New Albert Square opening will be a destination for coffee and music lovers

Following the success of its first venture on Oxford Street, Ditto Coffee is launching a second, flagship coffee shop on Albert Square.

Due to open in Spring 2021, Ditto Coffee, which blends great coffee with the brand’s passion for new independent music, will take over the ground floor space at Bruntwood Works’ Union building.

The new Ditto concept will have an entrance opposite the Town Hall on Brazennose Street and intends to be a destination for coffee and music lovers from all over Manchester and beyond, as well as providing an excellent food and drink option for businesses based at Union, the surrounding business district and visitors to the city.

Bruntwood Works also owns, operates and manages Afflecks and Hatch, and in 2019 the business formed a joint venture with Trafford Council to take over ownership and management of Stretford Mall and Stamford Quarter.

With 38 covers in the cafe and 14 around the DJ stage area, the new opening will offer Ditto’s first menu of hot food and an extensive ‘grab and go’ offering.

The range will include vegan and healthy options as well as classic and seasonal dishes providing hot and cold, dine-in and takeaway offerings

Ditto serve their own unique coffee blend made from Brazilian, Nicaraguan and Guatemalan beans, which customers will also be able to purchase by the bag for brewing at home.

The cake selection will be provided by independent baker Ginger and Fig and the choice will include the best-selling vegan peanut butter and jelly brownies as well as other cakes and sweet treats.

Ditto’s connection to music will remain strong at the new Union venue, with a movable stage at the front of the shop to welcome acoustic artists for stripped back music events.

And as in all of Ditto’s stores, there will be an ‘Artist Dropbox’ which encourages local musicians to share their music.

Each month an artist is picked for free distribution services from Ditto Music, with acoustic artists also invited to play in store.

The Ditto Music brand now supports over 150,000 artists around the globe.

“We’re really pleased to be sharing some positive news after an incredibly challenging year,” said Natasha Murphy from Ditto Coffee.

“We can’t wait to get stuck into this concept which we’ve worked hard to develop in partnership with Bruntwood Works.”

“Our Oxford Road shop was a huge success, and we’re delighted to be extending our presence in Manchester, a natural home for us as a brand with music at its heart.

“Albert Square is a great neighbourhood, an area steeped in wonderful architecture and heritage – we can’t wait to bring our flagship operation to Union and to see the city centre bustling again!”

Ditto Coffee at Union will be the fourth Ditto Coffee in the country, and will be open Monday to Saturday 8am to 5pm. It will open in Spring 2021 (or as soon as restrictions allow).