Come in and banish loneliness - by the book....

Jenna Campbell visits new bookshop and cafe where the power of reading is the glue that connects people

WHILE the festive season can be one of the most joyful periods of the year, for many it can also be one of the loneliest and it’s becoming a bigger issue all year round. As we emerged from the pandemic, it came to light that many of us were experiencing feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Data has shown that in total 45 per cent of adults in England feel occasionally, sometimes of often lonely, equating to 25 million people. Meanwhile, the number of over50s experiencing loneliness is set to reach two million by 2025-2026.

Seeking to address this silent epidemic, the founder of law firm gunnercooke and its charity arm set about creating a space where people could connect, find contentment and settle down with a good book. The result is the House of Books Friends a purpose-led, independent bookshop, cafe and events space.

Based in the Manchester Club building owned by developers Bruntwood at the top of King Street in Manchester City Centre, it opened its doors just before Christmas and is aiming to combat loneliness by providing a space for local people to establish connections.

The Grade II-listed building, which curves around to Spring Gardens, was once Manchester Reform Club a site which boasts its own storied history.

The historic building was constructed in 1870-71 in a Venetian Gothic style, which can still be seen in the book shop’s events space. Designed by architect Edward Salomons in collaboration Irish architect John Philpot Jones, it was originally built as the club house for Manchester’s Liberal Party and was opened by then Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone in 1871.