The quirky coffee pit stops to discover across Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is full of cool 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.

Stutter & Twitch, Altrincham

This ‘coffee caravan’ from artisan coffee and music concept Stutter & Twitch is located in the Not So Secret Garden in Altrincham’s Stamford Quarter.

Launched by Ryan Hayes, who has a background as a musician and producer, the converted caravan serves speciality coffee as well as craft beer and vinyl.

Open Mondays and Tuesdays 9am – 5pm, Wednesday – Saturday 9am – 1pm, and Sundays 10am – 8pm. Find out more 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.