Caffeine Fix

I must admit, after three years in Manchester I have a very poor knowledge of the coffee/cafe scene here. I am one of those (probably quite annoying) people who doesn't like to spend my money on going out for coffee, not regularly at least. I admit there is something nice about a well made coffee and the atmosphere of a cafe, but having tried my hand at working in one (briefly) I sadly went off it - I think once you know how it is done the magic is lost, plus the smell becomes a little less, well, nice.

However, I have found that going for a coffee is far more of an event than simply getting your daily caffeine fix. Therefore, without wanting to sound pretentious, I'm not a great fan of popping into a chain coffee shop, not least because you end up paying far more than is necessary.

FYG in the Northern Quarter is a really nice place to enjoy a good coffee in Manchester (above), surrounded by shelves stacked with Italian fare. At £2.50 for a cappuccino/latte, it is on the more expensive side. For those in need of a regular fix, and on a budget, this may not be a sustainable source of caffeine.

This brings me nicely onto my budget suggestion, a little further away from the city centre but definitely walking distance, the Cheeky Coffee Co, just off Oxford Road. With a bright green colour scheme, it isn't a typically decorated coffee shop, which may put some off.

However, at £1.50 for a coffee (of any kind), you really can't go wrong. The staff are very friendly, and the chocolate decoration on top (see below) means that whilst this is a cheap coffee, it is by no means a poor quality one. The cakes are equally good value, at £1.20 for a (very) large red velvet cupcake (above). Whether you are in need of a regular fix at a good price, or (like me) you don't want to pay a bomb for your coffee, the Cheeky Coffee Co is highly recommended. Good coffee, good price. Oh, and if you still need your fix of rushed and expensive coffee there are several chains around the corner too. 

Cheeky Coffee