Best French Bakery in The Haulgh

"The Great Northern branch of Home Sweet Home offers an afternoon tea with a difference. As well as a selection of loose leaf teas or coffees and a tier of mini open bagels with maple cured BLT and smoked salmon, there is also a tier of fresh churros. The warm Spanish style doughnuts are dusted with cinnamon sugar and Dreamcheese frosting and served with warm Nutella dip and fresh strawberries."

"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!"

"TAKK is one of Manchester’s best independent coffee houses, with three spots scattered throughout the city centre. Providing locals and visitors with a warm and welcoming space to work and meet, TAKK takes its inspiration from the laid-back lifestyle in Scandinavia and Iceland. Their coffee is great, and their food is simple and delicious."

"Takk is a Scandinavian coffee shop very famous for the Nordic style espresso. This is one of the best options among Manchester cafés northern quarter. The ambience reflects the exact Scandinavian theme, where lightning and interior are correctly chosen to make you feel cosy."

"Continuing a theme of Coffee Spots in glorious Victorian shopping arcades, I present Pot Kettle Black (PKB), which has been gracing Manchester’s coffee scene since the start of October 2014. The Barton Arcade, home of PKB, is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen and PKB takes its lead from there, with gorgeous external features and some of the most ornate and sumptuous window art there is. Stepping inside, PKB is one of the most beautifully-appointed coffee shops I’ve ever visited."

"Proudly championing Antipodean coffee culture with a Northern accent, Pot Kettle Black is serving up some of the finest freshly-brewed cups of caffeine from its Barton Arcade takeout hatch in the heart of the city centre, so it couldn’t be easier to grab as you go. Barton Arcade, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2BW. You can find more information via the PKB website here."

"Set up by two St Helen’s rugby players, PKB is forward thinking coffee house with a health-conscious edge. Owners Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan run a tight ship, with staff serving up an impressive range of brews. Andif the caffeine hit isn’t enough to wake you up in the morning, they also run PKBlasters workout sessions - an energising workout to start the day,"

"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."

"A cool, all-day hangout, North Tea Power worships at the altar of breakfast food. The independent coffee shops serves up classics until the early evening; tuck into the likes of bacon sarnies, eggs on toast and porridge, all washed down with a long list of herbal teas."

"A cracking cup of coffee, a great name and serves alcohol too (but not first thing in the morning). What more could you want?. 36 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LA@northteapower / northteapower.co.uk"

"The water bowl by the door signifies that dogs are welcome at Ezra & Gil, so clearly babies are no big deal. You do have to negotiate a few steps to get inside – the Stevenson Square entrance is the more manageable of the two – but once inside you’re all set for a hassle-free visit: there’s a cracking brunch menu, plenty of spots to stow your buggy, high chairs and sturdy baby change facilities. Service is generally quick, even when the place is packed out with weekend crowds – invaluable when you’ve got an impatient babe with you – and the music/chatter’s just loud enough that any kiddie kick-offs will be largely drowned out (I am absolutely speaking from personal experience here)."

"Ezra & Gil may have made a name doing breakfast, brunch and coffee, but since it decided to turn its hand to refreshing poke bowls as well as seasonal salads and pasta, it has truly levelled up. Stylised as 'Ezra by night', head chef, Dan, wanted to add more to evening offerings and, boy, did he. View this post on Instagram"

"Ezra meaning ‘Helper’ & Gil meaning ‘Happiness’ is an evolutionary concept in urban coffee and cafe culture. A true neighbourhood hang-out with a vision to provide a simple menu, made up of the best food and drinks. Housed in an old un-occupied former clothing showroom on the ground floor in Manchesters Northern quarter."

"About: Patisserie Valerie in Deansgate is a haven of self-indulgence. This luxurious, continental-style patisserie and café is famed for delicious handmade cakes and pastries. Under the counter you'll discover a mouth-watering array of sugary treats such as tarts, macaroons and gateauxs."

"I wouldn’t normally have chosen this flavour, but on a hot day they only had three to choose from. Had a changing flavour – hints of coffee, cream and caramel with little bits of caramel which gave a nice texture change."

"Based in Prestwich, The Cheesefake Company makes vegan cheesecakes for collection from their HQ daily and from the city centre on Wednesdays. Toppings include Biscoff, Chocolate Orange, Oreo, Banoffee, Black Forest, Lemon Meringue and Jammy Dodger. Visit their website for details on how to order: cheesefake.co.uk/shop."

"Treat the family to a day out at Brockholes, boasting the UK’s first floating visitor village and the 250-acre Lancashire Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Whilst you’re ambling along the River Ribble and the nearby lakes, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. What’s more, you’ll be able to visit year-round with free admission!"