Best French Bakery 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."

"Pot Kettle Black, Unit 14, Barton Arcade Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 2BW - Visit now. Tucked away in Barton Arcade, a small but beautiful shopping centre between St Ann’s Square and Deansgate, is Pot Kettle Black. This cosy cafe serves up both excellent coffee and an inventive brunch menu (8am-3pm daily) – we particularly recommend the figs on toast, with whipped ricotta, fresh mint and infused honey."

"Pot Kettle Black, Unit 14, Barton Arcade Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 2BW - Visit now. Tucked away beneath the beautiful glass roof of Burton’s Arcade is specialist coffee shop Pot Kettle Black – vigilant against over roasting, this place presents its brews in trademark red mugs, served with a glass of water and a Viennese wafer. It’s spacious, cosy, and that little bit off the beaten track."

"Located in the beautiful Barton Arcade, you can find one of my all-time favourite coffee spots: Pot Kettle Black. They have another shop in Spinningfield, but this one is my favourite. Probably because of the beautiful interior of both the cafe and the stylish Barton Arcade."

"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."

"With a 4.7 star rating from 93 reviews, the customers at Town House Coffee and Brew Bar say it is a “great place to hang out” with a “good range of food.”. Photo: (Google Maps)"

"Situated in the new financial district of Manchester, a few minutes stroll away from Deansgate, Zizzi Italian restaurant in Spinningfields offers some of the finest al fresco dining in Manchester, with views overlooking the River Irwell."

"Holding the impressive title of the world’s first cricket simulator, Sixes Social Cricket inn Manchester brings both a fun experience and a menu of Br ..."

"The Whitworth, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M15 6ER - Visit now. The Whitworth underwent a £15m redevelopment in 2015, which saw it double in size; the gallery now juts out into Whitworth park, seamlessly transitioning from old to new. It’s been met with national and international acclaim – for its new architecture and for its brilliant exhibitions programme."

"With an eclectic collection that includes historic fine art and contemporary art works, a fine collection of textiles from across the world, sculpture, prints, wallpaper and more, there’s lots to enjoy at the Whitworth Art Gallery. Cornelia Parkers Exhibition, Whitworth Art Gallery. A highlight of the fine art collection is work by famous pre-Raphaelite artists including Holman Hunt, Rossetti, Millais and others."

"Contemporary Six – The Gallery is a leading independent art gallery located in the heart of the city centre of Manchester opposite the beautiful Town Hall. Established in 2010 by Alex Reuben, the gallery is known for offering a warm and friendly welcome to art enthusiasts, collectors, and new visitors and explorers to the city. Specialising in original paintings, landscapes, portraits, abstracts handmade prints, sculptures, and ceramics."

"From Darrell Evanes’ scrap metal sculpture to Matthew Bourne’s natural abstracts, Contemporary Six’s repertoire is all encompassing. Having outgrown its former location of Royal Exchange Arcade, the gallery - founded by Alex Reuben in 2010 - now occupies an airy space on Princess Street, where it represents around 40 artists. Best feature: Contemporary Six offers the Own Art Scheme, which allows buyers to pay in monthly instalments"

"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."