Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in New Islington Marina

"Home Sweet Home has grown from humble beginnings to many locals’ favourite eatery that now boasts two locations in the city. Whether you opt to eat in the original Northern Quarter branch or the newer venue in Great Northern, expect a huge focus on dessert alongside the equally impressive savoury menu. The ice-cream shakes hark back to the 1950s in the best possible way, American style pancakes are the ultimate breakfast treat and their deep dish cookie pie is to die for – and that’s not even mentioning the incredible array of colourful sugar-covered pimped out cakes that sit tantalisingly in their dessert bar."

"From the towering cakes to the boozy milkshakes, Home Sweet Home is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. The American-inspired brunch restaurant will wipe away any morning blues with its titan breakfasts; opt for pancake stacks with a breakfast cocktail thrown in for good measure."

"If you’re looking for a no-frills working space where you can buy a classic black coffee with milk on the side, or a perfectly steamed almond milk flat white, Takk is for you. Located in the northern quarter, this reasonably priced café is extremely popular with students and digital nomads looking for somewhere to knuckle down for a few hours. The bench-style seating means you’ll always have a space to work and you might even meet a few fellow students on the way."

"This Icelandic inspired coffee house and creative space is one of the newest additions to The Northern Quarter, and is rapidly becoming one of the most popular. The minimal design, open brickwork, old school graffitied tables and atmospheric lighting really do make you feel as though you are hiding from the cold somewhere in downtown Reykjavik. These guys know how to make the perfect coffee, and are accommodating if you require something specific – just ask."

"Everyone knows that everything Scandinavian is cool, from their lights to their murder mystery TV to, well, their weather. The Scandinavian theming of this Manchester cafe isn’t entirely clearly drawn – not sure a prosciutto and mozzarella sandwich is traditionally Scandinavian – but the laidback interior is very Scandi, as is the giant map of Iceland on the wall. Wear a heavily patterned jumper if you want to hammer home the theme."

"Having won an abundance of awards since it opened, North Tea Power has become a popular spot for the coffee enthusiasts of Manchester. As well as perfectly decorated coffee to keep you motivated, North Tea Power sells an impressive selection of loose-leaf tea, and a bread-heavy menu full of cheese melts and warming soups. Due to its popularity as a brunch spot at the weekends, it’s best to use this as a study spot during the week, when the crowds are substantially fewer."

"The name is somewhat deceptive; although these guys know how to make a good brew, they are also highly trained baristas, and know how to serve up an awesome coffee. The pastries, and baked goods on offer are delicious, as are the sandwiches, which you can enjoy warm, or cold. With 2 seater tables, a large centre wooden table, high top bar, and an outdoor area, find your favourite spot, and relax."

"North Tea Power opened back in 2010, making it one of the OG craft coffee houses in Manchester. Their uber-cool site is often lined with freelancers on laptops, but it’s a brilliant shout for a coffee break if you’re in the city centre. A huge selection of loose leaf will keep tea fans happy, while espresso-based cups – from the punchy piccolo to the silky long black – are always exquisite."

"One of the Northern Quarter's best cafes has been preparing to open a second site - this time on Peter Street - throughout 2020. The fit-out is ready at the unit, which was once home to a Subway. Glimpses inside the new site show off brushed concrete walls and green velvet booth seating."

"Ezra & Gil, 20 Hilton St, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1FR - Visit now. One of our favourite spots for caffeine in Manchester. A spacious, stripped back location serving up great coffee and a delicious menu of fresh cooked food."

"Grindsmith has expanded rapidly since its successful Kickstarter launched the pod just three short years ago. The third of its (for now) four branches is in Media City, which opened six months ago, following on from the original Pod and Deansgate. Media City is the probably the most traditional coffee shop setting of all four (the Pod is, well, a Pod, while the other two, Deansgate and Cross Street share space with other organisations. Meanwhile, this one stands alone on a corner to the west of the new Media City development in Salford."

"If you're more of a beer drinker, BrewChimp on Church Road is the place for you. Alongside venues in Stretford and Flixton, BrewChimp's Urmston haunt is the official home of the local craft beer and wine bar. Promising to ‘do things differently’, the cosy bar is full of quirks (including an old-fashioned shop bell) that’ll make you want to stay for more than just the one drink."

