If there’s one thing Manchester does incredibly well, it’s coffee shops you’ll want to sit in for hours, watching the day pass by. From the stripped-back, fresh wooden finishes, to botanicals galore – Manchester has some of the best coffee shops to suit every taste and of course give you that caffeine buzz should you need it. Check out our guide to the best coffee shops in Manchester.
1. Foundation Coffee House
Brewers of their own coffee sourced from Peru, Foundation Coffee House knows how to make a good cuppa. Providing a super social space in the heart of the Northern Quarter, their flagship location is the perfect place for freelancers or remote workers to head for a break, with small brunch plates on offer if you’re a little peckish. Overall, they have three sites in the city, so there’s plenty of opportunities to give them a try if you’re in passing. Foundation Coffee House, Sevendale House, Lever St, M1 1JB | Whitworth Street, M1 6JD | Portland Street, M1 3HU.
2. Federal
A popular spot among Mancs for both coffee and brunch, Federal Cafe & Bar has an array of coffees on offer for both drink-in or takeaway. But in addition to their high-quality coffees, the much-loved cafe also serves Australian fave Hot Milo, as well as hot drinks such as beetroot latte, turmeric latte and matcha green tea. Basically, it’s a haven for hot drinks. Federal has two sites across the city. Federal Cafe & Bar, 9 Nicholas Croft, Northern Quarter, M4 1EY | 194 Deansgate, M3 3ND.
3. Bold Street Coffee
Brought to us by our pals over in Liverpool, Bold Street Coffee has become a cult favourite since its 2010 inception. Now with two branches in Manchester on Cross Street and just off Oxford Road, the people of Manchester cannot get enough of these coffee shops thanks to their legendary coffee, as well as the best breakfast sarnies (known as buoys) to rival a certain fast food chain. All of Bold Street Coffee branches are dog-friendly with puppaccinos available on request, plus boast their own range of Bold Street Coffee House coffee beans as well as guest roasts to purchase along with some home brewing equipment so you can get your BSC fix from home. Bold Street Coffee, University Green, Unit 5, 140 Oxford Road, M13 9GP | 53 Cross Street, M2 4JN.
4. Ezra & Gil
A true contender for the best brunch spot in Manchester, Ezra & Gil offers a lively vibe with coffee, large brunch plates and small snacks for those visiting to socialise. Naturally, it attracts freelancers and remote workers by the bucket load, but on a weekend, it becomes a bustling neighbourhood hotspot for those seeking a hangover cure. The place is super urban (and prides itself on being so!), and offers a wide range of hot drinks to relax with. Ezra & Gil, 20 Hilton St, M1 1FR.
5. Ancoats Coffee Co.
Hidden away in Royal Mills, Ancoats, you’ll find a low-lit but welcoming coffee shop called Ancoats Coffee Co. – a lovely little quiet spot where you can work, relax or hide away from the chaos of the city. The speciality coffee roasters source coffee from all over the world, sustainably produced and high quality to bring the best possible flavour to Mancunian coffee fans. In addition to coffee, they also serve pastries, sandwiches and baked goods to accompany. Ancoats Coffee Co., 9, Royal Mill, 17 Redhill St, Ancoats, M4 5BA.
6. Fig + Sparrow
Another city centre spot perfect for working in, Fig + Sparrow is incredibly warm and welcoming, with some outdoor seating allowing guests to take in the hustle and bustle of city life. Serving up top-quality coffee that they sourced from the North East, Fig + Sparrow also sells gifts and design products, too – a great little touch to the cosy independent café. Fig + Sparrow, 20 Oldham St, M1 1JA.
7. Soul & Surf
Soul & Surf is (fairly) new to the Ancoats scene, serving up lovely, aesthetically pleasing coffees along with sweet treats and massive brunches to accompany. A great spot to fulfil both your caffeine craving and your sweet tooth, guests can proper brunches piled high with bacon, sausage, egg and so much more, alongside traditional coffees, as well as stacked waffles, baked treats, and super thick French toast. Soul & Surf, 48 Great Ancoats St, M4 5AB.
