Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in North Downs

"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."

"What: Described by its founders as “a big fat love letter to Reykjavik – its people, and their love for the coffee bean”, this Scandinavian coffee house and brunch kitchen provides not one, but three welcoming spaces in which to meet, work and enjoy great coffee and food. its Northern Quarter location is as Scandi as you like, with big, communal wooden tables, exposed brickwork and arty prints on the walls. One of Takk’s major draws is its artisan coffee, which is a single origin coffee from Finca Miravalle in El Salvador (though it does feature guest espresso from some of the best roasters in Europe and further afield too)."

"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."

"If you’re on the look out for fresh artisan coffee in minimalist, Nordic-inspired surroundings, then stark, hipster hangout Takk is probably the place for you. Undoubtedly a NQ favourite, the coffee at Takk is just as good as the atmosphere, serving ‘North Projekt’ – a Bristol-roasted Nordic Style espresso that forms the basis of all their drinks. It’s definitely a brew to keep the mind sharp, but I heard they feature regular guest espresso too!"

"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."

"The coffee house is ready to provide you with the apt vibe in the causal chic environment. It is located in the northern quarter, and since 2010, it is providing a raucous attitude to the drinks and carbohydrate accompaniments. The café is offering an intimidating array of loose-leaf teas, a bunch of best coffees in Manchester, and regulars like espresso."

"Unlike their name would suggest, it is their coffee they are best known for (although they do have some seriously good loose leaf teas). Small brunch and breakfast style items, great gluten free cakes and a perfect place to work or read for a couple of hours make this a Manchester coffee shop that ticks pretty much every single box."

"What: This trendy neighbourhood hang-out has a vision true to its name (Ezra means ‘helper’ and Gil means ‘happiness’ in Hebrew), and that is to provide a simple, seasonal menu and serve it in a space that's friendly and wholesome. And, judging by its popularity, it manages to fulfil that vision with ease. Housed in a former clothing showroom, this industrial chic café majors in all-day brunch items including various things on sourdough (beans, eggs, preserves etc ), house-baked granola and full-English-type combos, but you’ll also find a selection of salads and poke-style bowls come lunchtime."

"Ok, so this coffee shop isn’t technically in Ancoats, but it’s less than a 5 minute walk away, in the Northern Quarter so I couldn’t not include this. This hipster spot is perfect for all day brunch, coffee and somewhere to sit and work. I’ve currently been here for 4 hours and counting; demolished this avocado and chilli poke bowl, iced mocha with oat milk and even made a couple of friends!"

"As a Northern Quarter classic, Ezra & Gil have earned their position as a neighbourhood hangout spot. But many flock to this quaint eatery for a weekend morning for a plate of simple but delicious food. At Ezra & Gil, you can also enjoy freshly brewed coffee, tea, and smoothies."

"Oasis is a Chorlton ice cream institution which also offers a variety of sorbets, frozen yoghurt and slushes. Open until 11pm, it’s good at attracting a local late night crowd: just the ticket when you have a craving to satisfy without having to settle for a tub of Ben & Jerry’s. Manchester Rd, Chorlton, M21 9GA"

"On Dale Street, on the edge of the bun fight that is the modern Northern Quarter, Idle Hands offers peace, quiet, a reliably brilliant flat white and some of Manchester’s best brunch dishes and baking (do not miss the pecan or salted caramel apple pies). Savoury options range from poached eggs with garlic yoghurt, chilli butter sauce and za’atar flatbreads to cowboy beans on sourdough from Pollen Bakery, which itself runs a well-regarded cafe further out into Ancoats. No bookings, outdoor seating and takeaway available, QR code ordering preferred (cash is accepted)."

"Idle Hands is one for the real coffee enthusiasts, you can always guarantee a solid coffee line-up here, regularly hosting a variety of roasters. Ask for a recommendation, you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy your brew in their beautiful plant-filled surroundings and don’t forget to order a slice of pie on the side – the best sweet pie you’ll ever eat."

