Are you having one of those days when making a coffee at home feels impossible? Don’t worry: plenty of baristas are on hand to help. Cafés are an integral part of British culture, and Manchester hosts some of the best in the country. These are the spaces we visit when we need a change of scenery, when the cravings for cakes and all-day breakfasts become too great.

So, grab your laptop or book and get ready to tick each of the 8 best cafés in Manchester off your list.

1. Foundation Coffee

Nestled in Meadowside (a must-visit location in Manchester’s Green Quarter) is Foundation Coffee. This independent coffee house offers customers fresh blends, all of which can be enjoyed inside the shop’s chilled interior. Wake yourself up with an aromatic cortado, perfect for those morning pick-me-ups. Meeting a friend to chat? Pick your favourite table and catch up over a freshly squeezed Foundation Coffee smoothie. 

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the shop even offers milkshakes, with cult classics like Oreo and Biscoff available to drink in minutes. The Foundation coffee team wants to make well-balanced brews available to all, so keep an eye out for their frequently released deals and discount codes. 

Website: Foundation Coffee

Address: 21 Aspin Lane, Manchester, M4 4DN

2. Idle Hands

The Idle Hands ethos is about making each fresh crop better than the last. This once-pop-up coffee shop took permanent residence in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, and today, it’s one of the city’s most vibrant spaces.

Hidden from the bustle of city life, this gem is perfect for a lunchtime recharge. Pop by and sample a short Americano, smooth cappuccino or iced latte (accompanied by a slice of their signature pie!)

What better way to enjoy your favourite blend than with attentive staff? Always around to help, Idle Hands employees are integral to the café’s calming atmosphere. We encourage customers in the Northern Quarter to experience the café’s unique flavour combinations for themselves. 

Address: Dale House, 35 Dale Street, NQ, Manchester M1 2HF

3. The Koffee Pot

Lovers of premium beans and great British staples should swing by The Koffee Shop. It’s here you’ll find classic, Mancunian-brewed coffee that pairs perfectly with an all-day breakfast. The Koffee Pot’s interior is reminiscent of industrial, 70s-inspired Northern England, but its drinks and dishes are thoroughly modern.

Their American-style coffee is brewed to perfection, and you can sample a traditional, veggie or vegan breakfast sitting in a spacious diner booth. 

P.S. If their delicious coffee puts you in the mood for a boogie, stick around: The Koffee Shop is a lively taco bar at night! 

Address: The Koffee Pot, 84-86 Oldham St, Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1LE

4. Takk

Nordic-inspired café, Takk, is a love letter to Reykjavik. Inspired by the people of Iceland (and their love for coffee!) Takk serves well-balanced brews to Manchester residents at 3 different locations. The café focuses on sourcing high-quality ingredients from worldwide suppliers, with their legendary house espresso originating from the tropical forests of Finca Miravalle in El Salvador.

You can take your coffee to go, or, hang around and enjoy Takk’s chilled atmosphere. If you’re feeling peckish, customers can even sample delicious dishes from their breakfast menu (with lots of vegetarian and vegan options!) 

Address: 6 Tariff Street, Manchester M1 2FF

5. Grindsmith 

At the heart of Grindsmith’s spirit is the craft of coffee. Since opening, the café’s founders have followed the pursuit of great coffee: what makes it great? How can it be better? With this spirit in mind, Grindsmith unveiled a location at the heart of Media City.

This fantastic find is known for its extensive breakfast, brunch and lunch menu. Grindsmith offers customers treats like overnight oats, eggs benedict and a full English breakfast for ravenous diners! 

Address: Unit 5&6, The Garage, Salford, UK M50 2EQ

6. Moose Coffee

Another American-inspired café, Moose Coffee, founded its first branch in Liverpool almost 18 years ago. Since 2006, they’ve exploded across the country, opening locations in Leeds and, of course, Manchester! Regulars are pulled back to Moose Coffee time and time again, largely because of their short order menu.

Start your morning commute with specially prepared Arabica beans, ground and enjoyed with milk (or, for an authentic taste of South America, just as they are). While you’re there, it’d be rude not to try a dish from their American and Canadian-influenced breakfast menu. 

Address: 20 York St, Manchester M2 2BB

7. Factory Coffee

Customers won’t need directions to find Factory Coffee’s Manchester branch: just follow the smell of perfectly roasted beans! Dreamy aromas, bespoke blends and baked goods are all integral to the Factory Coffee experience. Since moving to the city in 2021, Factory Coffee has become one of the area’s trendiest hang-outs.

Discover what the fuss is about by ordering the cafés signature drink: the Factory Flat White. With notes of chocolate and caramel, these Brazilian-sourced beans will keep you coming back for more. 

Address: 38 King St W, Manchester M3 2PJ

8. All The Shapes 

Prestwich-based café All The Shapes is the ultimate hang-out for coffee lovers. This thriving space was founded with the community in mind. All The Shapes provides a space for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a full-bodied coffee in a relaxing environment.

Keep it casual and pop out to their Manchester branch on your lunch break. After all, a little brunch never hurt anyone! Get their avo-on-rye, classic bacon bap or even a burrito bowl for budget-friendly costs. Before you leave, don’t forget to order your favourite blend from their friendly barista team. 

Address: 8 Warwick St, Prestwich, Manchester M25 3HN

Looking for an apartment near Manchester this summer? 

Coffee shop culture is all about exploring the area and mingling with friends over freshly roasted brews. It’s the perfect way to meet new people, especially if you’ve just moved to the area. 

Experience the 8 best cafés in Manchester by relocating with Victoria Riverside. With our beautiful Bromley Street complexes and Crown View Apartments, you can be at the centre of the action.