The 7 Best Places for Coffee in Manchester

A cup of coffee doesn't just serve a purpose as a pick-me-up. It's so much more than that. It's to be enjoyed, whether that's by yourself with a book or while you have a catch-up with a friend. And while London used to get all the attention for its coffee scene, Manchester's swathe of coffee shops might have just piqued it. There's so much huge variety and choice, everyone's favourite coffee of choice can be found here - whether that's a lavender macchiato made with alternative milk or a good old Americano. The city is bursting with coffees to sip and brunches to indulge in, so let's get started on trying them all. Here are the best coffee shops in Manchester.

Best coffee in Manchester

1. Fig and Sparrow

We can't get enough of the specialty coffee in Northern Quarter's Fig and Sparrow. With silky coffee and tasty food, it's a firm favourite among Mancunians. Fancy trying something different? Their turmeric latte is smooth and delicious, with a touch of cinnamon adding a lovely sweetness. Get your weekend dose of catch-ups, good coffee, and brunch here, with a menu serving everything from flavour-bursting Turkish eggs to sausage butties.

2. Procaffeinated

Get your caffeine fix at the newly opened Procaffeinated, sitting on Salford's Chapel Street. The team at Procaffeinated take coffee seriously, with a choice of beans from Manchester’s Heart & Graft Coffee Roasters, London’s Square Mile Coffee Roasters, and more. As well as coffee, owners Daniel Haralambous and Ilaria Criscuolo pour their hearts into the Mediterranean-inspired menu. The bread is made from scratch and fresh daily - the warm dough goes perfectly with goats cheese, honey gremolata, marinated courgette, poached eggs, and walnuts. And with a brightly lit interior, Procaffeinated is ticking all the boxes. Why not lean into the rejuvenating energy and take part in their yoga brunch, too?

3. Federal

There are few coffee shops in Manchester more iconic than Federal. And we're happy to report that it's undoubtedly worth the hype. Visit on a weekend and you might have to queue outside the front door, but you'll be glad you did. Their coffee is silky and refreshing, with a lot of barista love going into every cup. What they're most famous for, though, is brunch. They don't hold back on the food, it's not supposed to be artisanal or gourmet. It's colourful, indulgent, wholesome, mouth-watering goodness. Think: pancakes overflowing with cream and strawberries, pina colada French toast, a chunk of sourdough with a mountain of eggs and a good slab of halloumi. You'll be well fed at Federal!

4. Mule

A relatively new addition to the Manchester coffee scene, Mule is one to watch. The small Ancoats spot is aesthetically stunning, with teak furnishings and sun-lit interiors. Weekends are best spent sipping one of their expertly crafted coffees, with everything from pistachio lattes to a good old Americano. The best part? Coffees go perfectly with brunch, and Mule's might just be one of the best brunches in the city. The talented chefs whip up huevos rancheros, Palestinian mezze, chorizo hash, smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels, and more. Gone are the days of soggy eggs benedict. And by night, it unexpectedly turns into a cocktail and ramen spot with the team at Lucky Ramen taking over the Mule kitchen.

5. Just Between Friends

With coffee shops in NQ, Ancoats, and Wilmslow (a suburban town in neighbouring Cheshire), Just Between Friends has quickly become one of the best spots in Manchester to grab a velvety cuppa. The team are friendly and helpful, adding a splash of that warm Manchester hospitality to your coffee. They get their perfectly flaky, buttery, soft pastries from wholesale bakery Half Dozen Other - only the best. There's no better way to kick off your weekend than watching the world go by from the pavement patio chairs, and taking a bite of your almond croissant.

6. Ezra & Gil

A firm favourite cafe in all of NQ, serving up some amazing coffee (think: seasonal specialities such as gingerbread lattes or iced rose cappuccinos) and their brunch is top-notch. The all-day menu is hugely popular for weekend brunching. This spacious cafe has some cool retro decor and a laid-back vibe. They have two shops open now, so take your pick.

7. Idle Hands Coffee

Pick up a cup from this airy, light-filled coffee shop. With plenty of plants, quirky art, and old-school furniture, it makes a case for being the quirkiest cafe in Manchester. And the coffee is good too. Make sure you come hungry - the Turkish eggs, cowboy beans, and hashbrown stack are a far cry from sad porridge. Save room for their cakes, too.