The Koffee Pot, a staple of the Manchester Breakfast scene, has been serving the hungry and hungover for over ten years. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense ‘greasy spoon’ in the heart of Manchester this is the place.
Originally located on Stevenson Square, Koffee Pot relocated to Oldham Street, about halfway between the Castle Pub and the Frog and Bucket. Whilst some people I speak to lament the move to the new venue, the relocation has brought many advantages. Firstly, Koffee Pot is now offering table service, an expanded menu and some much-needed bathroom facilities – all while retaining the look and feel of the old Koffee Pot venue. Inside, it has the feel of the quintessential old-style Northern Quarter Bar, before the rents went up and gentrification took hold. Rustic, a little DIY aesthetic and a bit dog-eared around the edges (in a good way). With a radio tuned religiously to Radio 6, upcoming local gig posters on the wall it really does remind me of the NQ of old.
Another advantage of the move: more seating. Getting a table after 10 am at weekends previously involved waiting outside for a booth to come free. Now the red booths are still here, situated on the right as you come in, and have been joined by communal benches and more seating near the recently renovated bar area. The seating in the middle makes it the perfect venue for large groups.
On arrival, the friendly and attentive staff greeted me warmly. Service was quick, with my order was taken within a few minutes and my food arriving around ten minutes after ordering.
I went for the Veggie Breakfast, consisting of veggie sausages (Linda McCartney), beans, mushrooms, fried egg, hash brown and grilled tomato. Although not mentioned on the menu, the eggs are indeed free range. The veggie breakfast really hit the spot – not too greasy or overbearing, yet enough to get you going to lunch and beyond.
Each breakfast comes with either filter coffee or tea and two rounds of white toast – sadly I wasn’t given the option to pick brown. Gluten Free bread is available on request. For those with an appetite, I’d recommend going for the extra halloumi for £2 -who can resist halloumi no matter what time of the day? For those following a vegan diet, the vegan option replaces the egg with spinach. As well as the standard menu, Koffee Pot offers specials to mix things up. On my visit was Vegan Mex Brex, priced £6.
Afterwards, I felt unrushed, allowed to linger enjoy my coffee and free wifi.
Overall, it’s easy to see why the Koffee Pot has been such a staple of the Northern Quarter. Full breakfast and complimentary filter coffee or tea for £7 is hard to argue with. Check it out.
Check out our guide to the Breakfast Breakfast and Brunch Restaurants in Manchester for more great places to go!
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