This content is adapted from the Visit Manchester Insider’s Handbook. Packed with ideas and inspiration for things to do, see, eat, as well as places to stay, the 40-page handbook includes dedicated pages detailing what's new and coming soon as well as maps and spotlight pages on Greater Manchester's towns, boroughs and coolest neighbourhoods. It’s the perfect resource for planning your next visit.


Ancoats Coffee Co. 

Housed in former cotton warehouse Royal Mill, the team at Ancoats Coffee Co roast their speciality coffee on-site and supply to countless bars, cafes and restaurants across Greater Manchester. 

Ancoats

Idle Hands

Located within Dale House in the Northern Quarter, Idle Hands is a speciality coffee shop that also makes excellent dessert pies, great brunch and sells natural wines and craft beer to both drink in and takeaway. 

Foundation Coffee 

With several locations popping up around town including spots on either side of the Village, Foundation boasts minimal design and provides the perfect setting for serious coffee enthusiasts. 

Grindsmith 

What started out as a Crowdfunder in 2013 now sees Grindsmith as one of Greater Manchester’s leading purveyors of coffee with branches in the city centre and MediaCityUK, as well as the original ‘Pod’ which has now moved to Pollards Yard. .  

Takk 

Nordic-inspired Takk is another growing indy chain with several outposts that aim to provide a welcoming space to work, meet, talk, and dream up some big ideas. 

ManCoCo 

The very definition of a hidden gem, this roastery and café is tucked away under the arches on Hewitt Street, near Castlefield Gallery. ManCoCo specialises in hand roasting speciality coffees from around the world. 

Federal Café & Bar 

Federal is a small independent chain run by a team who are passionate about great coffee and amazing brunch. They’ve been providing Manchester with a bit of antipodean café culture since 2014.  

The Creameries 

Located in hippy Chorlton, The Creameries is a neighbourhood bakery, bar and restaurant serving simple and delicious food from an open kitchen in a garden-like space. 

Ezra & Gil 

Loosely translated as ‘helper of happiness’, Ezra & Gil do exactly that through an appreciation for all thing’s coffee and food, all set within cool spaces with an industrial, stripped-back style. 

Pot Kettle Black 

With new branches popping up around town, the original located in Barton Arcade, is an example of beautifully restored Victorian architecture offering some of the city’s best coffee and vibrant, easy-going food. 

Barton Arcade

Trove 

Once a husband and wife team, Trove now has two sites, one in Levenshulme and the other in Ancoats. The café makes the food from scratch, by hand, with a focus on organic and locally sourced produce. 

Evelyn’s Cafe 

This shabby-chic bistro with a multitude of plants lining the bare brick walls is a sure-fire win on Instagram. Not only is it attractive to look at, the food is outstanding as well.