Eats

Gulf – The Middle-Eastern cafe hidden inside a Northern Quarter bookshop

Say Marhaba to this gorgeous food.

Thomas Melia - 25th October 2024

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.

There are hand-painted walls, comfy cushions and warm-toned rugs everywhere.

Gulf are packing little tastes of the continents into all of their meals.

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 Gulf — The ultimate foodie fuel – cheesy garlic pide at Gulf

A full table of food at Gulf in Manchester. — The ultimate foodie fuel – cheesy garlic pide at Gulf

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.

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.

Find your next read during your visit to Chapter One Books.

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.

Featured Image: The Manc Group