Author: Bookseller

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Bookish Afternoon Tea

Unfortunately, our afternoon tea dates for 2025 are all sold out until the end of November. We will be releasing more dates for the months following later in the year. Keep an eye on our socials and newsletter as we release the dates there. 

If you wanted to just pop by our cafe is open everyday and you do not need to book – just walk in to enjoy coffee, cakes and lots of books!

Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea experience at House of Books & Friends, where we invite you to relax and enjoy three courses of classic treats. Our afternoon tea includes a selection of freshly made sandwiches, featuring a variety of fillings to suit every palate. We offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options also. Following this, treat yourself to an assortment of delicious cakes and freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam.

It comes at just £30 per adult and £15 per child, and for those seeking an extra touch of luxury, add a glass of prosecco for only £5 more. Join us for a charming afternoon surrounded by books and good company, and let our tea service be the highlight of your day. Reserve your table now for an unforgettable afternoon tea at The House of Books and Friends.

To book, call 07597365380, where our team will ask you some questions, take some details, and then take a payment to secure your booking. Please be aware, we do not accept bookings via text, email or DM. If you are unable to get through please be aware we may be taking a lot of calls so we encourage you to keep trying – we are unable to get back to voicemails.

If for accessibility reasons a call is not an option for you (for instance, you are D/deaf or hard of hearing in some capacity), please drop us an email at your earliest convenience. Please note that spaces go fast, usually within the first couple days of opening, so apply as soon as dates are released to avoid disappointment.

If you wanted to just pop by our cafe is open everyday and we do not take bookings!

Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea experience at House of Books & Friends, where we invite you to relax and enjoy three courses of classic treats. Our afternoon tea includes a selection of freshly made sandwiches, featuring a variety of fillings to suit every palate. We offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options also. Following this, treat yourself to an assortment of delicious cakes and freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam.

It comes at just £30 per adult and £15 per child, and for those seeking an extra touch of luxury, add a glass of prosecco for only £5 more. Join us for a charming afternoon surrounded by books and good company, and let our tea service be the highlight of your day. Reserve your table now for an unforgettable afternoon tea at The House of Books and Friends.

To book, call 07597365380, where our team will ask you some questions, take some details, and then take a payment to secure your booking. Please be aware, we do not accept bookings via text, email or DM. If you are unable to get through please be aware we may be taking a lot of calls so we encourage you to keep trying – we are unable to get back to voicemails.

If for accessibility reasons a call is not an option for you (for instance, you are D/deaf or hard of hearing in some capacity), please drop us an email at your earliest convenience. Please note that spaces go fast, usually within the first couple days of opening, so apply as soon as dates are released to avoid disappointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read these frequently asked questions regarding Afternoon Tea before calling with your enquiry.

Can I join the waitlist?
We have also reached maximum capacity on our waiting list – due to the limited number of spaces available per session it is very unlikely you will be offered a spot on an upcoming session unless somebody is unable to make it. We have therefore closed the waiting list and will not be adding additional names to avoid any disappointment.

How do I book for the new dates?
Once we have released the new dates, give us a ring on 07597365380 or pop in to store to book in. We will ask you for your party size, dietary requirements and any add-ons. You will be expected to make payment when you make your booking. Bookings are available on a first come, first serve basis. The spaces are VERY LIMITED so please call as soon as you have decided a date to avoid disappointment. Please be aware, we do not accept bookings via text, email or DM. If you are unable to get through please be aware we may be taking a lot of calls so we encourage you to keep trying – we are unable to get back to voicemails

Why are the spaces so limited?
We hold our Afternoon Teas in the Grade II listed Gladstone Room. This room only has a maximum capacity of 20 people per session, and at the moment we are only able to run a maximum of two sessions per day. We are not currently extending the Afternoon Tea service to the rest of the bookshop as we want it to remain an open and welcome space for both our regular guests and those strangers who magically stumble upon us! Our goal as a bookshop is to provide a space for connection and kindness, and so we want that to remain as accessible as possible. Whilst Afternoon Tea is definitely exciting, it is not the only event we hold in the bookshop! You can find out more about other events taking place within the bookshop on our website and in-store. Afternoon Teas only take place on specific days as we are working them around all the other fun events we have in-store!

