I’ve finally taken the leap and started what I’ve always aspired to do: write a blog. On saying that, I have picked a questionable time to do it. Slap bang in the middle of summer exams.
For many students at this time of year you’ve resorted to coffee, hoping the caffeine fix will give you that extra boost, calmly revising what you’ve been consistently studying all year. Or, if you’re anything like me, you’re panicking at the realisation you don’t know anything. “It’s only first year, it doesn’t count” doesn’t really seem like a viable excuse anymore for not doing any work. Caffeine has to be the saviour now.
Even when I do find some motivation to revise, going to the library at 7am to secure a seat does not appeal to me.
My solution: coffee shops.
It’s no myth that Manchester is teeming with independent coffeehouses, and with so many to choose from, I’ve selected three of my favourites.
My first stop on this ‘Coffee Crawl’ (aka a small project to further procrastinate) is Chapter One Books in the Northern Quarter. An independent coffeehouse and bookstore, it offers a quirky medley of all things abstract. Part of the interior is lined with bookshelves, dim lanterns, and reminds me of an old library; the ideal place to study.
It is clear old meets new in this coffee shop.
A small exhibition of David LaChapelle’s contemporary utopian art can be found. His works seem to have inspired a large part of the interior as one casts their eye around the colourful clash of flowers, baubles and twinkling fairy lights.
The friendly staff adds to the pleasant atmosphere and it’s evident the coffeehouse appeals to many different people. Come here to chat on the large comfy sofas, enjoy homemade cake and artisan coffee or relax with the origami and mindfulness books on display. I love this place; there’s always something to look at and you’ll never get bored.
Tuesday nights in Chapter One Books one can attend a ‘Creative Writing Group’ and there’s no doubt it’s a success. The place is filled with a unique charm; gentle soul music and the indoor water fountain are enough to get anyone’s creative spirit flowing.
Vic x
