It’s now time to expand the Ziferblat empire
PAY as you go cafe Ziferblat has revealed plans to open another Manchester site - with its own secret garden courtyard.
The social and co-working space turned the cafe concept on its head when it opened its first Manchester site in the Northern Quarter in 2015, charging guests by the minute to enjoy unlimited food, drinks and wifi.
Now the team are taking over a grade II listed former townhouse at 65 Princess Street. overlooking St Peter’s Square, for their third Greater Manchester branch.
Built in the 1760s, the building predates Manchester Town Hall opposite by 120 years, and will be renovated and restored to its former Georgian glory with period fixtures and fittings.
The four floors will be transformed to include two public sitting rooms where guests can help themselves to unlimited tea, coffee, soft drinks, cake, biscuits and snacks for a fixed fee currently 8p per minute at its UK branches in Edge Street and MediaCityUK.
The ground floor will open out into a secret garden courtyard at the back, completely enclosed from the outside world, while at the front there will be outside tables and chairs. The new site will also include six meeting rooms available for private hire.
Originally founded in Moscow in 2011, Ziferblat now has more than 20 sites across Europe and plans to expand to Leeds and Sheffield.
Gareth Harold, head of operations, said: “We’ve got big plans for our new St Peter’s Square site and we’re so excited to be adding another branch.
“We have wanted to find a suitable site in this part of Manchester for some time.
“As well as the requirement for a Ziferblat from the public on Princess Street there is a vibrant community of start-ups, agile workers and meeting room demand in this part of the city and we want to be a part of it.
“This branch will also act as a little corner of calm for those who want to escape the bustle of city centre. The Sitting Room will include all the usual Ziferkitchen treats for our guests to enjoy within the comfortable, domestically dressed space. A real home from home.”
Ziferblat St Peter’s Square is scheduled to open in early 2019.