Manchester’s Best Independent Coffee Shops for Studying

A coffee shop located in Manchester’s hipster northern quarter and contender for the city’s best latte art is Fig and Sparrow. What makes this charming coffee shop stand out is its local produce, sourcing everything from coffee beans to salad leaves from local producers in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint. For this reason, the salad-based menu is rather small, but always delicious. You should come prepared to share a table during peak hours, but there is free Wi-Fi and plenty of plug sockets to keep you powered up for the day.

Although a newcomer to Manchester’s coffee scene, Ancoats Coffee Co. has marked its place on Manchester’s hipster map. Housed in the courtyard of a former cotton mill and clad with open brickwork, this is the epitome of industrial chic. Roasting their own coffee onsite, you won’t be able to get enough of their barista-style flat whites. What’s more, the space is huge, so you shouldn’t struggle to find a seat, even during peak times.

If you’re looking for a no-frills working space where you can buy a classic black coffee with milk on the side, or a perfectly steamed almond milk flat white, Takk is for you. Located in the northern quarter, this reasonably priced café is extremely popular with students and digital nomads looking for somewhere to knuckle down for a few hours. The bench-style seating means you’ll always have a space to work and you might even meet a few fellow students on the way.

Having established itself firmly in Manchester’s coffee culture six years ago, Grindsmith has recently opened its third site, which just so happens to be the perfect place for a day of studying. As well as strong, freshly roasted coffee on offer, make sure to try one of the many cakes that sit so artistically on the front counter. True to today’s trends, there are plenty of gluten free and vegan options too. 

Starting out as a small coffee shop in London, Black Sheep Coffee has now grown to over 35 stores in the UK, putting it somewhat outside of the independent category. However, it maintains the independent coffee shop ambience through cozy seating areas, helpful staff and affordable prices. Walking into one of these well-designed stores still retains the feeling of walking into a small independent tucked away off the high-street. Plus, once you’re finished studying, you can join one of the espresso martini nights!