8. Grindsmith
Grindsmith has gained quite the cult following of coffee lovers in Manchester, with two sites now open serving their own-brand speciality blends. Each café features simple, stripped-back décor with a casual, laid-back feel that’s perfect for stopping by for a quick brew. As well as seriously good coffee, guests can also enjoy pancakes, toast dishes and other brunch and breakfast items to fill up on at breakfast or lunch. Grindsmith, 62 Bridge St, M3 3BW | 5-6 The Garage, MediaCityUK, Salford, M50 2BS.
9. Pot Kettle Black
A coffee shop that has gone from strength to strength since its opening in 2014, Pot Kettle Black has two locations in Manchester – including Barton Arcade and Spinningfields. The coffee shop is inspired by our friends in Australia and New Zealand, taking pride in coffee culture and experimenting with only the best beans in the game. The chilled coffee shops bring a welcome summer vibe to the city, and if you’re stopping by, we highly recommend you try their bakes too. Pot Kettle Black, 14 Barton Arcade, M3 2BW | 1 Hardman Street, Spinningfields, M3 3AQ.
10. Feel Good Club
Feel Good Club is literally dedicated to helping improve mental wellbeing, not only from the beautifully positive notes left on each coffee cup, but with the spacious, happy décor and mental health first aid trained workforce, too. Now complete with an outdoor terrace, the coffee shop is the perfect place to shut off from the world every once in a while, with brunch dishes and plenty of snacks on the menu to try while you watch the day pass by. Feel Good Club, 26-28 Hilton St, M1 2EH.
10. Factory Coffee
How many spots do you know where you can get a tailor-made suit and a coffee? Well, Factory Coffee offers exactly that. Shortlisted as one of the best coffee shops in Manchester for the Manchester Food & Drink Festival Awards and a fond-favourite of Molly-Mae Hague, it’s gained quite a name for itself despite it having been up and running for just over a year. One way Factory Coffee sets itself apart is not only the tailors Dooley and Rostron housed inside but also its morning raves featuring DJ sets, dancing and plenty of coffee. Factory Coffee also its own micro-bakery producing freshly baked goods every day as well as offering aesthetically-pleasing doughnuts by Dghnt. Factory Coffee, 38 King St West, M3 2WZ
11. Kiosk
If you’re looking for a brew but with a bit of wow factor then Kiosk is one of the best coffee shops in Manchester for that. Transforming a storage cupboard into a full-functioning coffee shop, what Kiosk lacks in space it makes up for with their fresh, delicious coffee served in cute patterned cups coming out of its little hatch. Since there’s no space to sit back inside, Kiosk has a terrace where guests can enjoy delicious coffees supplied by Blossom coffee roasters, organic fizz from Le Social Wine on tap (because there’s zero room for bottles in the cupboard!), beer from First Chop brewery and a classic selection of cocktails; including Negronis, Espresso Martinis, Aperol Spritz, Bloody Mary and Mimosas. Kiosk, Lapwing Lane, West Didsbury, M20 6UT.
12. Lupo
For authentic Italian coffee head north of the Manchester city centre to Prestwich where you’ll find a great coffee shop nestled on an industrial estate. Located on Mountheath Trading Estate just off Bury New Road, Lupo serves up beautiful Italian coffee in cups designed to balance the flavours of a single shot espresso and milk. As you sip your macchiato it might not be Milan and instead Manchester, however order yourself a delicious pastry like cannoli and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Italy. Lupo also serves proper Neapolitan sourdough pizza and aperitivos on Fridays and Saturdays. Lupo, Unit 65, Mountheath Trading Estate, Prestwich, M25 9WE
So there you have it, a rundown of the best coffee shops in Manchester for you to enjoy a brew leisurely or on-the-go. Whether you’re looking to get a coffee to takeaway in order to set you up for the day or want somewhere to catch-up with a friend, colleague or family member with lovely surroundings and un-brew-lievable coffee, get yourself down to one of these spots.