The best cafés in Manchester

The best cafés in Manchester

There's lots of choice when it comes to good coffee in Manchester, with dedicated coffee roasters and proficient baristas plying their wares on every other corner. Deciding which one to try can be an exhausting task, but that's what we're here for. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur, a lover of cosy corners, or in search of the perfect brunch spot, our guide to the best cafés in Manchester has something for everyone. From trendy, minimalist coffee houses to charming, book-lined nooks, this guide will take you through Manchester's best coffee shops. Conveniently, it also makes for quality reading over a nice cup of coffee.

Daniel Sheppard, Content Writer UK, Thatsup Daniel Sheppard, Content Writer UK, Thatsup
Daniel Sheppard
  1. Where to go for coffee in Manchester
    1. 1
      200 Degrees Work-friendly café in Manchester city centre
    2. 2
      All The Shapes Popular local café in Prestwich
    3. 3
      The Koffee Pot Traditional British café-cum-diner
    4. 4
      Foundation Coffee House Industrial-style cafés serving food and drinks
    5. 5
      Another Heart To Feed Aussie café in the centre of Manchester
    6. 6
      Ezra & Gil Beloved breakfast and brunch cafés
    7. 7
      Ancoats Coffee Co. Manchester's own coffee roasters
    8. 8
      Federal Coffee in the land down under
    9. 9
      Bold Street Coffee From Liverpool to Manchester
    10. 10
      Fig + Sparrow Classic coffee shop in the Northern Quarter
    11. 11
      Sugar Junction Peak cosiness
    12. 12
      Idle Hands Can't go wrong with coffee and pie
    13. 13
      Café Sanjuan Authentic Colombian coffee
    14. 14
      Grindsmith Trendy Manchester café with striking interior
    15. 15
      Chapter One Books Curl up with a good book
    16. 16
      Pot Kettle Black Among Manchester's top brunch cafés
    17. 17
      Siop Shop Nip in for a doughnut or two
    18. 18
      Feel Good Club Good vibes only

Where to go for coffee in Manchester

Manchester's best cafés and coffee shops

200 Degrees

Work-friendly café in Manchester city centre

Established in Nottingham in 2012, 200 Degrees has expanded nationwide, spreading its dedication to artisanal coffee. They roast their beans at a lower-than-usual 200 degrees for a richer taste and operate barista schools offering courses for all abilities. Their Manchester coffee shop is a good spot to get some work done as it features free Wi-Fi and a bookable meeting room, as well as serving fresh food and speciality coffee throughout the day.

All The Shapes

Popular local café in Prestwich

Spread over two floors, All The Shapes in Prestwich is a modern café and bar featuring a stylish interior and extensive outdoor seating. The kitchen offers a seasonal brunch menu, including dishes like spring eggs and signature breakfast tacos, alongside hot drinks, cocktails, and other beverages. During weekend evenings, the venue stays open late and frequently features DJs, establishing it as a favoured local spot.

The Koffee Pot – Cafés
The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot – Cafés
The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot – Cafés
The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot – Cafés
The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot – Cafés
The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot – Cafés
The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot – Cafés
The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot – Cafés
The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot – Cafés
The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot – Cafés
The Koffee Pot

The Koffee Pot

Traditional British café-cum-diner

The Koffee Pot, a beloved café in Manchester, is appreciated for its quintessential British charm and impressive breakfast and brunch offerings, featuring both traditional and innovative dishes like full English breakfasts and vegan options. The café interior exudes a retro flair with colourful leather booths and art-adorned walls, making it a vibrant gathering spot for both locals and visitors.

Foundation Coffee House Meadowside Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter Foundation Coffee House Portland Street Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street Foundation Coffee House Deansgate
Foundation Coffee House Meadowside
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Portland Street
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Deansgate
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Meadowside Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter Foundation Coffee House Portland Street Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street Foundation Coffee House Deansgate

Industrial-style cafés serving food and drinks

Foundation Coffee House operates several locations across Manchester, all designed with a bright and contemporary industrial style. These cafés are great for enjoying a coffee paired with a cake or brownie, or indulging in more substantial breakfast and brunch options. They also cater to a variety of events. The menu features light fare such as granola and porridge, alongside sandwiches, fry-ups, and toast topped with choices like avocado, mushrooms, or eggs.

