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.
You can now have dinner in the actual dressing rooms at Co-op Live
Daisy Jackson
Co-op Live has now launched exclusive backstage dining experiences – which means you could be having dinner inside the very dressing rooms that have hosted music megastars.
These new groundbreaking new Backstage Private Dining experiences feature menus curated by Simon Rimmer.
This will be the first time that the arena’s most exclusive artist areas have been open to guests.
There’ll be 10 selected dates from May 2026, where ticket-holders can eat dinner in dressing rooms that were previously occupied by the likes of Lady Gaga and Bruce Springsteen.
Guests will be able to choose from several packages, from intimate receptions and private three-course dinners inside the dressing rooms, to lavish extras like a Bentley chauffeur-driven arrival, live entertainment, and extended backstage access.
The most premium package will also offer access to Co-op Live’s adidas Originals recording studio.
Proceeds from the Backstage Private Dining will go towards supporting Co-op Live’s official charity partner, the Co-op Foundation, which tackles inequality and supports communities across the UK.
Chef Simon Rimmer commented: “Having worked with Co-op Live for some time, it’s incredibly exciting to now be involved with this unique series of Backstage Private Dining.
“It’s a rare opportunity to further combine the world-class music venue with exceptional food, and I can’t wait to showcase how these experiences can come to life together, creating truly unforgettable evenings for our guests.”
Becci Thomson, Chief Commercial Officer at Co-op Live, said: “From day one, our ambition has been to challenge expectations of what an arena can deliver, and we’re now delighted to introduce a new dimension of premium hospitality at Co-op Live.
“This collaboration unlocks new creative potential within the venue, offering experiences that have not previously been possible. It reflects our commitment to innovation and meaningful impact within the communities we support.”
Designed and delivered in partnership with Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC), Founder and CEO Liz Taylor said: “Opportunities like this are rare. Co-op Live is a venue built for scale, spectacle and ambition — and that’s exactly how we are approaching these events.
“Whether it’s an intimate milestone celebration or a brand hosting at the highest level, these will be immersive, one-night-only experiences designed to deliver real impact. We are proud to have been chosen to help shape this next chapter, bringing creativity, precision and bold thinking to a space that demands nothing less.”
Salford industrial estate bakery with incredible cinnamon rolls to open new site
Daisy Jackson
Mayya Bakery, a local ‘hidden gem’ with incredible cinnamon rolls, is set to open a brand-new bakery that will make it significantly less hidden.
Until now, Mayya has been quietly trading from an industrial estate in Salford, where it’s built a great reputation for its bakes despite an off-the-beaten-track-location and relatively little social media fanfare.
It opened its doors in 2024, operated by former primary school teacher Meli and her husband, dentist Oguz.
This is an artisan bakery with a real Turkish flare, with plenty of comfort food like freshly made gözleme (or gozzies for short) and bigger dishes if you fancy sitting in.
Their counters are stuffed with sweet bakes, like their perfect cinnamon rolls, plus loaves, babka, cookies, and homemade cheesecake.
For bigger dishes, you’ll find breakfast dishes like Turkish eggs, Simit (a traditional sesame bagel) breakfasts, and menemen.
The counters at Mayya Bakery’s current locationIncredible cheesecake at Mayya BakerySigns on Chapel Street Salford for the new Mayya Bakery
And now Mayya Bakery has revealed plans to open a new location in a much more prominent spot in town, with signs appearing in the windows of a unit on Chapel Street.
The sign reads: “Everything is homemade – including this picture.”
It also quips: “They called us hidden gem… not hidden anymore.”
Mayya will open on Chapel Street soon – keep an eye on our food and drink Instagram page The Manc Eats for the latest.
Thomas Melia -
25th October 2024 
