Manchester’s first free-from cafe to open in Royal Exchange Arcade

Manchester’s first free-from cafe is set to open in The Royal Exchange Arcade next month.

Serving treats made entirely from natural ingredients, sourcing organic and local produce wherever possible, the menu at 3Squared Café will be free from a selection of inflammatory ingredients including wheat, gluten, dairy and refined sugar.

Catering to everyone from vegans and vegetarians to coeliacs, diners will be able to enjoy a wide selection of tasty and well-presented dishes.

Aiming to redefine free-from food, ingredients that cause bloating, fatigue, low mood and energy slumps will be removed with a view to leaving diners less stressed and more energetic at the end of their meal.

Heading the project for Squared Ventures Group is Katie McIntosh who told us 3Squared café will also be able to cater for pre- and post-workout needs, with plant-based protein shakes, wellness drinks, and a full range of menu options.

On top of opening the 3Squared Café in November, they also have plans to convert the Royal Exchange’s 12,000-square-foot basement space (which formerly housed popular underground pub and nightclub Branagans – not to be confused with the chain disco pub on Peter Street), into an exclusive high-end gym for 2019.

“The addition of 3Squared to The Royal Exchange Arcade, with its free-from concept, brings a completely new element to what we have to offer. Their future plans are also incredibly exciting, and we are delighted to welcome them on board,” said Emma Haycock of Hines UK.

Hines acquired The Royal Exchange Manchester in November 2016 on behalf of Bayerische Versorgungskammer (BVK), Germany’s largest pension scheme group.

Hines recently announced further additions to The Royal Exchange of funky footwear and accessories brand Irregular Choice and technical apparel brand Lululemon – both set to open over the weekend.