  • 21 Aspin Ln 48-50 Whitworth St, Manchester City Centre Lever Street, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter 11 Portland Street, Manchester City Centre 247 Chapel St, Salford 125 Deansgate, Manchester City Centre
    Foundation Coffee House Meadowside
    21 Aspin Ln
    Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street
    48-50 Whitworth St, Manchester City Centre
    Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter
    Lever Street, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
    Foundation Coffee House Portland Street
    11 Portland Street, Manchester City Centre
    Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street
    247 Chapel St, Salford
    Foundation Coffee House Deansgate
    125 Deansgate, Manchester City Centre
  • Foundation Coffee House Meadowside
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Portland Street
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Deansgate
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street
    016-123 886 33
    Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter
    016-123 886 33
  • Foundation Coffee House Meadowside Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter Foundation Coffee House Portland Street Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street Foundation Coffee House Deansgate

Another Heart To Feed

Aussie café in the centre of Manchester

Another Heart To Feed is a lively café with an Australian influence, offering a relaxed brunch setting by day and turning into a dynamic drinks spot by night. During the day, it serves brunch classics such as avocado toast and chilli scrambled eggs, complemented by both hot drinks and alcoholic cocktails. In the evening, it becomes a top venue for enjoying a glass of wine with charcuterie and assorted small plates.

Ezra & Gil Hilton Street Ezra & Gil Peter Street
Ezra & Gil Hilton Street
ezraandgil.co.uk
Ezra & Gil Peter Street
ezraandgil.co.uk
Ezra & Gil Hilton Street Ezra & Gil Peter Street

Beloved breakfast and brunch cafés

Ezra & Gil is a popular breakfast and brunch destination in Manchester, offering an extensive all-day menu. You can enjoy everything from traditional brunch items like eggs Benedict, pancakes, and fry-ups to global delights including pasta, salads, and poke bowls at this café, and cocktails are also on hand to complement the meal. The contemporary industrial cafés also let you stock up with groceries and artisanal products.

  • 20 Hilton St, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter 49 Peter St, Manchester City Centre
    Ezra & Gil Hilton Street
    20 Hilton St, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
    Ezra & Gil Peter Street
    49 Peter St, Manchester City Centre
  • Ezra & Gil Hilton Street
    ezraandgil.co.uk
    Ezra & Gil Peter Street
    ezraandgil.co.uk
  • Ezra & Gil Hilton Street Ezra & Gil Peter Street
Ancoats Coffee Co. Ancoats Ancoats Coffee Co. 111 Piccadilly
Ancoats Coffee Co. Ancoats
ancoats-coffee.co.uk/ancoats-cafe
Ancoats Coffee Co. 111 Piccadilly
ancoats-coffee.co.uk/111-piccadilly
Ancoats Coffee Co. Ancoats Ancoats Coffee Co. 111 Piccadilly

Manchester's own coffee roasters

Ancoats Coffee Co. is an artisan coffee roastery in Manchester dedicated to delivering high quality coffee for both home brewing and immediate consumption. Drop by their cafés to try their speciality coffees in a welcoming, community-focused setting. The Ancoats branch regularly hosts cuppings, workshops, and other fun, informative events, whilst the Piccadilly coffee shop offers a work-friendly space for ticking off your to-do list.

  • 17 Redhill St, Ancoats, Ancoats 111 Piccadilly, Manchester City Centre
    Ancoats Coffee Co. Ancoats
    17 Redhill St, Ancoats, Ancoats
    Ancoats Coffee Co. 111 Piccadilly
    111 Piccadilly, Manchester City Centre
  • Ancoats Coffee Co. Ancoats
    ancoats-coffee.co.uk/ancoats-cafe
    Ancoats Coffee Co. 111 Piccadilly
    ancoats-coffee.co.uk/111-piccadilly
    Ancoats Coffee Co. Ancoats
    016-123 684 94
  • Ancoats Coffee Co. Ancoats Ancoats Coffee Co. 111 Piccadilly
Federal Northern Quarter Federal Deansgate Federal Oxford Road Federal Altrincham Market
Federal Northern Quarter
federalcafe.co.uk
Federal Deansgate
federalcafe.co.uk
Federal Oxford Road
federalcafe.co.uk
Federal Altrincham Market
federalcafe.co.uk
Federal Northern Quarter Federal Deansgate Federal Oxford Road Federal Altrincham Market

