Moose Coffee

It's freezing cold, it's windy, and the icy wind is blowing cold fine rain into my face as I'm striding across Piccadilly Gardens. It's hellish!

Then I step into the doorway where it's dry, warm, the smell of fresh coffee gently lingers in the air and a smooth jazz version of "I Get A Kick Out Of You" is playing. This is Moose Coffee, and I instantly know I'm going to like it here.

I only popped in because I needed a bit of breakfast and in passing it remembered how many of my friends have mentioned it positively, but from what I knew of it, it was good for American style breakfasts (including pancakes!) and good service.

As I wipe my feet, a staff member asks me to take a seat where I'd like and that she'd come over to take my order. As I sit, I realise that above my seat and several others there is a metal trough shelf on the wall, to put your belongings in! Genius! Way too many places forget that you may be visiting with coat, hat, scarf, umbrella, bag etc.

The trough in action on another table

The decor is modern and fresh, in dark wood tones and cream touches, with antler chandeliers that Gaston himself would be proud of.  The menus have an extensive breakfast selection, and although they do hotdogs, salads and burgers etc, it's really nice to see somewhere that prides itself on its breakfast/brunch offerings!

A friendly staff member came over to take my order, telling me that I'll warm up in here in no time. I was only popping in, so I ordered a pot of English Breakfast Tea and a hot buttery bagel. These came promptly (the food before the drink, but not by long!) and both were delicious.

Just before being smothered in marmalade!

When I paid, I had a quick chat with the staff, who were friendly, professional, and made me feel welcome from the moment I stepped into the door and throughout my meal. They were lovely, and even gave me a take-away menu so that I could "plan what you fancy for breakfast when you next visit!", which was savvy salesmanship, as well as friendly and helpful.

This was only a fleeting visit, but until I get chance to return and try a big breakfast or one of their other tempting sounding offerings, I thought I'd do a little write-up to put their name out there, as they're a chain of 3 stores (2 in Liverpool, with another opening soon, and 1 in Manchester), and I think deserve the recognition. Forget Starbucks or Costa, try popping in here when you're next in the city centre, it's only near Piccadilly Gardens, and it's a much more pleasant experience :)

Moose Coffee

20 York Street

Manchester

M2 3BB
(0161) 228 7994
www.moosecoffee.co.uk