Best French Bakery in Thumbs Up

"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."

"Found in Northern Quarter, Home Sweet Home gives you a taste of the American pie with its mouth-watering brunch menu. Home Sweet Home offers generous helpings of comfort food and over-the-top indulgent treats to satisfy all your heart's cravings - toasties, tacos, eggs, bacon, waffles, fried chicken, steak, coffee, milkshake, cakes - Home Sweet Home is classic American dining with high quality, fresh ingredients."

"Home Sweet Home is doing half-price pancakes today, to celebrate what is 'basically their Christmas'. Their stacked pancakes - three piled on top of each other - are served with cinnamon crunch, maple syrup and whipped cream as standard. You can then add banana, Nutella and salted caramel; or fresh berries, compote and frosting."

"With the main space in the Northern Quarter and a funky outpost in one of Hatch’s shipping containers, this sleek coffee shop is an ode to Scandinavia. The owners are obsessed with all things Nordic (particularly Reykjavik), so opened this ode to the region complete with the house Nordic Style espresso (roasted by Clifton Coffee in Bristol), cosy ‘hygge’ vibes and trendy baristas. At the Oxford Road shop, there’s a more contemporary Scandinavian them, with a turquoise coffee machine, plenty of blonde wood and funky grey tiles create a calm backdrop to enjoy your coffee, or purchase one of the handy reusable cups and get an iced coffee to take away."

"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."

"Restaurants Coffeeshops. Takk is a love letter to scandi coffee houses, and it’s been serving up hygge vibes to savvy Mancunians for years. They now have three outlets across the city, but we still love their Northern Quarter branch the most."

"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."

"This boutique coffee house situated in the beautiful Victorian building, Barton Arcade, is owned by Rugby League’s Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan. The core coffee PKB uses for standard espresso, Piccolo, Flat While, Latte and Cappuccino is Workshop’s ‘Cult of Done’. Prices start at £2.30 for an espresso, rising to £3.50 for a cup of one of their exclusive filter specialities."

"Well, we think you should venture on down to Pot Kettle Black located in Barton Arcade. Whether you want to fill that hole in your tummy, or just need your coffee-fix, this place has got you covered. Let their talented Baristas make you a cup of coffee that will take you to beverage heaven."

"North Tea Power, located in Manchester, GB, is a casual joint that serves up a variety of delicious coffee and tea drinks, soups, sandwiches, and more. Fido is welcome to join you at one of their pet-friendly outdoor tables while you enjoy your meal. North Tea Power is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 7pm, Saturday from 9am to 7pm, and Sunday from 10am to 6pm."

"If you're in need of some comfort food, North Tea Power should be high on your list. The Northern Quarter coffee shop is fronting cheap eats in the form of all day breakfast and smart sarnies. When you're done, check out their tasty herbal tea selection."

"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"

"A local favourite, Ezra & Gil is consistently busy, with freelancers, Instagrammers and general foodie lovers all big fans of the Northern Quarter spot. The perfect place to go if you’re after a seriously photogenic breakfast with a bustling atmosphere, Ezra & Gil has a tasty brunch and breakfast menu featuring all the classics, from full English breakfast, to all the eggs and smashed avo on toast a millennial could dream of. The menu is pretty big, too, so you’re guaranteed to find something that tickles your fancy."

"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."

"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."

"Covered in beautiful wisteria, Victors is an extra special venue, with something beautiful to capture your attention at every turn. Set over two floors, guests can enjoy the venue for every meal – from brunch to dinner – with a diverse menu on offer with dishes spanning from sushi and burgers to Sunday roasts and salads. Victors, 46 London Rd, Alderley Edge, SK9 7DZ."

"This underground bohemian non-profit café serves also as an exhibition space for local up and coming artists; so enjoy coffee and lunch, while admiring the latest art installation, in the company of creative individuals. Tucked away, just off Oldham Street, lit with a neon pink sign, and a quirky window display, follow the artwork down the stairs as you are led into the café. Greeted by a buzz of chatter, an assortment of miss matched comfy chairs, and a book case with books to borrow, you are instantly made to feel welcome."

"This not-for-profit establishment located in the heart of Manchester has combined creativeness with non-alcoholic beverages and craftsmanship. This is the perfect place to head if you’re looking for a relaxed yet fun atmosphere. Regular events and art exhibitions are extremely popular here, the delicious cups of hot coffee are just a great bonus!"

"Northern Quarter health and lifestyle desination, The Green Lab has a range of nutrition bowls, wraps, snacks and sweet treats, the majority of which can be made vegan. Vibrant salads include Crunch Cauli bowl or Tamarind and Maple Quinoa, which can be topped with spiced tofu or roast seeded falafel. Orders can be made through their website or via Deliveroo."

"If you’d like a bit of Pancake Day indulgence, but are trying to keep it a bit lighter then The Green Lab‘s protein pancakes are the one. There’s the Bakewell protein pancakes and the Matcha, honey & raspberry protein pancakes. They’re available to order via Deliveroo."

"The building of the Dancehouse Theatre has had a fascinating history full of transformation, morphing from meeting halls to a multi-screen cinema complex. In the 1990s it was restored to its former Art Deco splendour and was reopened as The Dancehouse Theatre, home to the Northern Ballet School. While the venue presents a broad range of performances including comedy, music and drama, dance lies at the heart of this North West icon."

"Since opening their doors in November 2015, Hope Mill Theatre has become one of the most successful independent venues in England. Located in Ancoats, they produce full scale musicals from their Grade II listed former mill. The theatre will be reopening this summer, as well as hosting Hope Fest, an outdoor arts and culture festival."

"This wonderful independent venue, located out in New Islington, was one of the few theatres that managed to reopen last year after lockdown. It'll be back again with a reduced capacity and socially distanced seating for a Meet Me At Dawn, from HER Productions. You can get tickets at hopemilltheatre.co.uk."

"As someone with a sweet tooth, this list would not be complete without a dessert recommendation. Their outlet on Great Horton Road is just a few minutes away from the campus gym, which sounds to me like great motivation to work out!. They offer a wide selection of waffles, cookie dough, shakes and of course, gelato."

"Working hours: From 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM(Hours or availability may differ due to COVID-19). Address: 25-27 Tyrrel Street - BD1 1RU. Delivery:FREE (Collection & Delivery )"