Ziferblat

As part of the El Fit vs El Fat month the Brothers search for an alternative to our usual nutritious food review or 2 pint lunch, we have chosen the 5:2 diet and basically starve 2 days a week (600 cal, not enough to feed a reasonable sized cat) and this is one of those days.
We find ourselves in ‘Ziferblat ‘, it means time in Russian, I know this as I am a scholar or have Google but let’s face it education is dead when you have Google. Time is all you pay for in this joint 6p a minute and just get amongst it, we are understandably sceptical.
The El Food Brothers meet up outside and headed upstairs not knowing what to expect, a pleasant surprise as we are greeted by a really helpful guy who senses our levels of anxiety that we may not know the right words and he says «Hi guys have you been before» I respond that I am not sure how it works and he gives a comprehensive low down, £3.60 and hour or £0,06p a minute and just be respectful of others and take what you want.
We give our names and step inside, a lovely clean and fresh environment awaits us there are couches comfy chairs people playing games, reading books and working, it’s like Starbucks without the wankers. Being on a fasting day we head to the coffee machine and grab two cups of decent black coffee from the machine, taking note of a lovely offering of cakes and snacks nearby.
There is also a soup station 12pm until its gone everyday which I peeked in and it looked delicious, there is also a microwave so you can bring your own food in, this is an unprecedented freedom compared to all the hipster joints we attend it’s nice to go hipster to hippy with the communal feel.
We notice a lovely table offering selection of sandwiches and onion bhaji and the like commenting «if I wasn’t a fasting day I would pile up a plate of that» we survey the area and it becomes clear that the food belongs to an event who have booked it themselves as one woman nearly loses a hand whilst reaching for a sandwich as the Buffet Baron barks in a snappy tone «THAT’S OURS» we chuckle at the formation that starts to be created around the table by the pride of snack lions to prevent infiltration they line up on one side (maybe that’s a lion bar) to their treasure trove of snacks. Now to be fair in a place where everything is free it’s easy to see how the mistake was made and this is more of a slight on the sandwich samurai and not Ziferblat.
We spend a thoroughly enjoyable 40 minutes in there musing over the décor and the clientele and creative content for our Elfit vs Elfat challenge and also taking the piss out of the buffet situation, we did respect the work of one stealthy snacker who escaped with a sandwich back to his chair, Kudos my friend, to be fair on a non-​fasting day that would have been ElFood one at the table and he would not have stealthed away luckily the 5:2 saves us as I don’t need to work anymore diplomacy in another situation to save us from being turned into El food Guacamole.
Elfood one checks every door in the place on his way to the loo and doesn’t find anything untoward, he did find a beware of the gnomes door which maybe we will research further down the line when fully prepared to battle with a gnome army, I’m not entirely sure of what is required so it a pretty low priority.
We love it here and the Twitter is very active and responsive to us as we put out a blast about having enjoyed it and ask a few follow up questions mainly based about taking our own produce in and how we stand with it, we haven’t asked the beer question yet I expect a no but that would be a winner of the £5 lunch with a beer quest that we have been trying to complete for 6 months, we will return and will keep you posted.
8 Sandwiches pinched off 10 buffet plates

El Food Two (Alan J) has written a full review of Ziferblat. But heres my take:
I’m surprised its taken us so long to get to Ziferblat. I think being borderline alcoholics has always kept us away. I’m glad the recent diet enforcement has forced our hand and we finally enter the Zibs’, as we have dubbed it.
It offers everything it says on the tin ‘the only thing you pay for is your time’. Which when you think about is probably quite deep. Its a reverse work situation, and I think 6p a minute for the creature comforts offered by Zibs’ you can do a lot worse with your life.
I 100% stand behind the ethos of Ziferblat, not only do you get everything you want for 6p a minute, you also leave with a smug sense that you are contributing to something more than your local Starbucks tax free profits.
And if you’re going to put a buffet out in the communal area, do be prepared to share, I know the El Food Brothers would.

