Manchester’s first ‘happiness cafe’ is now open and they serve sparkly unicorn hot chocolates and rainbow bagels

The nights are getting longer. The mornings are getting darker and soon it’s going to be chunky knit scarf weather and over-knee socks under snug Ugg boots.

In the UK one in four people experience a mental health problem each year. According to some studies, this is often down to the stresses of modern life.

Mental health charity Mind have spoken up a number of times in favour of the social interactions that coffee shops and spaces provide. In an age dominated by social media with huge pressures on time, face to face interactions with people go a long way. Thick rich, smooth, and creamy hot chocolates also help, and we’ve found just the place to grab one.

Manchester’s first ‘happiness cafe’, Two For Joy has opened in the Northern Quarter, serving up rainbow bagels and unicorn hot chocolates and it’s set to take Manchester by storm.

So what makes this café a happy one? Do customers receive service with a smile? Does the hot chocolate come with lashings of cream and marshmallows? Is there, at the very least, uplifting background music?

The café does have a welcoming vibe but, more than that, its growing group of social media fans say the space offers a chance for people not only to socialise but to learn about staying mentally healthy away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The tiny cafe is a Northern Quarter hidden gem, specialising in home baked rainbow swirled dough and drinks sprinkled with all sorts of sweet magical delights including swirly cream and pink glitter

“I came up with the idea because I noticed so many people weren’t happy with their monotonous routine in the city centre,” says Charlotte Ducie. “This place is a bit of a breath of fresh air and a haven from the stresses of 9-5.

“Manchester is a resilient city and that’s shown through recently with everything that’s happened at the Arena. I wanted this to be a place where people leave happier than when they came in. It’s a place designed to brighten up your day, especially with this terrible weather we’ve been having recently!”

The cafe also runs a charity coffee scheme where you can buy a homeless person a hot drink for just a quid. It’s designed to pass on the feeling of goodwill throughout the city.

This quirky place is open 10-5 Wednesday to Saturday and from noon on Sundays.

So next time you’re on your lunch break, take a second away from your emails, your twitter and your phone, look up and engage with the real world and order yourself a sparkly pink unicorn hot chocolate with extra marshmallows. I don’t know anywhere else in the city you can order one of them.

The diet can always start next month, right?

Follow the happiness journey here or call 07827 289279 if you’d like to book in.