Idle Hands.

Idle Hands would definitely be my choice. But seeing as they'd barely been mentioned elsewhere in the thread, I also really like both Atkinsons and Pot Kettle Black (their newish place at Angle Gardens has a great area for lounging in).

North Tea Power, Idle Hands, Siop Shop and Takk… or if you’re willing to make the journey Ancoats Coffee is exemplary.

My regulars: ~~Drip~~ Pulp - new takeaway coffee hut in Saddlers yard near Victoria/Shudehill Federal - Opposite arndale food market entrance near Shudehill

Federal is my go-to

I used to go regularly but now it's always busy, 12:15 today and a queue so went to NTP

I think the takeaway place you’re referring to is called ‘Pulp’ I go everyday, highly recommended.

ah dang it! Yeah that’s the one.

I would simply never go to Federal simply because the queues are unnecessary. Nothing is that good.

Yeah that’s why I started going to Pulp. Get there before 8-10am and you’re ok for a takeaway - never queued at that time.

Siop Shop on Tibb St. Good coffee, good records.

And amazing doughnuts

Mancoco does the best coffee in the city. Closed at weekends though.

They do a pretty decent bagel too

Cane here to say Mancoco, their coffee is another level.

Also say Mancoco. Best coffee for sure. I also like Ditto on Oxford Road. But Mancoco is definitely first choice.

Idle Hands or Takk are both great.

Milk & Honey on Oxford Road, it's in St. Peter's House next to the university. I wouldn't say I'm biased because I used to work there, but I really miss their coffee. Great vegan food too - and I'm not even vegan.

North tea power

Chapter One, it's massive and open late

Its always full whenever I've gone post covid. It's a shame because it's a lovely place when there's room

Takk on Hilton Street in NQ always seems to be busy.

Tariff street, just off Hilton ☕️

Yes, sorry. I was a bit sleepy.

My favourite place in town for a coffee is Foundation coffee.

I've been several times but I just find the coffee to be extremely bitter from there. I'll give it another go though.

If ever you're in Alti and want a good coffee, I really rate Two Brothers. I think they also have a place in Warrington.

Altrincham is spoiled for choice, Market House Coffee, Federal and Common Ground all do excellent coffee too.

Ancoats Coffee, Fig & Spareow, Mancoco, Takk

HAMPTON & VOUIS off St Peters Square did a great espresso , only been once but enjoyed it thoroughly

I used to go there regularly on the way to work, it was really good. As good as Takk etc for coffee and breakfast I thought.

Bold street coffee (on cross street). 10/10 every time 👌

Is this the same as the one in Liverpool? I love that place, I didn’t know they had one in Manchester

Definitely Java. Many coffee bars come and go.. always have Java

this

Siop siop has amazing coffee and doughnuts Idle hands has amazing coffee, food (try the turkish eggs!) and dessert pies

Factory Coffee on King St. and Just Between Friends on Tib St.

Best coffee I’ve had in Manchester is tied between Idle Hands + Passionfruit (Old Trafford & Chorlton). Takk is also good and they have quite a few locations now!

I'd love to know why the lady closed BBQ and moved into the precinct after only just doing renovations. Used to love the coffee there, but never think of it now it's up the arse end of the shops.

https://www.hamptonandvouis.co.uk/menu - they make the most delicious pistachio croissant

Didn’t Takk get bought by Grindsmith and all the staff got fired or they didn’t pay their suppliers or something.

Bold street, foundation, chapter one and Takk are all shouts ✨

Will always weird me out seeing Bold st coffee... not on Bold st.

Weirder when I lived in Liverpool for 7 years and seeing Bold St coffee not on Bold street or in Liverpool!

200 degrees, guest espresso

Takk/ Idle Hands/ Foundation (probably in that order)

FEEL GOOD CLUB!

“What if we took ‘Live Laugh Love’ but made it a coffee shop for the Instagram generation, and packaged it in some vague purpose around, like, mental wellbeing and stuff?”

Works for me mate, it’s a wonderful space to hang out in and I always enjoy going there. Plus I support a local business. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I have depression, I go there. It’s a pick me up. Don’t care if it’s cheesy or Insta focused.

I was looking for this! That little greenhouse quiet room they have is such a blessing in the city

Popup Bikes.

Foundation is my favourite but other places with big fans are: Takk, Pot Kettle Black & Grindsmith

No consensus! Is that because everywhere is equally good, or nowhere stands out?

The former. Pretty much everywhere in this thread is excellent, I’d say there’s over a dozen places in the city centre where its pretty much just a case of personal preference between them. We’re spoiled for choice.

Mancoco - Half the independent coffee shops in Manchester use their coffee, and you can sit right next to where they roast it!

Takk

Mancoco

Ancoats coffee in royal mill. I think they’ve opened another though

Here’s a few that haven’t been mentioned yet: Ancoats: Trove, Ancoats General Store, Companio, Pollen, Mule NQ: Atkinsons, Ezra & Gil

Mule’s coffee is great. Was less than impressed with their food though

Takk is my go-to, there’s one in the Northern Quarter and another over on Oxford Road by Hatch.

3rd Takk at University Green

Federal

I've barely seen anyone mention Ezra & Gil on here, but every time I've tried to go in there's been a queue outside so I go somewhere else. Literally every single time, I've still never been. Is it good/overhyped/shit? What's the deal?

Why do the fumes coming out of these independent coffee shops smell like arse? It makes me feel sick walking past places like PKB and Moose and Federal

Free pret drinks though? What's this sorcery

Takk. Hands down, such a great vibe

North tea power! 🙏🏼