The gourmet coffee scene took its time to flourish in Manchester city centre, but it has now truly exploded.
One cafe that surfed this wave is Foundation Coffee House. Opening in 2015, it stood out from its other Northern Quarter counterparts by doing three things well. Large, airy surroundings, innovative brews and appealing to the crowds that need it the most - freelancers, professionals and hot drinks connoisseurs.
Jump forward seven years and Foundation is still a heavyweight contender for the city's best caffeine fix and social hub. The coffee house now serves alcohol, runs yoga classes and art exhibitions and even hosts free film nights.
Foundation is one of my reliable ports when the city gets too much. The open-plan warehouse design offers mounds of personal space, while the glass front makes for some of the best people-watching in the city.
The shiny La Marzocco espresso machines should impress coffee connoisseurs, along with a choice of brewing methods including the siphon and V60.
At the food counter, it's quality over quantity. Bread and sandwiches are carefully sourced locally and the pastries and cakes are always irresistible.
Details aside, Foundation's brews are the star of the show and make for a truly attentive coffee time-out.
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