Foundation Coffee’s mantra rings true. “Coffee is everything”, the team proudly proclaim, and over the years this homegrown emporium of roasted beans and foamy tops has expanded into a respected Manchester empire. The Northern Quarter site is one of four operating in the city centre today, and reflects many of the traits that have made this brand so popular. First up, the bespoke interior design, inspired as much by the setting as functionality. Think industrial tile work, wrought metal pipes and fixtures, and a clean, minimalist aesthetic in the seating area. It feels like the kind of place where standards will be impeccably high. And it is.
The menu offers a combination of breakfast and brunch classics, alongside an extensive list of hot drinks. Starting with the food, simple & light includes a range of classic pastries — croissant, pain au chocolat, pain au raisin, almond pain au chocolat. If that’s too delicate, the sea salt & dark chocolate Granola, which comes with Greek yogurt and strawberry and maple syrup, elevates an everyday option to something luxurious. Or you might prefer a salmon & soft cheese bagel, the Croque Madame Croissant, Rolled Oats — either done overnight and served cold, or made there and then and brought to you piping hot.
If you need something more substantial, Foundation still has your back. The classic breakfast is as it sounds, only elevated with high quality bacon and sausages, homemade beans and toasted farmhouse tin bread. A Vegan alternative is also available. Beyond this, the eggs florentine, brioche French toast, eggs your way (poached, fried or scrambled) and potato hash are well worth stumping up for. As is the signature mancmuffin — a brekkie stack which includes all the cooked items and tangy tomato relish. Fresh focaccia — topped with tofu & aubergine or chicken, pesto and baby gem lettuce, is similarly tasty. And finally, then, we get to the Joe. Coffee comes in all shapes and sizes here, from pour overs to cortado, bulletproof to kevlar. Meanwhile, the guys take equal pride in their hot chocolate, allowing customers to choose their intensity from Madagascan dark to Ivory Coast white. And there’s also a range of chilled and speciality coffees, alongside milkshakes and smoothies.
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