Coffee in the land down under

Self-styled masters of Antipodean brunch Federal run several outlets across Manchester, offering a menu laden with brunch staples like smashed avocado on sourdough, French toast, and Turkish eggs. A selection of speciality coffees and cocktails are also available. These cafés are warm and inviting, with lush foliage and decor, and even stock Tim Tams and other Australian treats.

  • 9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter 194 Deansgate, Manchester City Centre/Spinningfields Circle Square, Oxford Rd, Manchester City Centre Altrincham Market, Greenwood St
    Federal Northern Quarter
    9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
    Federal Deansgate
    194 Deansgate, Manchester City Centre/Spinningfields
    Federal Oxford Road
    Circle Square, Oxford Rd, Manchester City Centre
    Federal Altrincham Market
    Altrincham Market, Greenwood St
  • Federal Northern Quarter
    federalcafe.co.uk
    Federal Deansgate
    federalcafe.co.uk
    Federal Oxford Road
    federalcafe.co.uk
    Federal Altrincham Market
    federalcafe.co.uk
    Federal Northern Quarter
    016-142 509 74
    Federal Deansgate
    016-183 308 90
    Federal Oxford Road
    016-197 466 10
    Federal Altrincham Market
    016-194 142 61
  • Federal Northern Quarter Federal Deansgate Federal Oxford Road Federal Altrincham Market
Bold Street Coffee Cross Street Bold Street Coffee University Green Bold Street Coffee Spinningfields
Bold Street Coffee Cross Street
boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/cross-street-manchester
Bold Street Coffee University Green
boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/university-green
Bold Street Coffee Spinningfields
boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/spinningfields
Bold Street Coffee Cross Street Bold Street Coffee University Green Bold Street Coffee Spinningfields

From Liverpool to Manchester

Originally from Liverpool, Bold Street Coffee has expanded to Manchester, featuring stylish modern venues dedicated to delicious speciality coffee, all-day breakfast, and lunch offerings, along with delightful sweet treats. The café menu boasts a variety of choices including sandwiches, cooked breakfasts, and healthier options such as porridge or granola.

  • 53 Cross St, Manchester City Centre 140 Oxford Rd
    Bold Street Coffee Cross Street
    53 Cross St, Manchester City Centre
    Bold Street Coffee University Green
    140 Oxford Rd
  • Bold Street Coffee Cross Street
    boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/cross-street-manchester
    Bold Street Coffee University Green
    boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/university-green
    Bold Street Coffee Spinningfields
    boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/spinningfields
  • Bold Street Coffee Cross Street Bold Street Coffee University Green Bold Street Coffee Spinningfields

Fig + Sparrow

Classic coffee shop in the Northern Quarter

This independent café in Manchester is passionate about its coffee, offering artisanal brews in a cosy, bustling setting. While many customers drop in for a quick caffeine fix to-go, Fig + Sparrow also serves up breakfast and brunch options, including muffins, various toasts, granola, and eggs. Due to its popularity and compact size, securing a table can be challenging, though outdoor seating is available too.

Sugar Junction

Peak cosiness

Sugar Junction is a charming café inspired by a passion for baking, wholesome cuisine, top quality coffee, and retro aesthetics. The decor features china tea sets, vintage posters, and period-appropriate music, creating an ambience that harks back to a nostalgic era. This complements their homemade cakes and freshly-prepared dishes, including afternoon tea and all-day brunch.

