Cafe Cotton

Located in the modern extension of the lovingly restored Halle St Peters in the heart of Ancoats, this award-winning independent cafe and bakery overlooks Cutting Room Square and has a terrace for those moments of clement weather.

The kitchen team is described as “amazingly passionate and creative” and offers a range of dishes all put together fresh on site. “We’ve been making our famous sandwiches right here in Ancoats since 2013,” they say, and there’s plenty to choose from. Think flavour-packed veggie offers such as Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese doorstop sarnies, an aubergine, mozzarella and basil open sandwich, or a delicate tart of tomato, herb and cream cheese.

The meat-lover is well catered for, too, with the likes of a rare roast beef sandwich treated to caramelised onions, watercress and a punchy Dijon mustard, or a pastrami Reuben on housemade sourdough.

The breakfast offer is also strong, with comfort classics such as full English and a selection of barms, including egg, bacon and sausage. Or maybe you’d prefer to grab something on toast? With toppings along the lines of maple syrup-baked ham and eggs, smoked salmon and smashed avocado, and wild mushroom and spinach.

For freshly baked sweet treats, there’s almond croissants and cookies, vegan cardamom swirls with berry filling or Portuguese-inspired pasteis del nata.

Coffee and teas are provided by Atkinsons of Lancaster, with hot chocolate from Blendsmiths. There’s also a range of made-to-order pressed juices and smoothies, not to mention cocktails, beers and wines.