Ziferblat has now properly cemented its place in the NQ scene. After being open now (I want to say…) nearly a year, and countless reviews later it has wiggled it’s way into many Northern Quarter regular’s hearts, including my own.
I paid Ziferblat a visit on the weekend with my girlfriends and as per usual was pleased to receive a smiley welcome, along with a table laden with treats for me to try and resist! And it was Easter Sunday so you can imagine my temptation by the hot cross buns that were on offer.
I’m sure you’ll see in the other reviews the concept is that you pay for the time you spend there, not by the amount of food and drink you consume. If I’m not mistaken, it’s 6p per minute; which I would say is good value for money. They have a fantastic selection of baked goods, teas, cereals and even an array of milks; which is perfect for the lactose snobs like me (almond milk all the way!)
The décor looks a little bit like what Doctor Who might have picked up along his timely travels; mismatched chairs galore, and even a grand piano! There’s a room to hire there, for work or personal events. Also, if I’m not mistaken there is a Freelance Friday that freelancers can attend (on a Friday, well what do you know…) where between the hours of 2−6pm you sit with other freelancers and feel a little bit less lonely. I have attended this once myself, and I found it very nice; it was cool to bounce creative ideas around with other freelancers.
The only thing I might say, is I wish that Ziferblat would have a few healthier snacks on offer. I know they offer fruit, and gluten free options, but even a low-​calorie treat for healthy’s like me would be very well received. But that is a very small criticism.
If you haven’t already been to Ziferblat, please make it top of your agenda!

At ziferblat you pay 5p per minute and all the food and drink is free with one caveat — you have to wash up.
The atmosphere is very relaxed with lots of comfy chairs and boardgames. It’s a bit like being in someone’s living room — or a Spanish Inquisition torture chamber — but on a larger scale.
The entrance is on edge street, you buzz to get in then take the stairs up to the reception. You give your name on the way in, and they tell you how much you owe when you leave.

Time!
A café with a twist. Here, which when I entered for the first time was quite bewildered, you consume all the food and drink you would like (and oh my is there a good selection) and you pay for nothing!
Well, unfortunately nothing comes for free haha. You pay for your time spent in the café per person (very unusual I know). At a rate of 5p per minute it works out at 50p every 10 minutes so £3 for each hour.
There is a great selection of teas and coffees, cakes and biscuits, cereals, ice pops and flavoured waters, not to mention a whole host of entertainment.
Do you like reading? There dozens of books! How about a pastime? There’s cards and board games galore! Or just want to relax? Why not have a go on the piano.
I would definitely recommend this place with its quirky and unique setting, you never know, it might even make you feel like a student again!

Came here as the start to a big day out for a friend’s birthday as she loves both tea and cereal and they have both in abundance! Lovely concept and a really nice space to spend with friends, great range of drinks and snacks on offer and plenty of games to entertain yourselves — we had great fun playing pictionary for almost 2 hours! Would certainly go back again and again!

Ziferblat is a good place in the Northern Quarter to hang out in, if you don’t have another place to be. I’ve been a few times, be it to get some work done or just read a book. There are lots of people who seem to hold meetings there or do working in groups, but plenty of space for people by themselves too.
The food and drink selection isn’t bad, not much to eat if you are avoiding sweet food as it’s all either cake, biscuits or fruit. The coffee tastes a little ‘burnt’ but there are plenty of other options to enjoy.

Finally got to experience Ziferblat last night! I was actually there for a meeting and it was before I was going home to eat… so I didn’t take advantage of the unlimited cake and biscuits unfortunately. However I did get a really good feel for the place and how it runs, and really want to come back after my first visit…
The aim of this place is to pay for your time — currently costing 6p per minute. I paid £3.60 for just over an hour and only had a herbal tea, but that was purely due to the reason I was there and the time of day. If I was to go here in the morning and stay for half an hour, it would cost me £1.80 and I’d be able to have unlimited tea, coffee, toast, croissants, spreads, biscuits, cakes… basically, if you are going here for around an hour and have time to eat and drink then it’s sure to work out cheaper than any other NQ cafes!
You check in with the front desk staff when you enter, and check out upon leaving, so they can total up your ‘time’. The guy said to me «treat it like your flat» — and rightly so I see what he means! It features a self service kitchen with biscuit jars and trays of cakes. You even rummage around for mugs in cupboards and fill the coffee machine up with milk.
An interesting place to say the least! But all in a good way of course.
May give this 5 stars upon my next visit…