Idle Hands

Can't go wrong with coffee and pie

Idle Hands is a cosy café in Manchester celebrated for its daily offerings of freshly-baked sweet pies and cakes, featuring flavours such as salted caramel apple, pecan, and cookie dough. The café also offers an all-day brunch menu with comforting dishes like slow-stewed beans on sourdough and traditional fry-ups. To accompany your meal, enjoy coffee sourced from a rotating selection of roasters. Idle Hands can get pretty busy, so you might have to wait a bit to be seated.

Café Sanjuan

Authentic Colombian coffee

Café Sanjuan in Stockport town centre is run by a Colombian family, who import their coffee beans from their native country and roast them themselves – try a cup with a signature pinch of salt to boost the flavour profile. Whilst there, don't miss out on the Colombian breakfasts or other authentic dishes. The friendly café offers both indoor and outdoor seating and has a lively atmosphere.

Grindsmith

Trendy Manchester café with striking interior

Grindsmith was founded with the goal of bringing exceptional coffee to Manchester, emphasising not only the serving of coffee but also the education and inspiration of the community in appreciating the craft. Their chic café in Salford is designed with a minimalist aesthetic, featuring contemporary chandeliers, a custom bar, and a stained glass window. The café also offers a selection of food.

Chapter One Books

Curl up with a good book

Chapter One Books, an independent bookshop in Manchester, is a prime location for getting lost in a good book. This combined café and book store provides a comfortable setting where you can discover your next favourite read, savour a slice of cake, and discuss literature with the staff or fellow visitors. Open daily, the venue frequently organises events including open mic nights, book clubs, writing workshops, and more.

Pot Kettle Black Angel Gardens Pot Kettle Black Barton Arcade
Pot Kettle Black Angel Gardens
potkettleblackltd.co.uk/angel-gardens
Pot Kettle Black Barton Arcade
potkettleblackltd.co.uk/barton-arcade
Pot Kettle Black Angel Gardens
@pkb_angelgardens
Pot Kettle Black Barton Arcade
@pkb_bartonarcade
Pot Kettle Black Angel Gardens Pot Kettle Black Barton Arcade

Among Manchester's top brunch cafés

Pot Kettle Black is a collection of Antipodean-style cafés in Manchester, offering an extensive brunch menu all day long. Patrons can enjoy a variety of options including avocado toast, egg dishes, smoothie bowls, along with light lunches and freshly-baked goodies. Artisan coffee and a selection of other beverages are also available. The Angel Gardens location also features Sunday roasts and regularly hosts comedy cabaret events, whilst the city centre branch resides in the beautiful Barton Arcade.

  • 1 Rochdale Rd Barton Arcade, Barton Sq, Manchester City Centre
    Pot Kettle Black Angel Gardens
    1 Rochdale Rd
    Pot Kettle Black Barton Arcade
    Barton Arcade, Barton Sq, Manchester City Centre
  • Pot Kettle Black Angel Gardens
    potkettleblackltd.co.uk/angel-gardens
    Pot Kettle Black Barton Arcade
    potkettleblackltd.co.uk/barton-arcade
  • Pot Kettle Black Angel Gardens Pot Kettle Black Barton Arcade

Siop Shop

Nip in for a doughnut or two

If you love baked goods, make sure to add Siop Shop in Tib Street in Manchester to your list of places to visit. Their doughnuts have developed a cult following thanks to their inventive flavours, alongside traditional favourites like jam and custard. Along with these sweet treats, they offer buns, savoury snacks, and coffee, all tied together by an easygoing ambience.

Feel Good Club

Good vibes only

Manchester's Feel Good Club is dedicated to promoting positivity through its food, drinks, and community-focused events. Located in the Northern Quarter, this shabby-chic café offers brunch and lunch options during the day, alongside a selection of hot coffee, cocktails, beers, and other beverages. In the evenings, it transforms into a vibrant bar hosting events like cabaret nights, spoken word performances, comedy shows, and more.

Cafés – About the guide

The best cafés in Manchester - Our guide to the best cafés in Manchester is updated regularly. If you know of a great Manchester café that we haven't featured in our guide, feel free to get in touch. Please let us know if you see any mistakes in our guide to the best cafés in Manchester. Have you visited any of the coffee shops mentioned in the guide? Don't forget to write a review on Thatsup.

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