Levenshulme’s Stockport Road stretch is one of those distinctly South Manchester places. Unpretentious and ever-so-slightly rough around its edges, this melting pot of urban life is also home to some amazing places to eat and drink — a significant contribution to the district’s reputation as a hotbed for hospitality. The Bia Cafe certainly ranks in those numbers, occupying a unit once known as Aunty J’s and offering one of the area’s most unique menus. Forsaking the exotic cuisines that define so many independent eateries, this place is all about celebrating Celtic cooking at its finest.
Well, OK, maybe that’s slightly misleading, but diners here can expect a first rate menu from two countries that know how to fill stomachs with good stuff. “We are an Irish cafe: homemade produce, barista coffee and functions in the evening. We want to serve homemade food, breakfast, lunch and tapas style bites in the evening,” the owners proudly proclaimed through a Facebook post when they first opened, making it clear they would also continue with the co-working space of the predecessor business.
So what does all that mean, exactly? Well, the Irish Fry is a must try, introducing white pudding and tattie scones. A vegan option is also available, for those that prefer it. Elsewhere, you’ll find treats like Irish Jambons, small plates of pure goodness served through to the evening using specially selected deli ingredients, freshly made soda bread, and a fully licensed bar offering a great pint of Guinness, although other options are available. It’s also impossible not to mention the community focus of the team, who go out of their way to support what’s happening elsewhere in the neighbourhood, run a regular programme of live music, and give out free porridge to school kids each morning to help them start the day the right way.