Manchester Squat Cafe

The OKasional cafe is back in Manchester for the fourth time, to celebrate it's first birthday. The cafe collective has re-squatted the building in which the cafe made its first appearance. The Grade II listed building is located opposite the university, smack bang in the heart of Manchester's student 'ghetto'. Since it was last occupied, the owner had simply boarded it up, half heartedly cut off the electricity and water, and left it to stand empty. He was said to be not amused to see the building he wants to sell re-squatted, especially by the same people he'd previously introduced to the courts and Under Sheriff.

So far, the cafe has been home to big free parties, dozens of workshops, discussion evenings, meetings and direct action film all-nighters. It serves vegan, mostly organic fair-trade food on a donations basis, with any money raised going into environmental and social campaigns.

The squatters decided not to enter into negotiation with the state or the mainstream media, as 'it's a space we're collectively creating, and will defend for as long as we want.' One of the collective is quoted as saying: 'The owner has not so far issued court proceedings, and when the local Tactical Support Group (riot police) turned up, we showed them the door.'

Visit and get involved in the cafe while its stocks last. The cafe is located at 325, Oxford Road. Telephone 0403-674363, or write c/o Manchester EF! See contacts list.