Manchester has been recognised as a pioneer of the Northern coffee scene and it’s easy to see why as the flood of independent coffee shops have well and truly taken over the city. People are now shunning the big brand coffee chains in favour for somewhere a little more quirky with great coffee. Here’s a short guide to some of Manchester’s best coffee hangouts for your next visit to the city.
Ziferblat
Ziferblat is a home-from-home café with a difference; everything in there is completely free apart from the time spent there. Their ethos is simple; you will be welcomed into Ziferblat by their hosts and become a ‘micro-tenant’. Eat, drink, explore, work, study or relax there all at the small price of 8p per minute. If you’re planning on spending the whole day at Ziferblat then your time will be capped at four hours.
23 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HW, www.ziferblat.co.uk
Cat Café
It is what it says on the tin; a café teaming with cute furry feline friends and great cups of coffee. Cat Café’s mission is to create a stress free space for both cats and humans, and the admission price includes unlimited hot and cold drinks and a whole family moggies. Booking is essential when visiting the Cat Café as it gets very busy with fellow cat lovers.
103 High St, Manchester M4 1HQ, www.catcafe.co.uk
Black Milk
Cafés don’t get much quirkier than Black Milk as their menu only consists of delicious cereal concoctions and sweet treats. The menu offers some of your favourite cereals served up in different ways such as the ‘slider’, which is three different cereals served in small bowls. There’s a variety of milk to choice from and ff you want to add a bit of indulgence to your cereal then there’s a choice of toppings including jaffa cakes and mini eggs!
52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW, www.blackmilkcereal.com
Grindsmith Brewbar
Grindsmith are incredibly passionate about their coffee and their aim is to serve you the best coffee in Manchester. Sourcing the best coffee beans in the city, Grindsmith serve up great tasting crafted coffee. They have three locations across Manchester including Deansgate, Media City and their quirky ‘pod’ in Salford.
Greengate Square, Victoria Bridge Street, Manchester M3 5AS, www.grindsmith.com
Sugar Junction
Sugar Junction is a quirky café in the heart of the Northern Quarter and was born from a passion of baking. They celebrate everything vintage, serving up delicious and traditional homemade cakes, wholesome food and of course some excellent tea and coffee. Their décor and atmosphere is completely vintage inspired, with classic China tea sets, war time posters and authentic music. You can also enjoy one of their renowned Afternoon teas.
60 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LG, www.sugarjunction.co.uk
TAKK
Located in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, TAKK coffee house is not just a café but also a creative space. The Nordic inspired coffee house was inspired by travels throughout Scandinavia and Iceland and they serve their very own Nordic Style espresso called North Projekt. They are dedicated to serving the best coffees available in Europe in a unique environment where you can work, relax and enjoy.
6 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF, www.takkmcr.com
GK Gallery & Tea Room
This is a must visit café for all art and tea lovers as their range of incredibly exhibitions and specialist teas is impressive to say the least. They have a huge range of classic and exotic teas specially created by Alison Appleton as well as delicious fair-trade Arabic coffee and homemade cakes.
272 Chapel St, Salford M3 5JZ, www.gkgallery.co.uk/tea-room
