The Foundation Coffee House Manchester
Coffee is life
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.
About this spot
Find your way with 63 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Manchester
Temple of Convenience
Fall down an ex-toilet
"Temple of Convenience" Manchester for me is a signature bar that personifies its attitude, atmosphere and the personality of the Manchester people.
by
Denise
Tench
Big Hands
I know you’re the one
"Big Hands" is an unpolished, bustling, vibrant dive that has been my drinking buddy these last 16 years. It's the best bar in the city, (big) hands down...
by
Denise
Tench
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
Comfort food McDaddy
Sometimes, cheese and bread is the sticking plaster we all need, and "Northern Soul Grilled Cheese" in Manchester delivers in spades...
by
Denise
Tench
ManCoCo
Manchester's best coffee, full stop
With a modest social media presence and a reputation built on hard work and word-of-mouth, "ManCoCo" has taken the title of Manchester’s best coffee.
by
Denise
Tench
Kim's Kitchen
Local hangout with heart and soul
"Kim's Kitchen" in Manchester has once again earned a great reputation for its freshly made, creative dishes, lively atmosphere and down-to-Earth crowd.
by
Denise
Tench
Hulme Garden Centre
Soothing green haven
"Hulme Garden Centre" in Manchester is a green haven, a remedy to all the concrete - a community-led project that's designed to promote well-being...
by
Denise
Tench
Kro Bar
An unbeatable breakfast game
Denmark-inspired "Kro Bar" presents one of the best slow breakfasts in Manchester. The only problem is knowing where to start - eggs are always a good bet!
by
Denise
Tench
Whitworth Park and Gallery
Art in the park
"Whitworth Park and Gallery" Manchester has art even outside in the park, with regular exhibitions out in the open. It also has a play park with a zipline!
by
Lauren
Rochford
Heaton Park
Grade II listed park
"Heaton Park" in Manchester is a historical park that's much bigger than it seems at first. My favorite part is the animal centre, but there's tons to do!
by
Lauren
Rochford
Islington Mill
Creative arts hub
"Islington Mill" in Salford, close to Manchester, it's one of my favorite industrial hubs-turned-creative spaces. Its events deserve a special mention!
by
Denise
Tench
Longford Park
A bit of everything
"Longford Park" in Manchester simply has everything! Playparks, a cafe, sports courts... One of my favourite details is the stone mounting block.
by
Lauren
Rochford
Heading to Manchester?
63 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Manchester?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 63 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Coffee & tea
Our team loves Manchester
Get to know our other Spotters from Manchester
As featured on:
