With the M4 postcode primed to become one of Manchester’s biggest mid-21st Century redevelopment stories, anyone who got in on the ground has done well. That goes for the mid-rise apartment buildings of the Green Quarter and surrounds, and the many bars, cafes and restaurants that hide in plain site around these parts. Foundation Coffee, a venerated local brand with locations across the city centre, is a case in point. An essential asset for those already living here, the company has become shorthand for exceptional cups of Joe from independent roasters, and a limited but perfectly curated food menu if you fancy a spot of brunch or lunch with your piccolo.
Foundation’s kitchen starts with simple and light. Here you’ll find a number of staples, including classic pastries (croissants, pain au chocolat, pain au raisin, almond pain au chocolat), smoke salmon & soft cheese bagel, and the croque madame croissant (freshly baked, filled with ham hock and cheddar, and topped with a fresh egg). Or a simple serving of toast — sourdough, bagel, crumpet — and a choice of spread. Rolled oats, including overnight (served cold) and porridge (served warm), mix it up, and the sea salt & dark chocolate granola with Greek yogurt, strawberry and maple syrup is a real one-of-a-kind treat.
Manchester’s most famous homespun coffee empire with an extensive hot drink, breakfast and brunch menu. All Day Brunch options include the classic breakfast and classic vegan breakfast, eggs your way (poached, fried, scrambled), potato hash (sautéed with Parmesan, bell peppers, tomatoes and red onion, with a mushroom and egg cap), Foundation florentine, and brioche french toast. More unique still, the signature mancmuffin is a highlight — sausage patties, crispy bacon, fried egg, melted cheddar — and the fresh focaccias offer something different again. Choose between marinated tofu, grilled aubergine, peppery rocket leaves, house tomato relish, or chicken, bacon, baby gem lettuce, tomato and pesto mayo. All that aside, Foundation does coffee like few others, Red Eye to Bulletproof, Vietnamese to Cortado, Pourovers to a full range of iced and specialty options (matcha latte, beetroot latte, coffee & tonic). Finally, don’t overlook the hot chocolate, where you choose the type from 82% Madagascan to Ivory Coast White, and the super healthy smoothies or more decadent milkshakes.