Can I buy a gift card with the intention of purchasing afternoon tea with it?
We do not advise people to buy gift cards with the intention of purchasing afternoon tea with it. Whilst you can use your gift card to pay for afternoon tea, a gift card does not secure you a place on any of our sessions. If you purchase a gift card wanting to spend it on afternoon tea you may be disappointed if we no longer have any available bookings. You can still redeem your gift card on books and our café items, but we would not be able to refund your gift card if you are unable to purchase afternoon tea with it.

What if I want to gift somebody else an Afternoon Tea?
You can still book an Afternoon Tea on somebody else’s behalf by calling and requesting a booking for one of the available sessions. Just let us know that you are purchasing the Afternoon Tea as a gift. This requires you to know the date and time this person would prefer, as well as any dietary requirements or allergies this person may have. Alternatively, you can call and make the booking for a set date and time, including making payment. Then you can tell the person you are booking for to give us a call with the dietary requirements for your booking. Please be mindful that if it is a surprise it will be revealed if we have to chase them for their dietary information.

We hope this has answered your questions! Please send us a message or give us a ring if you feel your query has not been answered.

Love for our Afternoon Tea

Manchester Evening News – You can now have afternoon tea in one of Manchester’s historic Grade II-listed buildings (msn.com)

Secret Manchester Indulge In A Literary Afternoon Tea At House Of Books & Friends (secretmanchester.com)

The Bookseller The Bookseller – News – House of Books & Friends launches afternoon tea dates

The Business Desk – Afternoon tea at the House of Books and Friends | TheBusinessDesk.com

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Charity Shoutout: Home-Start Southwark

We’re spotlighting different charities from across the country each month to highlight the amazing work they do and to provide solace through our pay it forward book scheme.

Home-Start Southwark is on a mission to provide high quality support for families with babies and children under the age of 5. Believing that the earliest years make the biggest impact, they want to make sure those years count so that no child’s future is limited.

Most parents would agree that being a parent, wherever you live, whatever your circumstances, isn’t always easy. Combine that with additional pressures such as illness or financial worries, and without the support of family and friends, the pressures can seem overwhelming. Home-Start have a simple approach, but it works! They provide trained volunteers to help any parent, with at least one child under five, who is finding it hard to cope.

Find out more about Home-Start by visiting their website.

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Charity Shoutout: SPACE HERTS

We’re spotlighting different charities from across the country each month to highlight the amazing work they do and to provide solace through our pay it forward book scheme. 

SPACE is an award winning charity based in Hertfordshire that supports families of children and young people who are neurodivergent. Running since 2007, SPACE is staffed by an incredibly hard-working and enthusiastic team of parents, carers, and professionals. Everything they carry out is designed to help families navigate local services, build confidence and enjoy opportunities where young people can be themselves. Their services include:

  • Support groups
  • Workshops & training 
  • Events & activities
  • Resources 

This month, any books donated through our Pay it Forward scheme will be provided to PACT. Find out more about SPACE Herts by visiting their website.

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Charity Shoutout: PACT

We’re spotlighting different charities from across the country each month to highlight the amazing work they do and to provide solace through our pay it forward book scheme. 

This month, we’re highlighting Parents and Children Together (PACT), an adoption and trauma support charity. 

Established in 1911 by the Bishop of Oxford, PACT is now one of the UK’s leading charities in its field and is dedicated to the placement of children with secure and loving families and continued support through therapeutic services. PACT’s adoption support services include:

PACT also runs community projects supporting vulnerable children and adults facing a range of issues including domestic abuse, homelessness and debt. PACT’s current community projects include the Alana House women’s community programme and Bounce Back 4 Kids domestic abuse recovery programme. PACT’s vision is to help even more families and to initiate and provide quality services where there is currently unmet need. 

This month, any books donated through our Pay it Forward scheme will be provided to PACT.

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Loneliness and Volunteering at Christmas

Bookshops play a powerful role in bringing communities together and at HOBAF it is our mission to combat loneliness through the power of connection. Reading, discussing books, buying books, listening to authors and writing can connect us physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually.  When we read, we are not alone.

Loneliness and social isolation impact people year-round but during winter, and especially around the holiday period, this can be particularly exasperated. Often portrayed as a time of togetherness, the silent struggle faced by those who are impacted by loneliness and social isolation can have severe implications for both mental and physical health.

According to research, 1 in 4 adults feel lonely during the holiday period, 52% of older people say that Christmas is the loneliest time of the year, and 36% of people in the UK will be spending Christmas apart from loved ones.

If you or anyone you know are looking for a way to spend your time during this period or are looking for support during this time of year, we have collected some resources we hope can help and support you.

