Kiosk on Lapwing

When is a cupboard not a cupboard? How about when it’s actually South Manchester’s smallest coffee shop — and quite possibly the cutest in the city? Situated on one of West Didsbury’s leafiest and busiest high streets, Kiosk On Lapwing is a four square metre operation hiding in and among a parade already known for its hospitality options. Founded in 2024 by local business owner Jemma O’Brien, this is definitely a case of a beautiful thing coming in tiny packages. 

Taking over the storage cupboard beneath her flat, O’Brien has firmly established Kiosk as one of the most popular destinations in the district for hot drinks, baked goodies, and proper brews. With open brickwork revealed, and the 1970s wood chip wallpaper now a thing of the past, there may not be enough room to swing anything in here, but that doesn’t stop the counter team delivering on the promise of quality produce, with customers able to take away or enjoy the streetwise terrace seating if the weather is on their side. 

Coffees here come from the excellent Blossom roasters, while baked goods — including biscuits, cakes and pastries — are brought in from Long Bois Bakery in Levenshulme, just a few miles north east. Anyone looking for something stronger is in luck, too. Le Social Wine takes care of the fizz on tap, a decision partly taken because there’s not enough space to keep enough bottles. Meanwhile, the amazing First Chop, one of central Manchester’s longest running artisan brewers, looks after the beer. Amazingly, they also manage to make some top Bloody Mary, Negroni, Aperol Spritz and Mimosa cocktails, alongside the now-obligatory Espresso Martini, if you prefer something a little stronger. A truly unique asset in one of the prettiest, liveliest and tastiest of Mancunian suburbs, the proximity to West Didsbury Metrolink stop means it’s also easy to reach from most parts of town.