I just spent my lunch hour - a rarity in itself - at The Basement (24 Lever Street - Map) in the Northern Quarter.

It’s an interesting place.: Openguides.org describes it as “Manchester’s alternative political social centre“, which is plainly obvious from the shelves of Adbusters magazines and political flyers.

The guide adds that “it has a vegan cafe, meeting space, bookshop and free internet access,” all of which were busy while I was there.

Unlike the aptly-named Okasional Cafe, which is occasionally open but regularly closed next to BBC Manchester (10th incarnation way back in 2002), The Basement has been around since opening in December 2004.

Sadly, the local media has mostly ignored its existence, the University’s Student Direct being one of the few publications to take any notice, with Sophie Parkes asking, “How could a place in the centre of Manchester possibly be tranquil and a hive of activity?”. How indeed.

I’ve been there quite a few times in recent months and I’ll no doubt go again soon. The tapas is well worth the measly �2.80 - the price of a soggy, flavourless sandwich at most lunchtime cafes/takeaways - and the mocha smoothie always goes down well.

The only negative - beside having to put up with an old man ranting about “direct action” - was the slow, slow service. It’s perfectly understandable and forgivable, however, after you learn that everyone who works there volunteers their time.