The Christmas Dinner Project:

Established by Lemn Sissay ten years ago, this project connects local people able to provide and enjoy a Christmas dinner with care leavers ages 18-25 years old. Based in Manchester originally, there are now options all over the country for those who’d like to get involved.

Reengage

Reengage is making life less lonely for thousands of older people every year through hosting tea parties, providing call companions and putting on activity groups. Find out how you can benefit from their services or get involved with supporting people through volunteer opportunities.

My Nawaab:

A restaurant in South Manchester, My Nawaab, is opening its doors this Christmas to 20 VIP guests who would be otherwise spending Christmas alone it alone.

Out in the City:

Out in the City is a social and support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people over 50 years of age. Its purpose is to offer the opportunity to chat, share a joke or news, or to make friends and strengthen companionship amongst those who attend the group’s meetings and trips. Out in the City are hosting events throughout the festive period.

Christmas Dinner Event

If it’s in your budget to do so, you can join others for a heartwarming Christmas Dinner in Manchester City Centre organised for those who can’t be with their families this holiday season.

Resource to help cope with loneliness:

HOBAF will be closed the 25th and 26th of December, however, our doors reopen on the 27th and we’ll be here to offer you a warm welcome, provide a friendly face and offer comfort and company.

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Charity Shoutout: We Are Survivors

November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, so we spoke to local charity We Are Survivors about their work with men who have experienced sexual assault and rape in their lives. Their work has helped men all around Greater Manchester overcome their trauma and work towards feeling healed and happy.

How long have you been going?

Formed in 2009, We Are Survivors will celebrate its 16th birthday in February next year. We were previously known as Survivors Manchester, but to recognise our increasing reach and national significance, we renamed and rebranded the organisation in 2023.

What has been the greatest reward since being with the charity?

The biggest reward for the people at We Are Survivors is working with male survivors every day to shape services and delivering support that means something and makes real, positive change to men’s lives. Many of the staff are survivors themselves, and everyone at We Are Survivors understands how their role helps the organisation fulfil it’s vision of a society where no male survivor is left behind.

How can people get involved?

Anyone who wants to access services at We Are Survivors can call us on 0161 236 2182, or visit our website at www.wearesurvivors.org.uk which has various kinds of information, help and support from downloadable self-help guides to ways of contacting us and connecting with other men. There is no right or wrong way to get support from us, and we believe that each journey towards healing is unique. Male survivors are ‘front and centre’ of all the services we offer and were designed BY male survivors FOR male survivors.

Any big things happening within your charity in the next months you’d like to shout about?

Next year will be a big year for We Are Survivors as we ‘come of age’ and celebrate 16 years of enabling male survivors of sexual abuse to ‘break the silence’ on their own terms and in their own time. Over the coming weeks and months (alongside our day-to-day service provision) we’ll be launching a brand new series of podcasts, publishing the next issue of our ground-breaking magazine ‘Beyond The Silence’ and continuing to promote our ON IT campaign with George House Trust, and our Survivor Ally project with Mandem Meetup.

 

We Are Survivors Website

WAS Facebook

WAS Twitter

WAS Instagram

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Supporters Club – Be part of the change

Your support—big or small—means the world to us at House of Books & Friends. As a community interest company, our mission is to combat loneliness and social isolation, with all profits reinvested into the bookshop to further our impact.

Loneliness is a growing concern, affecting 85% of adults in the UK over the last year. With your help, we can reach more people, raise awareness, and foster meaningful connections.

That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our Supporters Club, with two levels of support:

  • For £100, enjoy a 12-month membership with exclusive perks, including premium merchandise (tote bag, leather bookmark, and pin badge), early access to events, and your name proudly displayed on the spine of a House of Books & Friends book in our beautiful Gladstone Room.
  • For £250, dedicate a name of your choice—whether it’s a family name, a gift, or a tribute—on one of our stunning bookshelves for 12 months.

If you’re ready to help us grow this mission, visit our shop at www.houseofbooksandfriends.com to choose your sponsorship level and help us build a stronger, connected community and support social change.

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Building Community One Sip at a Time: Introducing Coffee & Connections at House of Books and Friends

In a world that often feels disconnected, finding genuine human connection can sometimes be more difficult than it should be. Whether it’s the busy pace of life, the pressures of social media, or simply the quiet hum of our everyday routines, many of us struggle to forge meaningful relationships. At House of Books and Friends, we understand how essential connection is to our well-being, and we’re on a mission to combat loneliness and help build communities where friendships can thrive. 

