A Bakery Over 100 Years Old is Revamped and Becomes a Destination for Book Lovers in Damascus!

There are places in Damascus you visit to try their coffee or to take a nice photo, and there are places you visit because behind their doors lies a whole story. Al-Manhal Bakery and Library is one of those places whose story precedes your visit: an old bakery over 100 years old, brought back to life in Old Damascus, but this time, it’s not just about a loaf of bread… it’s also about a book, coffee, and a warm community concept. The place is located in Old Damascus, on Straight Street near Al-Buzuriyah, and it’s offering a unique and beautiful idea: a bakery and a library in the same space. That means you can walk in and get bread fresh out of the oldest wood-fired oven, sip coffee, choose a book, or attend a cultural event and discussions in a simple environment close to people.

How Did the Idea Begin?

Al-Manhal started from a great partnership between Brandt Stewart, a specialist in the world of baked goods, and his partner, Syrian journalist Asser Khattab. Brandt has extensive experience in this field and wanted to invest it in Syria through a practical project that offers something good to people and contributes to creating job opportunities for young people, especially since the country today needs real and new initiatives and projects on the ground to rise again. As for Asser, who returned to Damascus after years abroad, he saw that the city needed a cultural space with a pleasant atmosphere close to the people, where books and conversation become part of daily life in a simple and relaxed setting. That’s how the idea of Al-Manhal was born: one place that combines bread and reading, good food, and meaningful gatherings, away from the traditional restaurant or classic library setup.

A Historic Wood-fired Oven is Back in Operation

One of the most beautiful details about Al-Manhal is that it has an old wood-fired oven that had been out of use since the 1970s. Even though the renovation isn’t fully complete, the team decided to light up the oven and start a trial opening. This gives you a wonderful and unique experience, because you’re not entering a place just decorated to look old, but a heritage bakery with real memories and history, brought back to life and offering an authentic experience in the heart of one of Damascus’ oldest streets.

What will you find at Al-Manhal?

At Al-Manhal you’ll find sourdough bread made with natural yeast and baked in a wood-fired oven. There are also manakish, pies, sweets, cakes, cookies, and special coffee. Visitors have mentioned the cleanliness, the delicious taste, and the good spirit of the place.

So it’s not just the food that’s well prepared, but the entire atmosphere feels comfortable and there’s a real sense that the place was created with love and care.

Books and events at the heart of the experience

Books at Al-Manhal are an essential part of the concept. The place offers a collection of new and used books, aiming to make reading more accessible to people, whether by selling books at symbolic prices or through a free borrowing system, in exchange for a refundable deposit when the book is returned within the specified period and in the same condition. Additionally, Al-Manhal will host reading clubs, book signings, discussions, classes, and cultural events that highlight the diversity of Syria, its culture, and its history. So, a visit could start with a pleasant gathering and end with a new book, idea, or acquaintance.

A Community Project with a Human Touch

What makes Al-Manhal special is that its idea goes beyond just bread and books. There is a clear humanitarian aspect to the project that brings it closer to people and makes it deeper than just another new place in Old Damascus. Al-Manhal creates job opportunities and integration within a respectful and open environment; its team even includes former detainees and people with special needs. This gives the project real value, because it opens new doors for those who deserve a chance and proves that a beautiful place isn’t just about appearances—but also the impact it leaves on the community.

Why Should You Visit?

Because Al-Manhal Bakery in Damascus offers you an experience unlike the usual hangouts. You walk into a place with a past, but it operates with youthful new energy; there is calmness, enchanting traditional details, and people working with passion and love. It’s a lovely trip for those who love places that are not just beautiful, but also tell a story and leave a mark.

Location: Damascus, Straight Street, near Minaret Al-Sham, across from Al-Nuwailati Wood Shop.
Working days: Saturday to Thursday.
Hours: From 12 PM to 6 PM.

If you like places with a story, where you feel there’s a thought behind every detail, add Al-Manhal to your list of places to visit next time you’re in Old Damascus.

Check out the Old Damascus section on our website for more!