“Fuel your adventure,” the Kickback Coffee tagline reads. Far more than just another place to grab a great cup of Joe, this Altrincham institution sells itself as a lifestyle choice as much as a roaster and cafe. Located right on the Manchester canal, passing trade turns from commuters midweek to joggers, cyclists, walkers, ramblers and anyone else who loves the outdoors at the weekend. Understandably, then, the team have embraced this community and demographic, and pride themselves on inspiring people to spend more time under open skies, making this perhaps the most health-conscious coffee house we’ve been to so far. And certainly the most conversational — this is a place to meet and chat, even with those you don’t know.
It all started with a simple trip to a roastery in Nottingham, when Kickback Coffee founder Alex became slightly obsessed with roasting beans using an old popcorn machine. A decade or so later, and the enterprise has grown from a home business into a multi-site enterprise, operating a roastery in the heart of the Peak District, alongside the Arches in Altrincham. The latter has quickly become the busiest part of the operation, offering an open but cozy environment for people to relax, unwind, refuel and watch the world go by at their own pace with the scenic canal as a stunning backdrop.
Trying to summarise the menu is a challenge, so let’s just say this is a coffee lover’s dream, and you can also pick up various other drinks if so inclined, alongside snacks and sweet treats. Ingredients are ethically sourced and the stock regularly changes, emphasising the sense of adventure this place seems to exude. All that aside, the team run regular events which are worth keeping an eye out for, including the monthly Two Brews — a 16km run into Manchester city centre from the Arches, starting with a delicious coffee to get you going, and winding up at the highly respected and equally unique Track Brewery, where participants get a beer to quench their thirst.