"CFCCA is the UK leader in Chinese visual culture, with a reputation for debut solo exhibitions and a roster of internationally-renowned artists; impressive considering that, three decades ago, it was just a series of events in Manchester’s Chinatown. As Manchester’s Chinese population is second only to London’s, the centre’s heritage is particularly important; now represented in a new archive and library. Best feature: A vibrant events schedule, spanning film screenings to workshops and even Mandarin lessons"

"CFCCA reopens with a duo of exhibitions investigating and unpicking themes of belonging, identity and citizenship in a globalised and hyper-connected society. Housed in CFCCA’s Northern Quarter galleries, the exhibitions are just a few minutes’ walk from the Arndale Shopping Centre. Multiplicities in Flux brings together works by contemporary artists Grace Lau and Eelyn Lee in a dialogue around identity and belonging."

"Manchester's Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art will reopen both of its galleries on Wednesday May 19. Exhibitions Multiplicities in Flux and Autopsy of a Home, which originally opened in October, will be back until June 13. Booking is advised at cfcca.org.uk but walk-ups are welcome."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Tucked away from Warrington’s main town centre, where you will find all your standard high street shops and some small independent boutiques too, you will find Woolston Park. A wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning or sunny weekday after work, Woolston Park is a much-loved spot by local people."

"The Trafford Ecology Park is tucked away in the industrial Trafford Park behind an oil depot and is a registered Biological Important site and a true oasis of wildlife. The park is spread across an area of eleven acres and is a true delight for a nature enthusiast."

"Home Sweet Home has grown from humble beginnings to many locals’ favourite eatery that now boasts two locations in the city. Whether you opt to eat in the original Northern Quarter branch or the newer venue in Great Northern, expect a huge focus on dessert alongside the equally impressive savoury menu. The ice-cream shakes hark back to the 1950s in the best possible way, American style pancakes are the ultimate breakfast treat and their deep dish cookie pie is to die for – and that’s not even mentioning the incredible array of colourful sugar-covered pimped out cakes that sit tantalisingly in their dessert bar."

"From the towering cakes to the boozy milkshakes, Home Sweet Home is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. The American-inspired brunch restaurant will wipe away any morning blues with its titan breakfasts; opt for pancake stacks with a breakfast cocktail thrown in for good measure."

"The Pen and Pencil is a Northern Quarter bar and restaurant that sits on the corner of Hilton and Tariff Street in Manchester. “The bar and eatery is open seven days a week from 10am ’til late. We take our name and inspiration from the infamous mid-20th century bar on East 45th Street in New York’s ‘Steak Row’, which was popular with newspaper journalists and ad men – the original ‘Mad Men’.”  They offer a bottomless brunch that includes dishes such as Steak & Eggs (6oz marinated rump steak, hash browns, fried eggs, hollandaise), American Pancakes (Maple syrup vt / Fruit compote and mascarpone vt / Bacon, maple syrup and pecans) and Avocado & Feta (Avocado, sundried tomatoes, rocket, poached eggs, feta cheese, sriracha, toasted pistachio nuts, pumpkin seeds, almond flakes, grilled sourdough)."

"Laidback Northern Quarter bar The Pen & Pencil will be screening all the England matches for the upcoming Euros, and entry is free. Walk-ins are allowed, however, booking is advised to secure a spot on the day, as the bar expects it’ll be a busy one. The Pen & Pencil, Fourways House, 57 Hilton St, M1 2EJ."

"Not only does this North Quarter favourite knock up a tasty American-inspired spread (think lamb chops, garlic chicken and Philadelphia steak), but the drinks also take note from bars across the pond. Go for a hard shake or chill out with a Negroni at the weekend, where DJs take to the decks."

"There's no brunch institution in Manchester quite like The Koffee Pot. A favourite after a night out and for slow Sunday mornings alike, this restaurant has made breakfast an artform. With tradition English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh breakfasts to offer, The Koffee Pot is a must-visit restaurant when you're in Manchester."

"Somewhere between trad greasy spoon and trendy bar, Koffee Pot is a Manchester institution. It’s moved a few times in the city centre, but has now settled on Oldham Street. The vibe is about as Northern Quarter as it gets here: street art on the walls, hot Vimto by the mug and huge, no-nonsense fry-ups."