The Old Fire Station

Gone are the days when Salford sat quietly in Manchester’s shadow. The second city of the region has shaken off its reputation as a smaller and less visible sibling to the main event, emerging as a wildly adventurous epicentre of all things DIY, countercultural, artistic, cutting edge and interesting. Meanwhile, a glance up at the skyline proves that it’s not just grass roots venues drawing people in — from the Quays and MediaCity:UK to the Crescent, this is a bonafide boom town in its own right. 

The University of Salford has a lot to answer for, and it’s here we find a truly unique community asset in The Old Fire Station Cafe. Home to a brewery, barista coffee house, bakery and bar, the establishment plays an integral role in both the local cultural quarter and academic life. Offering a full day of service, starting with fantastic breakfast options, you could quite happily start the morning here, come back for lunch, then finish up with a few beers in the evening, hops fermented and finished at the on-site Lark Hill Brewery, one of the finest independents in the area.

Once through the door, expect a warm welcome, a cosy and comfortable interior, and vibrant atmosphere; enough to encourage anyone will want to return again and again. Much more than just a hangout spot, The Old Fire Station Cafe now features in a number of academic and research programmes, offering students an innovative, real-world learning environment to use. On any given afternoon, then, you might run into bright young things from courses such as accounting, biochemistry, engineering and sustainability, here to engage with a commercial enterprise as part of their higher education journey. Of course, even if you’re not studying this is still a great shout for excellent and affordable edibles and drinkables.