Rise and grind: it’s a well-known fact that Mancunians absolutely love their coffee. No lie, I’ve seen many gulp the caffeine-rich nectar down their gullets like its water. But who creates the dopest doppio? Slings out essential affogatos as if there’s no tomorrow? And while we ponder if coffee really is the only source of energy we have to power us through the day, check out our guide to the cosiest cafes and best coffee shops in Manchester. Hit me with your best shot...
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Best For: Monthly Specials
Ezra and Gil Peter Street
A honey and pistachio brew? You don't need to ask us twice. The sister venue to Hilton Street, Ezra & Gil Manchester doesn't accept reservations but it's well worth the queue. Prepare for salmon pancakes with smashed avocado, droolworthy BBQ chicken melts and savoury French toast inside stunning industrial-chic surrounds.
Best coffee shops in Manchester city centre? These cats are known for it.
Best For: A Springtime Cortado
Fig + Sparrow
Standing proud along Oldham Street, Fig and Sparrow is decked out in pretty fairy lights and has been keeping locals going since 2013. This neighbourhood gem, and one of the best cafes in Manchester city centre, also promises an enviable selection of authentic teas including Jade Monkey. They even have an exclusive blend by Grindsmith Coffee Roasters. If the weather is nice, check out their nifty outdoor terrace and mint-coloured chairs, ideal for watching the world go by.
There are excellent vegan options to choose from at these unique cafes in Manchester.
Best For: Sunny Aussie Vibes
Federal Cafe
Another spot that's walk-in only is Federal Cafe, bagging prime positions for coffee shops in the Northern Quarter, Oxford Road, Deansgate and Altrincham Market. You might have spotted these Antipodean-inspired hangouts on TikTok or by the lines of people around the block, eager to secure a place. And we can see why, as it's been named in the world's top ten independent cafes list. The divine shakshuka has returned to the menu, alongside corn fritters and bacon 'n' beetroot lattes. Boozehounds, don't miss the peach and Aperol martinis too, they're to die for.
Whether you like black coffee or prefer something milkier, this leafy haven is a firm choice.
Best For: Iced Coffee
Blank Street Coffee Manchester
With fans including Molly-Mae no less, everyone went crazy over the Blank Street Coffee Manchester menu when the Piccadilly Gardens hub opened towards the end of last year, its first in the city. Hailing from Brooklyn, this stylish sage green emporium has its own bespoke cold brew collections and zingy one-offs like the strawberry cream fusion. Bring on the summer, we say...
After marvelling at Blank Street Coffee, we can officially confirm the pastel colour scheme and drinks are dreamy as hell.
Best For: Instagrammable Pours
Cocoa Cabana Ancoats
Coming in hot is Cocoa Cabana Ancoats. Yes, we realise they pride themselves on experimental chocolates but the coffee is bang on, especially the matcha blends and pumpkin spiced lattes (our favourite whatever the season). Oh, did we mention the buzzing location and gorgeous pink decor too? It's bright, airy and ideal for tucking into colossal homemade brownies while a flat white goes down smoothly. If you Google 'cute cafe Manchester', you'll find a pic of this one, that's for sure.
Reckon this space tops the podium for Instagrammable cafes in Manchester?
Best For: A Break From WFH With An Americano
Foundation Coffee House Manchester
Bright white tiles, exposed brickwork, statement globe lighting and towering, lush foliage: Foundation Coffee Shop Manchester is a must for those who have espresso running through their veins. The new Redonda blend brings together notes of cherry, praline and brown sugar, served without milk to really appreciate the flavour. You can even hire the whole place for photoshoots, meetings, weddings and pop-ups.
Foundation Coffee Manchester has four outposts, including Whitworth Street and Meadowside, meaning you're never too far away.
Best For: Vibrant
Art
Bold Street Coffee Manchester
In 2021, Bold Street Coffee made its way to Cross Street Manchester, having taken Liverpool by storm with graffiti-covered walls, inspiring community spirit, and, not forgetting, delicious coffee. Fill up on a full English before hitting the shops, or speed up your dreary daily tasks with a mug of silky good stuff from Papa New Guinea (opening hours during the week are 8am until 6pm).
These latte drawings are something else, how do they do it?
Best For: Quirky Fun From Across The Pond
Moose Coffee Manchester
No rundown is complete without a mention of Manchester Moose Coffee, spanning across Liverpool and Leeds too. These caffeine captains draw inspiration from the great American and Canadian breakfast culture, with desired items including creamy scrambled eggs mixed with pesto and cured ham. But let's talk quaffs. The standard is high here, with frothy cappuccinos proving especially popular. The astronaut artwork is seriously epic too, you can even buy posters and tea towels to take home.
We mean business with these independent coffee shops in Manchester.
Best For: Joining The Creative Types With A Macchiato
TAKK
It's not just us who craves java by the bucketload, Iceland does as well. Bringing a slice of Reykjavik to the North West is TAKK Coffee House Manchester. There are three sites to choose from (Tariff Street, Oxford Road and University Green) all serving up single-origin coffees that change weekly, plus the seasonal specials are worth keeping an eye on too. Our advice? Ignore the lockdown memories and make a beeline straight for the moist banana bread.
The words TAKK coffee Manchester is on everyone's lips.
Best For: Drinks On The Go
Black Sheep Coffee Manchester
You'll find Black Sheep Coffee all over the world, from the UK to France and even as far as the Philippines. Although large in number, they don't scrimp on quality and have incredible initiatives to combat homelessness (they've won awards you know). Alongside smoothies and shakes, these roasting legends whip up signature 'black hoof' using speciality-grade robusta beans.
How do you like your coffee? If only an IV drip were possible.
If brunch is more your style, browse through our guide to the coolest here and don't miss an update with the Manchester newsletter.
