In a city where businesses come and go quicker than you can book a table, there are very few that we can actually call ‘institutions’. But The Koffee Pot is the definition of just that, boasting over 40 years of success right here in the city centre of Manchester.
A classic no-frills greasy spoon that prides itself on its proper fry-ups that ‘have been known to cure the worst of hangovers’, The Koffee Pot breaks the status quo when it comes to success in the Northern Quarter – foregoing the stripped brick walls and warehouse aesthetic for a traditional cafe look, enhanced by cool, colourful cartoons that are adorned across the walls.
Not a single bit of avo or sourdough in sight, The Koffee Pot keeps it simple when it comes to their beloved fry-ups – which is just one of the reasons they’re so beloved in the first place. Filled with all the good stuff such as sausages, bacon, black pudding, beans, and crispy hash browns, the cafe has become the city’s go-to for that all-nostalgic hangover cure – attracting queues around the block every weekend for those seeking the mightiest of weekend meals. Basically, if you don’t get there early, you might not bag yourself a table.
And their USP? The fact that you can have a pint with your brekky, too. Served alongside the ultimate breakfast menu packed full of carby delights such as the full English fry up, the Irish fry up, American-style pancakes and even ‘MancMuffins’, guests can enjoy a huge selection of hair of the dog while dining at The Koffee Pot – with tons of beers, natural wines, Bloody Mary’s and boozy milkshakes on offer. For those who prefer something a little more wholesome with their breakfast-come-brunch-come-lunchtime meal, there’s also a classic array of hot beverages on the menu, too, including hot Vimto (we are in Manchester, after all), filter coffee and the traditional Builder’s Brew.
Keeping it fresh throughout the week, The Koffee Pot transforms into an understated taqueria come teatime – trading out the brown sauce-smothered fry ups for gravy dunked tacos. Made fresh by in-house pop-up Birria Brothers Tacos, guests can indulge in authentic corn tacos served with a pot of ‘Red Gold Consommé’ (or gravy, to us commoners), alongside tequila-laced cocktails and plenty of mezcal. Popping up every Thursday-Sunday, Birria Brothers is actually one of the most authentic Mexican offerings in the city – despite its daytime occupation as a Greasy Spoon – thanks to its concise, non-“Mancified” menu of Birria tacos, Barbacoa tacos and tostadas.
Anyone else desperate for a fry-up now?
The Koffee Pot is open daily from 9am-3pm at 84-86 Oldham St, M4 1LE, and re-opens at 4pm-9pm every Thursday-Sunday with Birria Brothers Tacos.