to take the place of the existing Starbucks site at the base of the Bruntwood SciTech building.
You can see more down below:
Credit: Supplied
Head of Operations at Eggslut, Pedro Ribeiro, says of the impending opening: “Manchester has been crying out for an Eggslut for too long, and we were only too happy to make that dream a reality.
“The city is the perfect place to bring our kind of breakfast to a brand new area of the UK, and we cannot wait to join such a fast-paced and buzzing food scene.”
Matt Pazos, as for Bruntwood SciTech‘s Retail Commercial Manager, Matt Pazoz, he commented on them taking up residence here: “We’re delighted to be welcoming the first Eggslut outside of London to Manchester and can’t wait for the team to crack open their doors on Deansgate.
“The brand has built a cult following thanks to their delicious chef-driven comfort food, and we know that it will fast become a go-to spot for businesses based in Centurion House as well as locals and visitors to the city.”
Coming to a mouth near you by the end of January 2026.
Thomas Melia -
25th October 2024 
