The Gallery Cafe
BritishNot just somewhere to take the weight off after peering at all the Lowrys and Valettes, The Gallery Cafe at Manchester Art Gallery is a go-to in itself, not least for the homemade sweet treats and the pleasant space outdoors as well as in.
The Gallery Cafe takes the phrase “bringing the outside in” literally – the Victorian-style kitchen garden out front (originally created in collaboration with Lucy Marshall of Lumen Landscapes) partly supplies the kitchen; the rest is sourced from local producers, with milk, eggs and butter coming from nearby farms in Cheshire and Lancashire, and flour from Yorkshire. Everything on the menu and chalkboards is made every day, from scratch – as the cafe webpage says: “It’s a fresh approach from the gallery, and good food for you.” Given a menu refresh a couple of years back by acclaimed chef Mary-Ellen McTague of The Creameries in Chorlton and, previously, Aumbry in Prestwich, for dishes, think updated classics.
Mostly a daytime dining destination open until 5pm (9pm on the first Wednesday of each month), you can expect light bites, sandwiches and salads, new takes on traditional hot favourites like pies and tarts, and those famous cakes and pastries. There’s an ample wine list to help you whet your whistle, plus a well-curated choice of soft drink options, fresh coffee and pots of tea.
Want to be the first to receive all the latest news, tips, articles, guides and updates from Confidential Guides? Sign up here.
You might also like…

Northern Soul Manchester Northern Quarter
Northern Quarter"Banging out killer eats and rare soul beats" seems to have done the trick as, where once there was one...

Bistrot Pierre
TraffordBistrot Pierre is one of the better mid-range chain restaurants. It’s good to support the indies but Bistrot Pierre has...

Skosh
North YorkshireGoing by name and appearances, you’d be forgiven for mistaking Skosh for a Scandi furniture shop: tables the colour of...

The Keystone
MerseysideHope Street’s new pub The Keystone opened in 2021 in the spot last inhabited by restaurant Bread and Butter. The...

King Street Tavern
Manchester City CentrePart of the King Street Townhouse hotel, with its luxe bedrooms and rooftop terrace boasting infinity pool and views of...

107 Dining Room
MerseysideAs well as being located at 107 Telegraph Road, the number in 107 Dining Room's name may well refer to...