«Everything is free inside; except for the time you spend.» Not entirely true, as you can’t make off with one of the vintage armchairs or their ping pong table. Thankfully, the vast majority of us aren’t petty thieves and Ziferblat can gain an income from the honesty of its patrons.
If I hadn’t already heard that the concept was born in Moscow a few years ago, I’d have thought that this was the brainchild of a ‘hipster-​preneur’ right here in the NQ. It epitomises the out-​of-​the-​box creativeness that makes this area so unique in Manchester.
The arrangements have changed slightly from when it first opened — you aren’t given a clock to keep track of your time any more — you’re logged in on their system and pay on departure. It’s also 6p a minute instead of 5 (but that’s only so they can continue to pay the staff above minimum wage).
It’s massive and tastefully decorated inside, with the kitchen and toilets spotless despite the number of users (you’re asked to tidy up after yourself). Lots of tea, coffee and cake options — but I’d mistakenly arrived just after a hefty lunch so didn’t eat anything.
For the equivalent of a pitiful £3.60 an hour it’s a terrific spot for solo or collaborative workers with no office, as well as book worms. Ridiculous as it sounds though I couldn’t completely switch off from the fact that my presence was being timed!
Tip: Fancy volunteering? For every hour you help them, you’ll receive two hours free back.

I’d so many good things about Ziferblat but had always opted for the established coffee shops to spend my mornings. Well the other day I changed that, and I have to say I was dead impressed with this place!
The concept is fantastic, you pay for the time you spend there and in that time can eat and drink as much coffee and cake as you like. Some people think the concept is odd, and I can appreciate it’s a little different, but look at it economically and you’re practically stealing from them!
I genuinely felt guilty when I paid about £2.80 for 45 minutes of time, in which I’d consumed 3 slices of cake and 2 coffees. Thats the norm for me though, not that I’m a greedy pig, just that if I’m sat working for an hour (anywhere) I’ll need a couple of coffees and something to nibble on. And let me tell you this for free, it costs a damn sight more than £2.80 even if I’d make the cake myself at home!
I do wonder how they cover expenses however I believe a lot of volunteer work is involved and if you do volunteer, you get free time in the place — wins all round!

Nice Idea but doesn’t work in Practice.
Firstly I love everything about this place except the business philosophy. Once you get past the annoying entrance your are hit by the amazing décor, some of the best I’ve seen in England. The room is a swissarmy knife of options and seating areas. Its no wonder people have fallen in love with a lot of what is on offer here and there’s great potential for all kinds of activities and social events. The staff are also lovely, well intentioned, if it a little poor at math leading to ques when trying to pay for your time.
But here’s where it falls apart for me and a many others I feel, as I imagine the test of time will tell. A big part of being out is feeling comfortable and relaxed and yet that is near impossible with the drip drip drip of money coming out your pocket every minute you are there. Now I hear people say that despite this its still very affordable to which I would agree but still there is a that nagging sense that it’s in your best interest to leave as soon as you can, a very counter intuitive sentiment.
Another issue is because of the free for all mentality many of the options on offer have to be and are of very low quality, like cheap biscuits etc. Because of the socialist payment style that means all pay the same it makes only cheap to average options possible. This is because customers who want to pay –less or +more can’t and so we all loose out option wise. Not only do you have this dichotomy at work you also have the issue of the inevitable race for the best stuff. This also includes the issue of constant queuing that seems to happen including when you are expected clean and wash up etc.
Overall this business is unfortunately really anti-​consumer and the best way to think about it is to compare it to any café etc and realise the difference. Take Starbucks for example I can go there sit down with zero pressure on me the consumer. In fact the pressure is entirely where it should be on the service provider to keep me interested in what they have to offer. This dynamic is fundamental to driving the service provider to consistently evolve what is on offer to keep me interested and not leave for the competition in all kinds of new and innovative ways. Contrast that with Zierblat and the onus is on keeping services as cost efficient and simplistic as possible so profit is made on your stay time.
Another aspect briefly mentioned is, because of the lack of pricing I cannot have a «cheapday» or a «treatday» etc that most business offer. I cannot pay nothing one day, get a cheap coffee another or spoil myself with grande coffee with all the trimmings another. Its just crumbly biscuits whatever the day at Ziferblat. So even if your poor or even if your rich you have zero reason to choose Ziferblat over standard companies like Starbucks, Costa etc.
This company will really have to evolve its payment system and overall business philosophy on the dynamics of free market competition to truly succeed beyond the fresh and exciting phase it currently stands in. As mentioned over time I feel a many people will really start to get aggravated by clocking in one has to do rather than just dropping into to literally anywhere else with ease. It truly cultivates the opposite feelings one gets staring at the clock in work on a friday, clocks are the often the bain of our existence so why make them a permanent piece of our precious free time.
Ultimately I commend this interesting thought experiment amongst the free market of ideas out there but can’t see this succeeding long term as a pro consumer business. Pretty much any other competitor offers more choices and ultimately more freedom to cultivate ones experience. Goodbye Ziferblat.

