Ziferblat

I had to check the spelling. I can never remember the name! Ziffy something... ziggy? ziggyblart? Something like that... *checks online* ah yes... Ziferblat! Ziferblat started in London but now is here in Manchester, and is a unique concept which a lot of people are investigating, as it's that rare beast of being something Manchester City Centre hasn't seen before!

The concept is that of "micro-tenancy", where instead of paying for the food and drink you consume, you are instead paying a per-minute charge for the use of the space. The food and drink part is free! You're coming "home" to relax, where the food and drink is laid out for you. The best way I could describe it is a youth club for adults: you're buzzed in through the front door (which is tricky to find really... it's not massively signposted, but it's near Home Sweet Home in Manchester's trendy Northern Quarter), where you then go upstairs and "check in" at the main desk, where you give your name and are explained the concept and charging system, and asked to simply clear away after yourself. From there... well do what you like really!

For 5p-per-minute you can use the space to your heart's content... whether you choose to find a comfy couch and chat with your friends, a quiet chair in the corner to read, or just listen to the music whilst playing chess with someone you've just met, the environment is that of a social comfort space. At first I wasn't sure about the concept, and worried that in being given a little alarm clock at check in, you'd feel "metered" as it were, but although they don't seem to give clocks out now, I didn't feel pressured, in fact I felt very relaxed. There was no rush, they didn't want you out after your drink, or need to clean up after you, so you didn't feel you were being an imposition, and in this spirit, there are board games, magazines, and papers dotted around for you to enjoy.

The food and drink situation is that of a communal kitchen area, where you can help yourself to both hot and cold drinks, cereals, snacks, biscuits, and tasty cakes, plus as much toast as you can handle with a bunch of tasty toppings and spreads to your delight. The kitchen is equipped with plenty of cupboards of plates, mugs, and cutlery for you to do what you want to do, including things like a coffee machine, ice machine, and a dishwasher. The only request is that you clear up after yourself, and if the dishwasher is on, wash your plate/cup and set it in the drainer. Seems fair!

The venue itself is bright and airy with both modern and kitch vintage touches, and lots of comfy couches and chairs, as well as tables,  chairs, and a breakfast bar, which seems fine for the customers, which seemed to vary from business types having a bowl of cornflakes and a quick meeting, to the hipster types sat around being beardy together whilst drinking camomile tea. I noticed a highchair available, a couple of toilets, and elevator access to the place itself, so they seem to be trying to cater for everyone where possible, and to be honest that seems to be their ethos; come in, chill out, relax, and have a nice time. Even their wifi password is "takeyourtime". I could come here with friends, colleagues, or even just come here with my dad (who I think would love it here).

In the time I was there, I was able to use their lovely fast wifi, gorge on toast and marmalade, then some ginger cake and chocolate biscuits, and feel thoroughly relaxed... and upon settling my "bill" at the door... it came to £2.50! I felt like I was undercharged, so left some cash in the "donations" suitcase by the door, especially considering how friendly and welcoming the staff were.

I've decided that I love this concept, and I can see it doing very well with others too, who will also come to love the idea after they experience it!

I will most definitely be back. Guaranteed.