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The 12 Top Independent Coffee Shops to Explore in Manchester
Manchester’s packed with some cracking coffee spots, and it ain’t just about the brew. It’s where we all come to have a natter, get a bit of work done, or just chill with a proper good cuppa.
In this city, finding a top-notch coffee shop is as easy as finding rain clouds over Deansgate – they’re everywhere. But we’re talking the cream of the crop here! In this guide, we’re showing you the ropes to the best independent coffee shops around town.
Foundation Coffee House
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Website: Foundation Coffee House
Address: Sevendale House, Lever St, Manchester M1 1JB, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 238 8633
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 8AM-6PM
- Sat – Sun 9AM-6PM
Right, let’s get into it. Foundation is your go-to if you’re after a spot where you can sprawl out with your mates or crack on with work (cafe to work manchester) without someone giving you the stink eye for taking up space.
They’re all about the coffee here – and not just your standard fare. They’re serving up some proper interesting drinks, and yeah, they’ve got your back if you’re into your health kicks with their food options too.
It’s airy, it’s cool, and it’s got a vibe that’s just right for Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
| Pro tip: Their range of non-dairy milks is a bit of a lifesaver if you’re looking to mix up your usual. |
Takk
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Website: Takk
Address: 6 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF, United Kingdom
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM
- Sat 9AM-5PM
- Sun 10AM-4PM
Takk’s the one when you’re after something a bit more chill, with a touch of Icelandic cool. They’re not messing about with their coffee – it’s sourced ethically from El Salvador, and their guest blends and espressos are always on point.
Not into the wild and wacky drinks? No worries, they agree. None of that beetroot latte nonsense here – just solid, delicious coffee and a lovely brunch menu.
We’re talking brioche French toast, lemon ricotta pancakes, and the kind of eggs that make you want to get out of bed in the morning.
| Pro tip: Their guest blends change regularly, so there’s always something new to try. Give it a go, you won’t regret it. |
Another Heart to Feed
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Website: Another Heart to Feed
Address: 77-79 Chapel St, Salford M3 5BZ, United Kingdom
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 8AM-12AM
- Sat 9AM-12:30AM
- Sun 9AM-12AM
Over in Salford, Another Heart to Feed is doing bits with its Melbourne-inspired vibes. If you’re after a coffee that’s a bit out there, like a beetroot, turmeric, or matcha latte, they’ve got you covered.
Their brunch is something else – from shakshuka and Turkish eggs to sweet apple tacos that’ll sort you right out. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, the cherry Bakewell blondie is a game-changer.
Overall, Another Heart to Feed is a proper nice spot with a menu that keeps on giving.
| Pro tip: Their homemade bakes are not to be missed, especially the blondie. |
Trove
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Website: Trove Cafe
Address: 1032, 1034, Stockport Rd, Manchester M19 3WX, United Kingdom
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Wed 8AM-3PM
- Thur – Fri 8AM-10PM
- Sat 8:30AM-10PM
- Sun 9AM-3PM
Levenshulme’s Trove is a bit of a local legend. It’s not just a café; it’s like the heartbeat of the community. With a focus on everything organic and homemade, it’s the spot where you feel good about what you’re tucking into.
They’re all about the ethical bean life, making sure every cuppa has a conscience behind it. And let’s talk about their bread for a sec – it’s the kind of stuff you dream about on a carb-free diet.
The place has a vibe that’s just effortlessly cool. You walk in, and it’s like you’ve entered the living room of the most hospitable person in Manchester, but with better coffee and a cracking selection of cakes and pastries.
| Pro tip: Do yourself a favour and get some of their homemade jam on the side – you won’t regret it. |
Ezra & Gil
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Website: Ezra & Gil
Address: 20 Hilton St, Manchester M1 1FR, United Kingdom
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 7:30AM-8PM
- Sat – Sun 8AM-7PM
Now, Ezra & Gil in the Northern Quarter, that’s where you head when you want a coffee with character in a place that feels like it was made for Instagram but doesn’t try too hard. It’s spacious, it’s got a bit of an industrial edge, and it’s buzzing from dawn till dusk.
The team behind the counter? They’re wizards with a coffee machine – whether you’re after a classic cup or something a bit more adventurous.
And when it comes to food, they’ve got it nailed. It’s hearty and wholesome! Whether you’re nursing a hangover with a breakfast bap or fueling up for the day with their epic brunch options, it’s all good here.
| Pro tip: The avocado on toast here is next level. Add a poached egg, and you’re golden. |
Fig + Sparrow
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Website: Fig & Sparrow
Address: 20 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JA, UK.
Contact Details: 0161 228 1843.
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 8AM-7PM
- Sat 9AM-7PM
- Sun 10AM-7PM
Fig + Sparrow on Oldham Street is a go-to when you fancy a brew with a side of homely vibes; it’s quaint, it’s quirky, and it’s got a warmth that’s as inviting as their coffee. The place doubles as a lifestyle store, so you can sip on your latte surrounded by all sorts of cool bits.
But it’s not just the décor that’s on point – their menu is commendable. Breakfast is a feast of classics done right, with eggs and avocado on sourdough leading the charge, and French toast that’s so good it feels like a treat.
