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, that sits overlooking the Fallowfield Loop cycle path, once the 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 what we hear is a mean kedgeree and a decent huevos rancheros); or start the day with a super-indulgent Coco Pops French toast or a rather more wholesome mango smoothie bowl. 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, and eveyone’s favourite Portuguese egg custard tart, the pasteis de nata.

Much of the scran is sourced from local suppliers like Heaton Chapel’s Littlewoods Butchers (pork pies), Salfrod and beyond)’s Se7en Brothers (pours) and Ancoats’ The Flat Baker (pastries), and localish suppliers like Hasbean (from near Stafford) bring the coffee vibes. Soft drinks will keep up those hydration levels, and the espresso tonic is a booze-free caffeine hit perfect post ride under a sunny sky. As we go day into night, 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!

Lovingly done up, the building and its friendly team are ready to welcome you and constantly bringing in new ideas, from menu updates to events and ents such as DJs and live music.

Want to be the first to receive all the latest news, tips, articles, guides and updates from Confidential Guides? Sign up here.