North Manchester is packed full of hidden gems, and the comparatively uneven pre-Pennine setting provides welcome perspective on a city that’s predominantly basin-bottom-flat. Whitefield, sitting on the Manchester-Bury border, is a case in point, with these gently rolling hills that seem to give the area a village-like feel. It’s here we find Moonbeam Coffee House, a proud independent purveyor of all things roasted, caffeinated and bean-y. Opening late-2023, the shop itself has since undergone extensive renovations, introducing upstairs seating and outdoor space in the process.
Of course, you’re here to gauge the food and drink offering more than the interior design, nice as that is, and Moonbeam Coffee House doesn’t let the side down on quality. First up, the brews. Abe & Co is a celebrated coffee roaster based just up the road, en route to Prestwich, which offers consumer subscriptions and individual orders, along with wholesale services. They provide all the coffee here, a symbiotic relationship that celebrates all that we love about Greater Manchester’s independent enterprises — a real community attitude that sees the two businesses support each other.
We could list all the coffees available, but let’s just say they’re all available and move on to the food. Moonbeam specialises in its All Day Brunch offering, which includes slightly spicy Turkish eggs (chilli sausage or halloumi, garlic yoghurt, poached eggs, harissa oil and sourdough) or Shakshuka (roasted tomatoes and red peppers with coriander, feta, chilli, poached eggs, za’atar and sourdough). Less fiery, avo on toast needs no introduction, nor do the truffle scrambled eggs, English or veggie breakfast. Sausage ragu is another highlight, and there’s en excellent pancake game here, too. American (blueberry, bacon, maple syrup), Lotus (Biscoff biscuit crumb and sauce, vanilla mascarpone), and chocolate smores (toasted marshmallows, honeycomb, chocolate sauce, vanilla mascarpone) are just three mouthwatering examples.