For lunch, the sandwiches are the stuff of legends, and the salads and soups are perfect for when you’re trying to be good. And those chocolates from Cocco Chocolatier? Absolutely divine.
| Pro tip: Pick up one of those Cocco Chocolatier chocolates with your coffee. The passion fruit dark chocolate is a banger with their espresso. |
Federal
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Website: Federal Cafe & Bar
Address: 9 Nicholas Croft, Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1EY, England
Contact Details: +44 161 425 0974
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun 8AM-5PM
Federal – this spot is a bit of a legend around the Northern Quarter. Run by a British-Portuguese duo, it’s got this Antipodean vibe that’s a bit of a mystery—but, blimey, do they nail it!
It’s like stepping into a café in Sydney or Melbourne, except you’re right here in Manchester. The coffee? Out of this world. Whether you’re after a classic flat white or something a bit more out there like a matcha latte, they’ve got your back.
And, mate, the brunch is where it’s at; cheese lovers, get around the halloumi & shrooms. Then you’ve got the Turkish eggs for something a bit different, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, the French toast with mascarpone and salted caramel will sort you right out.
| Pro tip: Seriously, try the halloumi & shrooms. It’s a game-changer for your brunch routine. |
Idle Hands
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Website: Idle Hands
Address: Dale House, 35 Dale Street, NQ, Manchester, M1 2HF
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 8:30AM-5PM (Kitchen 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
- Sat 10AM-5PM
- Sun 10AM-4PM (Kitchen 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM)
Idle Hands is a gem, tucked away and doing things with coffee that’ll make you rethink your usual order. They’re all about ethical, sustainably-sourced beans from places like Ethiopia, Brazil, and Uganda, courtesy of Elsewhere Coffee.
The vibes here are as good as the brews, making it the perfect spot to chill with a book or catch up on some work. And the iced latte? It’s like they’ve bottled a bit of Manchester sunshine – absolutely banging.
It’s the kind of place that makes you proud to be part of this city, with its commitment to quality and sustainability without taking itself too seriously.
| Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying the iced latte. It’s a proper treat, especially on those rare sunny Manchester days. |
Chapter One Books
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Website: Chapter One Books
Address: Chapter One Books, 23 Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1BY
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-9PM
Picture this: You walk into Chapter One Books, greeted by the soothing sound of a fountain right in the entrance – talk about making an entrance. The place is decked out with comfy sofas, communal tables, and proper desks that beat any window bar for getting some work done.
Alongside the classic coffee offerings, Chapter One boasts a huge range of teas – from chai to berry, rooibos, cherry, vanilla, and mint. For those looking for something a bit different, their speciality drinks like matcha, hot chocolate, and the Manchester fog.
| Pro tip: Settle down in one of those comfy sofas with a Manchester fog in hand. It’s the perfect companion to a good book or a bit of people-watching. |
Ancoats Coffee Co.
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Website: Ancoats Coffee Co.
Address: Royal Mills, 17 Redhill Street, Unit 9, Manchester, M4 5BA, England
Contact Details: +44 161 228 3211
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri : 8:30AM-5PM
- Sat 9AM-5PM
- Sunday: Closed
Ancoats Coffee Co. takes the coffee game seriously, and it shows. This place isn’t just serving coffee; they’re crafting it, with beans roasted on-site using a 6kg Giesen roaster.
Their commitment to sustainability is evident in every step of the process, from sourcing Rainforest Alliance Certified™ or Organic Certified beans directly from farmers and producers to composting used husks and donating imperfect batches to local charities.
The vibe is industrial, reflecting Ancoats’ rich heritage, but the coffee is anything but old-fashioned. With a focus on quality and sustainability, Ancoats Coffee Co. is a beacon for coffee lovers who care about where their coffee comes from and how it’s made.
| Pro tip: Ask the team about the beans they’re currently roasting. Not only will you get a mini-education in coffee, but you’ll also find out which brew best suits your taste buds. |
Just Between Friends Coffee
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Website: Just Between Friends Coffee
Address: 56 TIB STREET, MANCHESTER, M4 1LG
Contact Details: +44 (0) 7818 022169
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 07:30AM-4PM
- Sat – Sun: 08:30AM-4PM
Just Between Friends Coffee, nestled on Tib Street, is that cosy nook you’ve been searching for. It’s the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret among friends, hence the name.
The vibe here is all about community and connection, making it the perfect spot for a catch-up with mates or a solo coffee date with your book or laptop.
Their coffee selection is top-notch, with each cup prepared with care and a deep respect for the bean. They offer everything from your morning espresso to kickstart your day, to more intricate brews for the coffee aficionado looking to try something new.
| Pro tip: Try their signature brew or ask the barista for their current favourite. It’s a great way to discover a new blend and get a little insight into the coffee culture that Just Between Friends is known for. |
Pot Kettle Black
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Website: Pot Kettle Black
Address: Barton Arcade, Manchester, M3 2BW
Operating Hours:
- Sun – Fri 9AM-4PM
- Sat 9AM-5PM
Pot Kettle Black isn’t just easy on the eyes, thanks to its spot in a Grade II listed Victorian beauty with all its original tiles and glass ceilings, but it’s also smashing it in the coffee department.
PKB is where you go when you want a proper brew, not just a quick caffeine hit. They’ve taken a leaf out of the Aussie coffee book, focusing on quality that’d make any coffee snob nod in approval.
And it’s not all about the drinks; the food here is spot on, too. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty brunch, a fresh salad, or just some baked goods, they’ve got you covered.
| Pro tip: Make sure to try their baked goods. Pair your coffee with something from the bakery for a proper treat. |