"With a “cool-classroom”-vibe, plants and huge windows to let in tons of natural light – Idle Hands is another must-visit speciality coffee shop in the Northern Quarter of Manchester. One thing I love about their coffees is that there is always a choice between different roasters. And they change constantly!"

"The Manchester Doughnut Company was started by local chef Ed Beech seeking to fill a gap in the market for more eclectic donut flavours. Handmade in small batches, Ed creates flavour combinations such as white chocolate and pumpkin donuts, butterscotch and bourbon donuts and donuts topped with Crunchy Nut Cereals!. The secret to these donuts is the slow proving process used to make the dough (although covering them in butterscotch once they’ve been fried can’t hurt either eh?) You can find these beauties at The King’s Arms, and at The Makers Market in Spinningfields and Didsbury every month."

"This Welsh doughnut shop in the Northern Quarter offers melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts made on-site by Blawd bakery including inventive flavours such as apple crumble, maple pecan glaze, cherry bakewell and strawberries and cream. For National Doughnut Week there are rhubarb, vanilla and raspberry fills all week long, or try their mango lassi edition –  a special collaboration with indian street food specialists Bundobust. This unique cardamom doughnut sandwich with an Alphonso mango cream is glazed and topped with candied fennel seeds, and all proceeds go to The Children’s Trust."

"Serving up coffee, doughnuts and more, Siop Shop has made the decision to offer a collection of outdoor tables for walk-ins only on a first-come-first-served basis from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here."

"Contact Theatre will be heading out across Manchester this summer for a series of outdoor performances. Contact is an Oxford Road theatre and performing arts venue creating and producing its own shows, as well as hosting tours from the world’s best theatre companies. Contact will be heading out across the city this summer, delivering a series of outdoor performances before its building reopens to the public in September 2021."

"An interactive journey back in time, the Stockport Air Raid Shelters offers a glimpse into how people lived during the wartime blitz. Explore the labyrinth of tunnels filled with displays, posters, recreated living and sleeping areas, and a bunker, all accompanied by an audio guide highlighting the cultural, political, and social aspects living in the shelters. I Opening Times: Tuesday-Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm."

"The Stockport Air Raid Shelters are a jolting walk back in time near Manchester. Located about 6 miles from the main Manchester area and in great Manchester, this place is an interesting, short excursion from the city Centre. The place will transport you into a dark time- the Britain of the 1940s during the war."

"Stockport Air Raid Shelters, Great Underbank, Stockport, Cheshire, SK1 1NE - Visit now. Stockport museums are beginning a phased reopening of their sites. The first to re-open were Bramall Hall and Stockport Air Raid Shelters."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Eirian Evans used under CC BY-SA 2.0. This rugby-mad town’s pride and joy is surely the Halliwell Jones Stadium, home to Rugby League team the Warrington Wolves. Built in 2003, the Halliwell Jones Stadium is a modern stadium that makes a great live sports venue!"

"The seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford is among the largest Catholic places of worship in the North of England. The diocese, one of the first to be founded in England since the Reformation 300 years earlier, was set up in 1850 while the building was completed in 1848. The architect was Matthew Ellison Hadfield, who designed several Roman Catholic churches in the mid-19th century, all in the Gothic Revival style."

"Described as a ‘delightful high Victorian garden’, Biddulph Grange Garden is home to an incredible collection of plants from around the world. Shrouded in beauty, colour, and tranquillity, Biddulph offers a truly unique day out as you wander the landscaped gardens, discover hidden tunnels and pathways, stroll the woodland walk, and visit the undisturbed lake. I Opening Times: 11am-5.30pm, closing times may be earlier in the winter months."

"Peak District National Park does not really deserve its name. There are no towering peaks here, only open swamps, beautiful river valleys and gentle hills. The highest place is only 636 meters above sea level. A large number of limestone faults have created a unique landform for the peak area, making it the best choice for tourists to hike, hike, cave and climb, and is therefore known as the paradise of British outdoor sports."