Long lunches in Manchester

There are two federal cafés in Manchester, one in Deansgate Locks and this one in Northern Quarter (the opposite side of the centre to Deansgate). It is right in the heart of the Northern Quarter and the perfect place to get an all-day breakfast, from steak and eggs to cinnamon porridge! They have a wide range of sandwiches too, from hummus and sweetcorn falafel to a chorizo sandwich. You can probably tell from these options on their menu that they cater for all kinds of different diets! The Federal Café is marvellous due to its location and cosy feeling, leaving customers happy and satisfied whether it is a long or short lunch.

This small gem in the centre is perfect for a relatively long lunch due to its friendly vibe and their staff, who are very willing to accommodate and help anyone. The Fig and Sparrow offer a wide range of sandwiches and soups and also caters for vegans. It is a great place to bring your laptop and get some work done whilst eating lunch and drinking their coffee, sourced from a local Manchester business. However, our favourite feature is their table of tap water jugs filled with lemons, cucumbers and oranges. What’s great about it is that it is free and tasty water! In sum, it’s a small place with a big heart and a lovely place to get some work done or chat up with an old friend in the Northern Quarter.

This Brazilian steakhouse serves gorgeous food and provides a unique dining experience. A Travellers’ Choice (like the Federal Café), they have scrumptious meat options, from the honey pork to the filet mignon. But they also have a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options that are just as splendid, like the spinach, blue cheese and pumpkin risotto. If you want a friendly and helpful service with delightful food for a special lengthy lunch, then this is the place!

Fuel can be found in Withington, which is between the main student area of Fallowfield and the attractive Didsbury. Fuel is another adorable café that very much has a big sense of identity. It has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options and provides a chill atmosphere for those who want to get some work done or want to have a long chat with a friend over some brunch. The halloumi butty is to be recommended. In the evenings, they have live music which makes it a crucial part to the young community in Withington and adds to Fuel’s character.

The Counter House, located in the artistic Cutting Room Square in Ancoats, is an attractive destination for a long lunch, whilst admiring the art around the area. The Counter House serves European and healthy but ravishing food in a modern spacious setting. The service is applauded by customers as being fantastic and their daytime counter full and vegan full big plates are a must try!