Station South

Housed in an old railway station building saved in 2018 and restored with Heritage Fund support, Station South is a ‘destination cycle café and bar’complete with bike workshop and urban garden. It sits overlooking the Fallowfield Loop, once the old Fallowfield Line.

Food with a view ranges from the Mancmuffin and sweet potato fritter to a full English and various egg-based breakfast-into-brunch dishes (including a mean kedgeree and a decent huevos rancheros). Or start the day with a super-indulgent Coco Pops French toast.

Check out the daily changing specials – anything from a summery watermelon, feta and cucumber salad dressed with lemon yoghurt, mint and crispy capers to a butternut squash, lentil and coconut stew with chickpeas and toasted almonds – and come back on Sunday for a roast dinner with proper gravy.

There are big plates, there are small plates, there are vegan plates, there are meaty plates. There are also snacks giving the energetic cyclists among you sustenance through the afternoon and into evening. Countertop cakes and bakes are constantly changing, but think vegan cinnamon knots, pains au chocolate and croissants.

Much of the scran is sourced from local suppliers like Heaton Chapel’s Littlewoods Butchers (pork pies), Salford’s Se7en Brothers (pours) and Ancoats’ The Flat Baker (pastries). Localish suppliers like Hasbean (from near Stafford) bring the coffee vibes. Soft drinks will keep up those hydration levels – the espresso tonic is a booze-free caffeine hit that’s perfect post-ride under a sunny sky. There’s a range of draught beer, wines and classic cocktails – Bloody Mary, negroni, espresso martini, margarita and Aperol spritz. Careful how you go if you’re heading home on two wheels!