When Ziferblat opened I wasn’t quite sold on the ‘pay per minute and everything is free’ concept but after visiting yesterday for a work thing I think it works really well.
It’s a very large space filled with mismatched chairs and tables, offering plenty of room for coffee drinkers, breakfast grabbers and all day freelance workers alike. They have some rooms available for hire too, a meeting room, a board room and a children’s primary school themed classroom (which we hired and it was great!)
For the whole time you’re at Ziferblat you can eat as much cereal, as many biscuits, pieces of cake, scones and slices of toast as you can. Their set up is like a student kitchen, glasses, mugs and plates in the cupboards and when you’ve used them you clean up after yourself, load the dishwasher and be on your way. Fab.
The staff are always replenishing the tea, coffee and cakes, so if you’re staying a while there’s always plenty to eat. I like it.

I am a fan of this place, firstly it is important that you realise that you have to be buzzed in to get into the building, and secondly their way of existing is quite different to normal café culture, in that you pay for time spent in the location, and make your own drinks and have cake (they do healthy snakes too and even breakfast cereal) if you want it.
I liked the atmosphere here, it felt chilled out and kind of warm and friendly, like a local but without alcohol and excessive music. There are a number of boardgames available including some old favourites, not that I played any this visit. There is a good mixture of seating, so if you want to chill out on a sofa or have a table that is possible, also they have 3 useful looking spaces one that looks like grannies dinning room, classroom and a room still finding its purpose.
All in all I think the service here is great, even if it feel a little ikea in some ways, the staff are lovely too.

Now this place gets 5*
They provide rice, soya and almond milk… Especially surprised by the rice dream milk and very happy to have the choice!

We had heard a lot of good things about Ziferblat from a lot of our friends. For a good few weeks I had wanted to go there and last Saturday finally presented me with the opportunity.
We were meeting friends whom we’d not seen in a long time and decided to settle down in Ziferblat for a cosy chat.
We were a little unsure about where the entrance was until we spotted the bell with their logo. We buzzed and were let in. We walked up to the first floor and were explained the house rules after our names were registered.
The idea is simple. You mooch around in what looks like a massive lounge, find a place to sit, consume as much of the food you like. They also have various board games to keep you entertained. All you pay for is the time you spend there, at the rate of 5p a minute (£3 an hour). You also clean up after yourselves. If you’re lucky enough you may be able to load up the dish washer, else, scourers it is.
Food and drink wise, they have capuccinos, espressos, teas (various flavours), coffees, juice, cakes, biscuits, bread, cereal etc. So there are plenty of options there.
To add to this, they have fantastic staff, who are friendly and helpful, which is always an asset. I like the idea, the space and what they offer and so I will definitely be going back for more. As with everywhere else, I sincerely hope they continue to maintain their quality and service.

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. As the 5^th star on Unilocal says, «Woohoo! As good as it gets!»

