Cafe culture is positively booming in Manchester right now, and not just because of the incredible quality of locally-roasted coffee and locally-made artisan bakes that can be had around every corner.
Cafes are the perfect spots for freelancers and remote workers to chill out, concentrate, and get down to the important business of actually working. Home can be full of distractions. Think cats displaying themselves provocatively on camera, the temptation to hole up on the couch all day, and the even bigger temptation to turn on the telly “just to watch the headlines”.
We’ve found some of the best coffee shops in Manchester that will have you set for a good few hours of knuckling down to the job at hand. Just remember, you’re not moving in, abide by the house rules, and don’t forget to buy something, reorder often and don’t overstay your welcome.
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Manchester City CentreAncoats Coffee Co. Piccadilly
More detailsAncoats Coffee Company in Manchester Piccadilly is set in 111 Piccadilly, a light-filled handsome building near the train station. If you’re serious about coffee, this has to be one of the city centre’s must-visits. Inspired by owner Jamie Bowland’s time spent in the flat-white Mecca that is Melbourne, this is a destination for people who really care about their coffee. The team expertly roast their own beans and create Manc-centric blends like Graphene and Warehouse City.
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Manchester City Centre92 Degrees John Dalton Street
More details92 Degrees John Dalton Street is the first Manchester opening for this Liverpool-based success story. It’s entering a crowded market in this part of town, where options for indie coffee shops are plentiful, and that’s before you factor in the competition from the chains.
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Northern QuarterDucie Street Warehouse
More detailsDucie Street Warehouse is all sorts of things, but one of those things is a restaurant. It’s an all-day affair with everything from classic brunches to late-night cocktails. On the menu you’ll find a good selection of small sharing dishes and large plates – it’s a sociable kind of place. And of course, you’ll also find Ducie Street Warehouse’s signature focaccia flatbreads.
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Manchester City CentreEzra and Gil Peter Street
More detailsThe opening of Ezra & Gil Peter Street in 2021 was greeted with glee by brunch and coffee hunters this side of the city centre. Like their NQ venue, this new place is well-run and well-thought out, with a menu that suits weekend loungers and grab-and-go office workers.
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Book Now Northern QuarterFoundation Coffee House Northern Quarter
More detailsFoundation Coffee House Northern Quarter is the first of three locations in the city centre from this homegrown brand. This spacious original site in Grade II Listed Sevendale House sets the tone for its siblings on Portland Street and Whitworth Street. Namely sleek, minimalist design and a cultish devotion to premium, single source beans.
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Book Now Media CityGrindsmith Media City
More detailsGrindsmith Media City has been keeping the creatives and apartment-dwellers of Salford Quays fed and caffeinated since 2016.
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Manchester City CentreHaunt
More detailsWhen Peter Street lost its Caffe Nero it gained Haunt, an independent coffee shop and wine bar. Stepping inside, you feel like this corner spot in the beautiful St George’s House, with its views of the Midland Hotel and Central Library, has finally got the classy occupier it deserves.
