the best work-friendly coffee shops in manchester
As a remote worker, I’ve spent the last few years discovering the best places in Manchester city centre to bring a laptop and indulge in true focus time, alongside good coffee. And it’s about time I shared the list I’ve built, all according to the following [very important] criteria:
free and reliable wifi
plenty of plug sockets to stay charged up
a relaxed atmosphere [background noise isn’t too loud, and it feels like you can ease into work and stay the whole morning/afternoon]
I’ve done the research- involving lots of caffeinated delights- while exploring Manchester’s coffee offering. Here are the results: the places that make the cut [I might add to this list in future so feel free to bookmark it for future reference!] :
Haunt MCR
@haunt.mcr | 58 Peter Street
The OG of my coffee shop working escapades. With stylish surroundings and a soothing soundtrack, it has a bright space downstairs and a quiet mezzanine floor where you can tuck yourself away.
200 Degrees
@200degs | 75 Mosley Street
A relaxed informal space that always seems to have a considerable amount of people with laptops out. The high stools at the front are the best place to sit if you fancy a little people watching for your screen breaks.
Ditto
@ditto.coffee | Union, Albert Square
The window seats of their Albert Square site get wonderfully sun-drenched if you time your visit well. They also have delicious smoothies and pastéis de nata if you fancy yourself a treat.
92 Degrees
@92degreesuk | John Dalton Street/Quay Street
Both the John Dalton Street and Spinningfields sites make calm places to focus. At the former you can find a nook of quiet upstairs, that overlooks the minimalistic coffee shop below, and at the latter you’ll be surrounded by lovely green plants. Both guarantee good coffee and a light, airy space to work.
Bold Street Coffee
@boldstreetcoffee | 140 Oxford Road
The University Green branch is a vibrant place to settle for an afternoon of work. Some tables appear to be repurposed ‘desk’ spaces to well compliment your productivity. Make sure to participate in their daily customer polls at the till!
Foundation
@fdncoffee | 11 Portland Street
You might think the Picadilly Gardens site wouldn’t make the most calming setting for work, but you’d be surprised. Bright, sleek and complete with the perfect people-watching window seats, I’ve indulged in gratifying focus time here a few times.
Nomad
@nomadcoffeemanc | 24 Lever Street
Boasting good tunes and a chilled space for working (or grabbing one of their fresh focaccia sandwiches), Nomad is appropriately named for the remote workers amongst us. I particularly like the window seats which give ample space to spread out and the watch the people go by.
Junction
@junctionmcr | Manchester Central, Windmill Street
Aptly named a ‘social workspace’, Junction is made for those that need laptop downtime, coupled with a good coffee or a good lunch. It turns into a bar by night, so caters to both the early birds and night owls- with super friendly, attentive service too. Oh- and dogs are welcome , which makes it even better.
And that’s a wrap! I hope this helps you find those sweet spots in Manchester to get stuff done. Whether you’re popping your headphones on to work your way through a tasklist, or you need a change of scenery to reclaim your productivity, here’s your go-to list.
Buon lavoro!
