When we were travelling, I always made it a priority to find – or make – good coffee. This proved hard in some places (like Malaysia, with their packet mixes *shudder*), especially if we were staying in an Airbnb in a remote town and didn’t have a coffee maker. We were even known to resort to some slightly more creative methods of making coffee without a machine, such was our desire for a good brew.
So when we moved to Manchester, I was determined to hunt out the coffee shops that serve the best cuppa. There’s a time and a place for a syrup-infused coffee from Starbucks (airports, road trips, etc.) but when it comes to really good quality coffee, independent shops and roasters are where it’s at.
With that in mind, here are nine of my favourite independent coffee shops in Manchester. Most of them serve up the prettiest lattes and flat whites you’ll ever lay your eyes on, in quirky surroundings. Plus, you’re helping small local businesses every time you buy from them!
Pot Kettle Black
Pot Kettle Black is my go-to place for coffee (and a surprisingly delicious brunch) when I’m in the centre of Manchester. They’re located within the gorgeous confines of Barton Arcade, where their coffee art is almost as impressive as their Victorian surroundings. They serve a great range of coffee drinks, including a ‘Wilson’, an espresso poured over coconut water.
Barbecue Coffee and Roastery
Barbecue is located in the Manchester neighbourhood of Chorlton and takes its name from the previous occupant of the building, who supposedly served barbecued chicken. They roast their own beans on-site (under the brand name Passionfruit Coffee) and even serve up Aeropress and V60 style coffees.
Takk
Located in a rather unassuming red-stone building in the Northern Quarter, Takk is an artisan coffee shop that takes its dĂ©cor inspiration from Scandinavia and Iceland. They source amazing coffee from all around Europe (they’ve even been known to have beans from Lot Sixty One, one of my favourite coffee shops in Amsterdam) and their all-day brunch menu is a delight.
North Tea Power
Another Northern Quarter contender, North Tea Power is actually more spacious than its exterior would suggest and they even boast an outdoor terrace when the weather’s fine. Their coffee menu is impressive, including matcha lattes, piccolos and affogato, and that’s not to even mention their extensive tea range. Beer and brunch are also available here.
Ancoats Coffee Co.
Ancoats Coffee Co. is definitely worth the walk from the centre of town, if only for their unique location within the historic Royal Mills building. They take their coffee roasting seriously, selling individual bags online and in-store and even offering a subscription service for coffee lovers. And their homemade cakes aren’t too shabby either.
Grindsmith
Grindsmith seems to have gone from strength to strength in the last few years, with three different locations across the city and Salford, including an eco-friendly wooden ‘pod’ shop located close to Manchester Cathedral. They focus on sourcing sustainable and ethical coffee beans and regularly host tasting events and even live acoustic music nights (at their Media City site).
Foundation Coffee House
‘Chic minimalism’ is the only way to describe the dĂ©cor and design of Foundation Coffee House. Located on Lever Street in the Northern Quarter, this artistic coffee shop strays a little from the norm, with menu items like bulletproof coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee. They also have a big cake and sandwich menu, as well as smoothies and protein shakes.
Lupo Caffe Italiano
Lupo is technically located in Salford (but let’s not split hairs) and as it’s owned by a real-life Italian, there was never going to be any doubt that the coffee produced here would be the genuine article. It’s small yet perfectly formed and the only thing that is more exciting than the cups of coffee is the authentic Italian food menu; two freshly-cooked main meals each day and a selection of drool-worthy continental cakes.
Common Ground
A new kid on the block, Common Ground has only just recently opened in Altrincham, directly opposite the Market House. It’s owned in part by a girlfriend of one of the owners of Pot Kettle Black (an Olympian athlete herself) and if they are in any way copying the same business model then they’re in for a winner. Brunches and coffee are beautifully presented and the large front window opens out to make it feel much more spacious inside.
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