Now boasting three locations in Manchester, Antipodean coffee bar Federal has well and truly earned its place in the city, with queues around the corner of each store every weekend without fail. Known for amazing brunch options all inspired by the land down under, Federal is the perfect place for coffee and a catch up, with airy interiors filled with greenery, reminiscent of a trip to the jungles of New Zealand.
On entry, visitors are greeted by the lovely Federal teams, we can attest to that, who work tirelessly to “offer the city’s sunniest welcome“. From Federal’s adorable doodles that adorn coffee cups and tote bags, to the best quality coffee and brunch, it’s sure to put a smile on your face!
The Federal brunch options are infamous, with separate sections of the menu for breakfast, all day brunch and sandwiches. Breakfast options include granola, porridge, açai bowls, bagels and sourdough, all of which are vegetarian or vegan, making sure you get a nutritious start to your day.
The wildly popular all day brunch menu spans the gamut of Australian and New Zealand inspired dishes, including classics like banana bread, avo and poached eggs on toast and eggs benedict. The incredible sounding halloumi and shrooms is served on sourdough toast with the signature Fed sauce, and the Turkish eggs come with a gorgeous mixture of whipped garlic yoghurt, hot chilli butter and za’atar all on the same delicious sourdough base.
Steak and eggs is also a staple on the menu, which comes with a delightful salsa verde and of course Fed sauce, and the incredible cheddar corn fritters are available from 12pm daily which come topped with your choice of bacon or salmon. It’s truly a brunch with a difference if you want it to be!
Sandwiches don’t disappoint either, offering fillings of chorizo, steak or hummus and sweetcorn falafel, as well as the option of the chunky smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel which sometimes you just can’t beat!
Of course there’s the usual coffee options on offer too, from mochas and cappuccinos to Americanos and macchiatos, with a selection of iced coffees, loose leaf teas and fresh cold pressed juices. Federal goes above and beyond, though, with cold drinks including gut-loving Kombucha, ginger beer and the Aussie favourite Cold Milo, as well as chai lattes, hot chocolates and turmeric and beetroot lattes for those conscious of wellness from the inside out.
If you fancy something a little more potent, Federal has a wide range of tipples on the menu, including cocktails, on two for £12 all day every day (!), beers, wines and prosecco! Federal genuinely has one of the most extensive drinks menus of any coffee shop in the city, and it’s refreshing to see as much thought put into watering customers as feeding them.
Best of all, you can find a Federal wherever you are in the city centre, because with the recent addition of the Oxford Road café, there’s three to choose from. All with the same Federal charm, but each with its very own personality, in addition to the new café there’s the Deansgate store and the original Northern Quarter café on Nicholas Croft, close to Shudehill. There’s also a cute coffee cart at Altrincham Market serving their best loved items, giving real wholesome market vibes.
If you’re looking for a bit of Antipodean charm, a warm welcome and an elevated café experience, look no further than Federal, a true Manchester institution. It’s open daily for walk-ins only due to the casual nature of the brand, so be prepared to wait… it’ll be worth it!
Federal, 9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester, M4 1EY | 194 Deansgate, M3 3ND | R3 No2 Circle Square, Oxford Road, M1 7FS.