Caffe Nero, Manchester

This has to be my favourite Caffe Nero in Manchester! I've been to many, but none seems to strike the cord with me apart, maybe, from CN by Piccadilly train station.

Location is one huge plus here. It is simply beautiful to sit at the tall tables by the window and watch Cross St, while drinking your espresso. Or to find a place in that cosy corner to the right where you can sink in leather armchairs.

What I especially like about this Caffe Nero is that it kind of falls into several parts; however the division is only nominal, there are no barriers anywhere. There is a space to the left of the door where you can sit on tall chairs; there is a space to the right, with leather sofas; walk up a couple of steps, and you are in the area that is divided from the other two by the bar. This latter space is often used by businessmen for their meetings.

This Caffe Nero is best visited in the morning when Cross St is not too busy. You will be looking at Eagle House, in particular; and Cross St is one of architecturally impressive streets in Manchester city centre. Towards lunch it gets busier, of course, and the next best time to come hither is after 4pm, especially in the winter season when the night settles earlier.

They always do a good selection of cakes and sandwiches, and their coffee is simply the best. In Cross St they offer you booklets telling more about the history of Caffe Nero, coffee, and different caffeinated drinks they can make for you. This is useful if you wondered how many espresso shots are used to make a latte or a macchiato.