my favourite cafés in manchester
One of my favourite things about living in Manchester is the richness of cafés and coffee shops to choose from. When I was much younger, and my family and I used to venture into the city for a wander around the shops, the vivacity of coffee and brunch culture was yet to stream into light in Manchester.
Now, the city is filled with independent cafés, each with a charm of their own, and over the last few years, I’ve really embraced the array to choose from! Whether I’m heading out for some cosy downtime, treating myself to brunch or needing a space for concentration, I’ve always got somewhere in mind to go- and I’m continuing to try new places too, to suss out the best of the best!
Here’s my ‘best of’ list so far, split by area :
NORTHERN QUARTER
The richest place for artsy spaces in the city, it’s no surprise that this is where I’m starting. Even the quietest corners of the Northern Quarter are home to hidden treasures- and here are my favourites:
Idle Hands - with savoury plates that never disappoint, and moreishly sweet desserts, I loved this spot from day one. The peach iced tea is delicious, and the window seats are surrounded by green plants and (on a rare day of favourable weather) bathed in sunlight, making the perfect people watching spot.
The sun-drenched window seats at Idle Hands.
Chapter One Books - forever cosy, this is my preferred choice when I’m looking for a calm and quiet change of scenery. Snuggle up in one of their armchairs with a book in hand and while away your Sunday with a big cup of foamy coffee.
Takk - It’s good vibes all round at Takk’s Tarriff Street outlet. Inspired by Nordic travels, they serve coffees created to perfection, and hearty brunch plates (I love the hibiscus and berry iced tea).
Hibiscus and berry iced tea and a gorgeous slice of cake from Takk.
The Green Lab - Now with a new brunch selection and a bright, bustling lunchtime scene, The Green Lab’s menu is uniquely crafted- and absolutely delicious. From build-your-own nutrition bowls to scrumptious baked eggs, you can fill your stomach with its nourishing brunch offering.
I tried a vegan falafel miso nutrition bowl at The Green Lab- with a very moreish iced coffee!
Fig & Sparrow - Another cosy corner of the Northern Quarter, Fig & Sparrow serves heart-warming teas and coffees to those escaping the rain (as is most often the case). I can happily while away the hours sat by the window with a brewing teapot and a book.
Feel Good Club - The epitome of ‘good vibes’, Feel Good Club is a uniquely positive space for brunch, always served with a smile! Dogs are welcome (a bonus) and you can also browse their selection of vibrant merch and goodies from independent businesses.
Sugar Junction - This little quaint space tucked down Tib Street offers afternoon tea, homemade cakes and the sweetest rose iced lattes- my favourite treat is the jam scones!
ANCOATS
The up and coming cultural hub of Manchester, Ancoats has seen some exciting newcomers enter Manchester’s café scene. Since I began visiting its cobbled streets and the sun-trapped stretch of the New Islington canals, I’ve kept on coming back to these:
Pollen Bakery - A bright, bustling bakery located on the canalside, serving the most aesthetically pleasing pastries and cakes I’ve ever seen- including Basque cheesecake, marble cookies and apple sponge. If you have a sweet tooth, this is definitely the place for you!
Just one of the beautiful sweet treats you can try at Pollen Bakery.
Ancoats Coffee Co. - Hidden away inside one of the converted former cotton mills, Ancoats Coffee serve hearty toasties and warm drinks, within a beautiful inner courtyard.
ALBERT SQUARE / PETER STREET / CROSS STREET / KING STREET
Haunt - This classy coffee bar is one of my go-tos- it’s sleek, it’s sophisticated- and it has a daily happy hour! I love the interiors, from the white and black checkered flooring to the cosy mezzanine space- treat yourself to one of the cute cannoli with your coffee (or cocktail) and enjoy the ambiance.
The swankiest surroundings to enjoy your drink of choice in Haunt
92 Degrees - I love this minimalistic space to enjoy a rich, velvety coffee and while away the hours- and their chocolate brownies (with a Freddo on top) are pretty special!
Ezra and Gil - forever a popular choice on the weekends, Ezra and Gil serve everything from homemade banana bread to fresh pasta dishes- and their oat milk cappuccino is the creamiest I’ve ever tasted.
I love the decor in Ezra and Gil’s Peter Street branch
Bold Street Coffee - Originating on its namesake street in Liverpool, I’m so happy we’ve now got our own branch in Manchester! The brunch menu is insanely tasty (homemade veggie buoys, I’m looking at you) and the spirit you catch onto as soon as you walk inside is a real joy when you need a pick me up!
Pot Kettle Black - The coffee shop I’ve been going to the longest of the lot, PKB set the bar for me in terms of great coffee, delicious brunch plates (from the shakshuka to the fresh pastries) and upbeat playlists filtering through this bright, plant-filled space.
Hampton and Vouis - Only tiny, but the coffee is crafted to perfection, and their stunning brunch menu has something for everyone (from stacked pancakes to avocado on sourdough to sweet açai bowls), and their freshly made cookies are the best I’ve ever had (no word of a lie).
Ditto - Last, but certainly not least, is the sun-trapped space of Ditto Coffee, serving hearty brunch plates, great coffee (a fresh pastel de nata on the side is a must) and catchy tunes to while away your afternoon.
Ditto Coffee’s vibrant space is perfect for both lunching and working
And that’s a wrap! There’s still so many more for me to discover, but that’s my roundup so far! It’s truly amazing to have these right on my doorstep, or just a short walk away, and I recommend supporting them and trying them out when you’re next out and about in Manchester. Now I’m off for my next caffeine fix…
