TL;DR - A bit of a hidden gem, a short stroll from the main University of Manchester Campus.
Oxford Road can be hellish at lunchtime, especially during term time, with long queues to get lunch - regardless of whether you're getting it from the supermarket or a cafe. That's one of the reasons why I first visited this cafe - it's easy to get to, but unless you knew to go looking for it you'd probably miss it. There is a sign outside on the roadside, but it's partially obscured by trees, and the main entrance to the building is actually in a passage way between two adjacent buildings.
Once inside, it's really nice - a mixture of industrial chic (lots of exposed utilities) and big, thick slabs of wood for the tables. Everything is freshly prepared and there's a big choice - packaged sandwiches (which are far better than anything you'd get in the supermarket), jacket potatoes with various fillings, salads, fresh soups, and regularly changing hot options. There are also some delicious looking cakes and treats plus the obligatory range of coffees and teas.
Lunch here is more expensive than you may pay elsewhere, but not by much. There's usually seats to be found, even at lunchtime, and you can either eat in or take out. read more