Best French Bakery 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!"

"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."

"A boutique-styled café tucked in the Barton arcade has earned the position of one of the best Manchester City Centre coffee shops. It is situated in a beautiful Victorian building in the famous Barton Arcade, and something you may not know, the popular Manchester coffee shop is owned by Rugby League’s Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan. You can get all types of coffee here from standard espresso, Piccolo, Flat While, Latte and Cappuccino."

"Pot Kettle Black serves an impressive menu of breakfast fit for any breakfast lover from 8 am – 4 pm. Awarded the best tea and coffee shop in Manchester, it’s also a great place to go if you just want a coffee. You can get breakfast here from just £6!"

"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."

"New in town and bringing the flavours of the tropics to Manchester, Lazy Sundae wanted to introduce the city to some of the flavours of the Far East, shedding the typical mainstream ice cream flavours for the likes of Milo, Taro and Vietnamese coffee. The idea was to bridge the gap between the owner’s heritage and the mainstream market here in the UK, bringing a more accessible approach to popular Asian desserts such as Vietnamese ice cream floats, pineapple bao ice cream sandwiches and more. Lazy Sundae, 110 Tib St, M4 1LR."

"Serving the most delicious and well-portioned breakfast meals, their pancakes are a real highlight for guests. Stacked high with all the toppings, menu items include berries and cream, banoffee, peanut butter and bacon with maple syrup. Each stack includes three buttermilk pancakes, and there’s even vegan options available too!"

"Lavish Elizabethan-style hall with ornamental gardens, including picnic areas, a kids' zoo and cafe. Address : Walton Lea Rd, Higher Walton, Warrington WA4 6SN, United Kingdom"

"Coffee Shops in Warrington - Warrington Town Centre8 Bold Street, Warrington Town Centre, Warrington, WA1 1DR Tags: Sandwiches, Seating Area"

"Five-star hotel The Lowry underwent a swanky new makeover in late 2019, including a new look for the two-AA-rosette restaurant and bar. Their luxurious dining & drinking terrace is the perfect place to relax out of reach of the bustle of the city centre. With a sunny view of the River Irwell and hospitality to beat, this is a luxury to be experienced in Manchester."

"Situated in The Lowry Hotel on the Manchester/ Salford border, this fine dining breakfast menu is unbeatable. The restaurant itself is glass-walled and overlooks the Santiago Calatrava’s Trinity Bridge. The decor includes purple leather chairs, semi-circular banquettes, Fornasetti plates and mirrors."

"Why: As with all of the other Ivy restaurants, this Manchester site is dripping in glitz and glamour, so breakfast here is as much about the surrounds as it is the food. Pastries and toast kick things off, while there are full English options for both vegetarians and meat eaters. If you fancy something a little more virtuous there is an extensive section dedicated to eggs and a light and healthy selection too, which features the likes of smoked salmon on rye bread and dairy free coconut yogurt with berries."

"From the ground floor brasserie serving all kinds of classic British dishes to the swanky Asian-inspired restaurant upstairs, the Ivy is the place to be. Not only are the interiors highly Instagrammable, but the food and drink selection is just as impressive."

"A Manchester-favourite for special occasions, Australasia – also known as ‘the one you enter via the glass triangle on the street’ – features a clean, minimal interior, that absolutely oozes chic vibes. The menu is just as wonderful, too, with extensive Australasian-inspired options varying from sushi, Robata grilled meats, Asian small plates and more. Cocktail-wise, it’s quite the field day – with endless Asian-inspired flavours to try out during your visit."

"This stylish subterranean restaurant in Spinningfields has long been a mecca for Manchester’s elite. Known for its splendid cocktails and sushi plates, this Valentine’s the restaurant will also have a special sharing dessert Valentine’s Bento Box for couples to split between them."