I really like this place. Maybe not love yet as I’ve only been once, but this has the beginnings of a very comfortable friendship. I had a conversation with a friend about 3 or 4 months ago when I said what I would really love is a place you can hang out without the pressure to buy drinks. Ziferblat is exactly the sort of thing I had in mind.
Having read about this in the press and reviews on here, I have been keen to try this place out. So, having an unexpected day off work to myself (plumber cancelled on me due to bereavement), I decided today was the day to try it out.
It was a little bit difficult to find the door on Edge Street. Once I found it, I rang the bell and they let me up. A very friendly bloke welcomed me, took my name and advised me it was 5p per minute. He offered to show me around, but I declined as I thought it would be better to figure it out for myself.
The room itself is really big and there are lots of different types of places to sit: sofas, armchairs, wooden tables and chairs, glass tables and a mixture of different styles. I like that it’s not all the same décor as it feels more homely. I sat on an armchair near the record player at the back. I assume that you can put records on if you wish, though I didn’t. I also noticed a load of board games on a table, which is cool. There were a wide range of people — old, young, students, workers, parents and kids on half term. There was also a woman with a dog — worth noting that it’s dog friendly and you don’t pay anything for the dogs to come in.
I made my way to the kitchen. I liked that it felt safe enough to leave my stuff on the chair whilst I did so: at chains and other conventional coffee shops, I definitely would not do that. There was a really wide selection of teas, coffee, hot chocolate, a fridge full of stuff, biscuits and cakes. It’s all included in the 5p per minute rate.
I had a camomile tea (in a cool glass teapot), a glass of lime water (there were three times of infused water), some mini cheddars and a slice of cake. I went back to my armchair and sat with my headphones in, making use of the wifi on my smartphone. I noticed some people brought their own food, though depending on how long you’re there, it’s probably more economical to have the free stuff.
After an hour or so I finished my drinks, so I went to get more tea. I went for camomile and spiced apple. I also got some bourbons, fingers and choc chip biscuits. I noticed that the staff were wandering around checking on everything which was nice.
Ended up being sat there for 2 hours and 15 minutes. I didn’t mean to but felt so relaxed. If I hadn’t had to Skype my mum this evening, I would have stayed longer. One of the guys who works there came over to say that at 6pm they were having a tea party on one of the big glass tables. That’s a nice touch and would have been nice.
I paid £6.75 for 2 hours and 15 minutes, which is reasonable. If you went to a normal coffee shop you would spend more than that in 2 hours and get a lot less tea/​cake for your money.
I really hope the chavs/​mainstream don’t find it and spoil it. The atmosphere was really nice and everyone was respectful and polite in the kitchen and generally. I hope it stays this way.
I suspect this will be a place I will be more likely to frequent alone than with friends; though I would like someone to play a board game with. This is the sort of place, i imagine, that you could strike up conversation with a stranger and perhaps play with them. It might also be a different place to meet for a date.
Despite my chav comment above, I hope people visit this place as it is different and very worth it. If you go, please be respecful and keep the atmosphere as nice as it is. And you may see me there draped over an armchair with my earphones in — will make a change of scene sometimes, instead of sitting at home!

I couldn’t wait to try Ziferblat out after the great reviews on Unilocal.I visited on a Monday morning at 10:30am and there was already a few people here already. The friendly guy at the counter took my name and the time that i arrived, basically you pay for the time you stay there and its 5p a minute for unlimited chill out space, free fast wifi, biscuits, cakes, tea, coffee, juice and other refreshments.
There’s plenty of comfortable seating around for everyone including some really comfortable sofas. There are board games scattered around the place so it’s great if you’re with friends.
The whole place feels exactly the same as a hostel communal room but thats ok. It has a chilled out vibe to the place and perfect for anytime of the day as its open between 10am and 10pm!

Fancy breakfast? or a light lunch of toast and fresh fruit or just your min morning elevensies or mid afternoon snack, then this place is perfect!
Initially quite hard to find as we were googling the location to eventually find we were stood right outside, so not obvious is the entrance door and the place is located on the 1^st floor by stairs or lift.
Upon entry you check in, because after all you ONLY pay for time. Choice abounds with seating options from breakfast bar to lounge sofa and everything in between.
What I love is the Aladdin’s cave type affair of biscuit barrels, cake stands and coffee or tea options all over the place, have a wander explore AND enjoy!
There are even games boards to use if u prefer to turn off your phone and laptop and not use the all inclusive hi speed wifi!!!
Its a MUST try!

Ok so I’m gonna come straight out and say this place is awesome — there… I just did it!
What a great concept, you pay 5p per minute for being here but everything is free including gourmet coffee (from Ancoats coffee roasters), food, juices (I’m currently quaffing some sort of fresh grapefruit juice). In fact a guy just walked around with a big barrel of tasty looking biscuits offering everyone some — is this utopia!?!
The place is huge and had so much room to sit, move and just be lived in — the people it attracts all look to be in the same boat with their macbooks/​creative mindset and within 5 mins I’ve got chatting to my neighbour in our plush leather chairs about how great it is that you don’t feel under pressure to drink up and go like a standard coffee shop!
I’ll be back, probably most days! Make sure you get here soon :-)