TOP 5 CHOC SPOTS: MANCHESTER
Manchester. The home of the Hacienda, Cottonopolis and possibly the fiercest football rivallry the world has known. In the last ten years, it’s also become a hub for incredible specialty coffee roasters, award-winning artisan bakeries and an explosion of Michelin-starred eateries that have seemingly popped up out of nowhere.
We were lucky enough to catch it on a sunny day when we visited, and paid a visit to some of it most renowned and beloved coffee spots, including Pollen Bakery’s Acoats and Kampus sites, Haunt Manchester, Just Between Friends and Siop Shop. Read below to discover what we tried and feel the sugar rush hit you by proxy!
POLLEN BAKERY - ANCOATS
One of Manchester's most iconic bakeries, situated right on the canal in New Islington. Specialists in sourdough and viennoiserie baked good, they have elevated their chocolate offering with our 45%, supplied by the great team at Blossom Coffee. I grabbed a 45% Hot Chocolate and an impossibly flakey Pain au Chocolate.
Pollen Bakery - Kampus
Pollen Kampus. Pollen's second spot, but in no way second fiddle. Ivy-strewn pillars and plenty of cosy corner for reading, this felt like the perfect spot for a Mocha with our 45% Hot Chocolate Powder and Blossom Coffee’s Blossom Espresso.
Haunt Mcr - St Peter Street
Haunt. Around the corner from St Peter's Sq and Manchester's impressive central library, you'll find Haunt. Supplied by our good friends at North Star Coffee, I couldn't pass up the opportunity for one of my favourite hot chocolates — our 65% buttons with oat milk. Bliss.
Just Between Friends - Northern Quarter
Just Between Friends, Ancoats. Supplied by the awesome Stores team, this is one of the go-to spots in Manchester for any specialty coffee lover. With the sun peaking out, I thought it only right to try an Iced Mocha with our 45% Powder.
Siop Shop - Northern Quarter
Siop Shop. Anyone obsessed with the bakery and coffee scene in Manchester will know these guys. Producing doughnuts that can only be described as works of art and creating some of the best social videos in the game — the floor is lava was a particular favourite. My tour finished with a classic 45% hot chocolate and an INSANE jam doughnut.