Manchester sure knows how to do coffee and there are plenty of coffee shops in the city to keep us busy Mancs caffeinated. So it comes as no surprise that in a recent list of the UK’s best coffee shops, several Manchester establishments made the cut. The list comes from The Best Coffee Shops UK; a group of coffee connoisseurs that have recently scoured the length and breadth of the country to find out which spots are worth the buzz.
On a mission to celebrate excellence in the UK’s Speciality Coffee Scene, the list spotlights outstanding coffee shops and shares their dedication, quality and craft based on the evaluation criteria. The results were based on factors such as quality of coffee, barista expertise, customer service, ambience and atmosphere, food and pastry quality, consistency, community, and innovation.
The espresso experts then chose their favourite coffee shops, which were then combined with public votes to create the final list. And lo and behold, not one but four Manchester coffee shops came out on top.
The Manchester coffee shops that were named among the best in the UK
Atrium
Located on the ground floor of 1 St Peter’s Square, Atrium sources high-quality beans and crafts every brew with care and precision, and they also run coffee courses. The bright and open coffee shop is great no matter what pace you’re going at – whether you’re on the go and need to grab a morning flat white ASAP or simply enjoying a slow moment.
Just Between Friends
Located below Beehive Mill in Ancoats, this independent coffee shop not only serves up a great brew, but also has a great selection of bagels and is dog-friendly too. The Best Coffee Shops UK described it as “small, warm, and effortlessly welcoming” and the “kind of a place where you feel like you’ve stepped into a friend’s living room”.
Sale Moon
Opening in 2024, Sale Moon is loved by those who are serious about their coffee. Situated on Northenden Road in Sale, it’s all about the detail at this coffee shop, but it doesn’t stop there as the space also hosts unique ‘omasake-style’ tasting experiences.
Siop Shop
Bean roasters and doughnut makers, Siop Shop, in the Northern Quarter, also made the list and were described as “a true double-threat when it comes to flavour and creativity”. Their freshly-made doughnuts are bold, bright and blooming delicious, then pair it with their coffee, and you’re onto something special.
Each of these shortlisted spots is now in the running to earn a highly-coveted place on the list of the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026. These lucky locales will be announced in an award ceremony on February 16. See the full list of best coffee shops in the UK here.
