5 independent cafes to check out this summer
Over lockdown, most of us will have missed being able to grab a coffee and sit down by ourselves or with a couple of mates in the uniquely relaxing environment of a coffee shop. There’s nothing like the hum of conversation, the clatter of cutlery and the faint ambient music in the background while doing research for an assignment.
While many independent cafes, restaurants and bars have buckled under the pressure placed on them as a result of the pandemic, others have stayed open for take-out only throughout all the lockdowns. It doesn’t mean that life is easy for these businesses, as the catering industry has taken some of the biggest hits over the past year.
It can be easy for us as customers to stick with what we know, and keep going to our Starbucks and our Costa and our Nero and our Pret, because it’s safe and familiar. But why not step out of your routine, and find a new comfort zone? Manchester is teeming with quirky places that are just as cheap as any chain, but with bags more charm and character. This spring season, let’s get out and discover some of them...
As a Salford student whose course is based in Media City, I have been to Grindsmith a ton of times, and it’s a place I always keep coming back to. During lockdown, it’s been lovely to grab myself a latte and sip it while walking along the water front of Media City and Salford Quays.
Grindsmith was started all the way back in 2014 by a group of passionate coffee fanatics who are obsessed with good coffee. Grindsmith is all about creating a sense of community and building relationships with customers. The Media City branch is unique because of its bespoke stained glass window and its peaceful mezzanine floor with the best mood lighting ever.
With lockdown easing once again, make Grindsmith Media city your first port of call – I would totally recommend their pancakes for brunch, and their almond cakes for a special treat. Also, their latte art is on point!
Teahive, Chorlton
Have you checked out Chorlton since arriving at Salford? If not, why not? Chorlton is where all the alternative, hipster stuff happens, and is the place to be for all things hand made with love. Teahive is literally all of those things! Located on Manchester Road, just off the main Chorlton high street, Teahive is full of cute, mismatched furniture, and is super cosy, just like walking into someone’s sitting room.
If it’s interesting cakes you are looking for, this is the place to be. They do so many stunning flavours of hot chocolate, such as mint, peanut butter, Irish cream, and turkish delight! As well as lush paninis, they do a range of loose leaf teas.
This is perfect for those days when you want to try something different!
Find them on the ‘Gram @teahivechorlton.
Deli Llama, Salford
Deli Lama is a vegan/vegetarian café located in the heart of salford, and is just a 10 minute walk from Salford University’s main campus. It’s a café and wholefood shop rolled into one, and they have been open for takeout throughout lockdown. They sell the best artisan bread, as well as local produce like eggs. Organic chocolate easter bunnies are the latest addition to the things you can buy here.
All their teas, coffees and sandwiches are organic as well, and hopefully we will be able to go inside soon. But until that special day comes, take the opportunity to buy local and check out Deli Lama next time you are around campus...
Follow them on Twitter @DeliLamaCafeBar.
‘build from the grounds up’
Foundation Coffee have three locations in Central Manchester – Lever Street in the Northern Quarter, Portland Street across the road from Piccadilly bus station, and Whitworth Street.
The vibe of these places is stripped back industrial chic, with monochrome colour schemes that are made warm with strategically placed lighting. This makes an ideal environment to sit and get uni work done in a place that is buzzing with activity, but in a relaxing way.
Foundation are committed to sourcing the highest quality coffee beans, and work in partership with Origin Roasters. The baristas here see coffee as nothing less than an art form, and this shows in the effortless artistry that comes with every cup.
As well as coffee, they sell juices and smoothies, and have a new take on brunch. In the evening, they also double up as a bar, and hold a range of different events. We are excited about Foundation opening all of this up again, but until then, you can still grab takeout coffee to sip while walking around town, or sitting on a bench somewhere...
‘work, meet, talk, and dream up some big ideas’
With three different outlets across the city, Takk are a Nordic-inspired artisan coffee specialist. They see themselves as a space for people to ‘work, meet, talk, and dream up some big ideas’.
These guys are all about quality, and it shows in everything they do, from the spaces they create, to the food and drinks they serve. They hope to open soon, but until they do, you can still grab a take-out any time!
As well as coffee, you can get brunch from here – with different takes on old classics like avocado and toast, scrambled eggs and pancakes, you really can’t go wrong!
You can see the full menu here!
Takk is located on Tariff Street in the Northern Quarter, University Green on Oxford Road, and Hatch on Oxford Road.
Find them on Instagram and Twitter @takkmcr.
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