The quirky coffee pit stops to discover on walks across Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is full of cool speciality coffee shops – but it’s also full of cute, quirky little coffee pit stops to explore.

Whether you’re out for a walk, or just fancy trying somewhere new, there’s always time to stop for a coffee.

From converted horse boxes to narrow boats and caravans, these are the places to get your caffeine fix in style.

The Horse Box, Worsley

Accessible from Worsley Green and the Bridgewater Canal, The Horse Box coffee shop is an independent family business run by Nafi Bak and his wife.

The couple, who lives in the nearby dock house in the Worsley boatyard, opened The Horse Box back in April 2021.

“My wife and I just realised there’s nowhere to grab a coffee on the go in the area – apart from a pop up trailer at the weekends – and we would watch groups of people walk by along the popular canal path, without a place for refreshment,” he says.

Alongside coffees, teas and a range of hot chocolates, they also serve pastries, cakes and daily specials.

Open Mondays 9am – 5pm, Wednesday – Friday 9am – 5pm, and Saturday and Sunday 9am – 5.30pm. Find out more here.

Walton Perk, Sale

Located on the canalside between Sale and Altrincham, this friendly family-run narrow boat cafe serves coffee and cakes to walkers and cyclists.

As well as coffee, made using high quality coffee beans all the way from Sicily, they also serve breakfast rolls and giant crumpets, hot dogs, cakes and ice creams.

Open Tuesday to Friday 8.30am – 3pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9am – 4pm. Find out more here.

Spice & Grind, Spinningfields

Currently parked at One New Bailey, Spice & Grind started off as a simple idea by founder Samantha Seddon to provide exceptional quality coffee from a rustic converted horse box.

After four months of business, she quit her desk job to chase her dreams of entrepreneurship – and coffee.

As well as a range of coffees, teas, chai lattes and hot chocolates, you’ll also find a selection of homemade treats such as flapjacks, brownies and cinnamon swirls.

Open Monday to Friday, 7.30am – 2.30pm. Find out more here.

Grounded MCR

Grounded MCR, founded by Natalie Lobel and partner Kerry is not your typical coffee vendor.

Beyond the rich aromas of speciality brews and the smell of fresh pastries, it’s the profound impact on the community’s collective spirit that sets Grounded MCR apart.

Grounded MCR is a social enterprise, training vulnerable adults in barista and hospitality skills. They hang out in local parks, markets and festivals and you can even hire them for private events. They employ those who have, or are struggling with, anxiety.

Grounded MCR’s colourful trikes sell speciality coffee, luxury ice cream and baked goods (with vegan and gluten-free options) around the streets and parks of Manchester.

You can find out more on their website by clicking here

KIOSK on Lapwing

When the world shut down during COVID-19, Jemma O’Brien turned a small storage cupboard beneath her flat into a thriving local hotspot.

In May 2021, KIOSK opened its doors, welcoming the Didsbury community to a fresh and lively terrace with sunset pink and terrazzo vibes.

From this charming, snug space, Jemma serves a curated selection of Blossom-roasted coffees, organic fizz from Le Social Wine (on tap, as bottles are too big for the cosy interior), and local beers from First Chop Brewery.

Despite its size, KIOSK’s unique menu shines: enjoy a Negroni, Aperol Spritz, or Espresso Martini under the open sky, with pink chairs and tables providing a perfect perch for people-watching.

To complement your drink, try one of the artisanal bakes from Levenshulme’s Long Bois Bakery, like biscuits, cakes, and pastries.

KIOSK is a cosy neighbourhood gem that brings big flavours and a laid-back vibe, open every day to brighten your mornings and wind down your evenings.

Visit them on Lapwing Lane, and experience the community spirit that has made this little spot such a local favourite.

You can check out their Instagram here

Pulp Coffee, NOMA

Currently in residence at Dinosaur in the NOMA neighbourhood, between Manchester Victoria Station and Shudehill, Pulp Coffee serves up a rotating roster of roasters to keep your caffeine fix interesting and delicious.

As well as speciality coffees, iced coffee, a selection of cold drinks and tea, the cute little hut also serves home-baked muffins

Open Monday – Friday, 8am – 3pm. Find out more here.

Federal coffee cart, Altrincham Market

The Federal coffee cart at Altrincham Market is the first spot outside the city centre for the popular Australian brunch cafe. which has branches on Deansgate and the Northern Quarter.

Coffees, made with beans from Ozone Coffee Roasters, can be served with a choice of milks, and you can also pick up a sweet pastry, brownie or cake to go with it.

Open Monday – Sunday 8am – 4pm. Find out more here.