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Independent Roasts in-house
Grindsmith
◷ City Centre, Manchester
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England · independent first
Independent coffee & cake in Manchester
Manchester has one of the most established independent coffee scenes outside London, and most of it sits within a short walk of the city centre. The Northern Quarter is the dense heart of it, with the likes of TAKK, Idle Hands, Siop Shop, Ezra & Gil and North Tea Power all within a few blocks of each other on and around Tib Street and Dale Street. Just east in Ancoats, the old cotton mills now house Ancoats Coffee Co. inside Royal Mill and Pollen Bakery beside the marina, while ManCoCo and Grindsmith roast and pour under and around the railway arches towards Castlefield and Deansgate.
What ties the better places together is a genuine link between the cup and the cake. Several roast their own beans in the city, including Ancoats Coffee Co., TAKK, ManCoCo and Grindsmith, while others pour respected roasters such as Origin, Square Mile, Dark Woods, ManCoCo and Allpress. Bakery-led spots like Pollen, Companio and Siop Shop make their pastries, cakes and doughnuts on site, so the food is as much a reason to visit as the coffee. Suburban Chorlton adds its own everyday cafe culture a short tram or bus ride south.
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Coffee & cake in Manchester, answered
Where is the best area in Manchester for independent coffee?
The Northern Quarter has the highest concentration, with TAKK, Idle Hands, Siop Shop, Ezra & Gil and North Tea Power all close together. Neighbouring Ancoats adds Ancoats Coffee Co. and Pollen Bakery, and the city centre towards Deansgate and Castlefield has ManCoCo, Grindsmith and Pot Kettle Black.
Which Manchester cafes roast their own coffee?
Ancoats Coffee Co. roasts in its Royal Mill site, TAKK roasts its own beans including the North Projekt blend, ManCoCo is a micro roastery on Hewitt Street, and Grindsmith roasts in Ancoats. Several other cafes pour named guest roasters rather than roasting themselves.
Where can I get good cake or pastries with my coffee?
Pollen Bakery and Companio Bakery make their own sourdough, pastries and cakes on site, and Siop Shop is known for its doughnuts and glazed twists. Idle Hands is known for daily-made sweet pies, and most of the coffee-led cafes listed also keep a counter of cakes and bakes.
Are these places independent rather than chains?
Yes. Every cafe in this guide is independently owned, including small local mini-groups such as Grindsmith and Pot Kettle Black that run a handful of Manchester sites. We do not list national or international chains.
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