That’s why we’re so excited to introduce our new initiative: Coffee & Connections

Coffee & Connections is more than just an opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s more your thing!). It’s about creating a warm, welcoming space for people to meet others, share stories, and perhaps make new friends along the way. 

We’re offering a low-pressure environment where you can connect with like-minded individuals over a warm drink, free from the rush and distractions of daily life. No formal introductions required — just an invitation to come as you are and make real connections in a friendly and supportive environment.

What to Expect from Coffee & Connections

We pair you with five compatible people who you can meet with in our cosy café space. Whether you’re new to the area, looking for a change of pace, or just in need of a good conversation, Coffee & Connections is the perfect opportunity to meet others and start building lasting friendships.

If this sounds like something you’d love to be a part of, we invite you to join us! Our Coffee & Connections events are open to everyone over the age of 18, regardless of background or interests. You don’t need to be a regular customer to attend — just bring your curiosity and your desire to connect.

Join Us — Your Next Connection Awaits!

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Charity Shoutout: Read Easy Manchester

This month we wanted to shine a light on a charity whose mission is to help adults in Manchester to read. We reached out to their Recruiter, Matt Smith from Read Easy Manchester Central & North to hear about their volunteer-led charity that provides confidential 1-2-1 coaching for adults in Manchester that struggle to read.

How long have you been going?

Read Easy UK is the national charity and has been going since 2011. We are an affiliated organisation of volunteers serving the borough of Manchester and we have been going since August 2021.

What has been the greatest reward since being with the charity?

Our greatest reward without question is seeing our clients acquire a new life-skill as an adult. Learning to read makes such a difference to peoples’ lives. Illiteracy causes withdrawal, isolation and a loss of self-esteem. As our readers learn to read, they grow in confidence and see the many opportunities they had missed in the past. Not just with improved employment prospects but in social engagement and increased self-assurance gained by freeing themselves of the burden of illiteracy.

Our coaches benefit too from being part of this transformation. An hour per week is a small outlay for such a rich reward.

How can people get involved?

We need people across Manchester to volunteer with us to be trained as reading coaches. Any competent reader can be a coach. No previous experience is necessary and there are no pre-requisites except patience and the desire to help another gain an important life-skill.

We provide the training and the textbooks, and we support the reader and their coach throughout their journey together.

If you feel you want to help but you think coaching is not for you, we also need people to help on the Management/Support team, there are many roles available. Speak to us and we will find a place on the team for you.

If you want to volunteer with Read Easy, or you want to hear more without making a commitment, write to Matt Smith our Volunteer Recruiter at this email address: mcnrecruiter2@readeasy.org.uk

Any big things happening within your charity in the next month you’d like to shout about?

Nothing particular is happening this month just more routine meetings of our readers and coaches as they work together supported by Read Easy to give the reader the life-changing skill-set of being able to read.

Read Easy website

Read Easy Facebook

Read Easy Twitter

Read Easy Instagram

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Charity Shoutout: All4Inclusion

July is Disability Awareness Month, and we’d love to use this time to highlight a not-for-profit CIC called All4Inclusion. Favoured regular at HOBAF and founder of the organisation, Scott Whitney, spoke to us about how All4Inclusion came to be, how people can find out more about them, and what it means to run events that reduce loneliness and isolation within the disabled community.
How long have you been going? 
All 4 Inclusion started in 2022 to help people with disabilities feel less alone. Loneliness can be a big problem for disabled people, and we want to help fix that.
What has been the greatest reward since being with the charity? 
Seeing the progress in confidence with people. One of our members, Donna, first came along to one of our events and she could barely say her name. Now she speaks in webinars in front of nearly 100 people!
How can people get involved? 
We have our website that we keep up to date with our monthly events and opportunities to get involved! On here we also offer out services to increase understanding and empathy within communities and organisations, and equip audiences with knowledge to create more inclusive environments. We hope these will inspire action towards positive change.
Any big things happening within your charity in the next month you’d like to shout about?
In July we are announcing the finalists for the All 4 Inclusion Awards, and in August people will be doing a public vote to determine the winners. This year’s awards include Mental Health Champion of the Year, Menopause Champion,  Disability Ally of the Year and Unpaid Carer of the Year. All winner will receive a £100 voucher and a trophy. Tickets are available here.
All4Inclusion Website
All4Inclusion Facebook
All4Inclusion Instagram
All4Inclusion Twitter