The cool Manchester coffee spot with barista workshops and a chance to gets hands-on with the beans

Getting a good cup of coffee without paying over the odds is something many of us clamour for when out and about. Manchester has a fine selection of coffee houses, each with a great caffeine-fuelled treat instore. 

One thing that is always enjoyable is checking out a new coffee spot, and the feeling of experiencing a café for the first time always brings with it a certain charm. On a cold, rainy Saturday earlier this month, I visited one of the newer additions to Manchester’s vibrant café scene. 

Allpress Espresso Café is tucked away from instant view, but at the same time it's not too far from Victoria station or the National Football Museum. The decor is simple but charming, providing a cool hang out spot to meet with friends or to get some work done.

It occupies the old Redfern Building, and the café has given the bottom floor a whole new lease of life. The preservation of the original windows and general design show new visitors the café wants to keep the legacy of the building alive whilst calling it home.

The group has multiple cafes across the country, but the Manchester coffee house is at present its most northerly. This café has a quiet charm about it, and this comes partially in the form of a dedicated area for barista training and workshops, which customers can get involved in.

Mayer Street isn’t a part of Manchester that will leap out at you, and it can be easily missed if not careful. What also was a surprise was the unassuming signage of Allpress, which also is quite reserved. Yet the sight of people going about their business inside, and the friendly staff creating drinks is an easy give away that you’ve reached a coffee shop.  

The café was at capacity during my visit, with individuals and groups alike escaping the wet Manchester weather for a cup of something warm and cosy. At £3.50 for a cappuccino, I was pleasantly surprised - even more so when a table became available. 

At the till, there’s a deep bowl of coffee beans which greets you. It is something a bit different, and customers are welcome to plunge their hands in - something that I took full advantage of. The scent of coffee was all around me anyway, and now my hands were experiencing more of the same. 

Sitting and experiencing the buzz of the café was in stark contrast to the cold conditions outside. It has the feel of a place where you could easily spend hours, watching the city go by, and having not one care in the world. 

Allpress is a quiet escape from the busy Manchester streets and the best part is, you don't even need to go too far off the beaten track to find it.