Best Pancake Places in Manchester (2025) – Guide to Top Cafés

Manchester’s brunch scene is thriving, and at the heart of it are pancakes—fluffy, golden, and piled high with both sweet and savoury toppings. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic American-style stack, airy Japanese soufflé pancakes, or traditional Dutch poffertjes, the city offers something for every taste. This comprehensive guide showcases the best pancake destinations in Manchester, complete with locations, hours, menu highlights, and insider details.

1. Moose Coffee

Image source: pinterest.com

Location: York House, 20 York Street, Manchester M2 3BB (also at Gateway House, Piccadilly Station Approach)
Opening Hours: York Street: Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm; Sat 9 am–6 pm; Sun 9 am–5 pm
Official Website: Moose Coffee

About & Atmosphere:
Moose Coffee opened in Manchester with one mission: to bring the hearty flavours of North American breakfasts to the UK. From the moment you walk in, the scent of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon fills the air. The décor blends rustic wooden tables with a casual diner feel, creating a warm and bustling environment. It’s a favourite among city workers during the week and a weekend go-to for families and friends catching up over big plates of food.

Menu Highlights:

• Banana & Pecan Pancake Stack – Three fluffy pancakes with bananas, chocolate hazelnut spread, maple pecans, Canadian maple syrup, and butter.

• Apple & Homemade Salted Caramel Pancakes – Cinnamon-spiced apple, house-made salted caramel, maple syrup, and butter.

• Double Dutch Pancakes – Pancakes layered with smoked sausage and streaky bacon, topped with fried eggs, maple syrup, and butter.

Price Range: £8–£14 per dish.
Why Visit:
Moose Coffee offers some of the most generous portions in Manchester, with an authentic North American twist and a menu that caters equally to sweet and savoury cravings.

2. Federal Café Bar

Image source: tripadvisor.com

Location: 9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester M4 1EY
Opening Hours: Open daily from 8 am; closing times vary by day/location (Fri until 5 pm at Nicholas Croft)
Official Website: Federal Café Bar

About & Atmosphere:
Federal Café Bar is Manchester’s slice of Australia and New Zealand. It’s light, airy, and filled with the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. Wooden counters, minimalist décor, and vibrant plates of food give the space a relaxed yet modern vibe. It’s one of the most Instagrammed brunch spots in the city, often with a queue outside—proof of its popularity.

Menu Highlights:

• French Toast – Thick-cut bread with macerated berries, white chocolate & almond crumble, and vanilla mascarpone.

• Turkish Eggs – Two poached eggs, whipped yoghurt, and Aleppo chilli butter.

• Cheddar Corn Fritters – Served with avocado, rocket, tomato relish, and poached eggs.

(Note: Pancake offerings rotate seasonally, so check the specials board.)

Price Range: £9–£14 per dish.
Why Visit:
For stylish brunch dishes, exceptional coffee, and an atmosphere that blends Antipodean café culture with Northern Quarter charm.

3. The Koffee Pot

Image source: tripadvisor.com

Location: 84–86 Oldham Street, Manchester M4 1LE
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 9 am–3 pm (kitchen hours)
Official Website: The Koffee Pot

About & Atmosphere:
A Manchester institution since the 1970s, The Koffee Pot is known for its generous portions and no-nonsense breakfasts. Its retro interior, complete with formica tables and vintage touches, gives it an old-school charm. The lively banter from staff and regulars makes it a place where you instantly feel welcome.

Menu Highlights:

• Buttermilk Pancakes – Served with crispy bacon and maple syrup.

• Chocolate Chip Pancakes – Topped with whipped cream.

• Savoury Pancakes – Served with sausage and fried eggs.

Price Range: £7–£12 per dish.
Why Visit:
For hearty, comforting breakfasts in a nostalgic, community-driven café setting.

Read Also: Best Pizza Places in Rawmarsh, UK (2025 Guide): Where to Eat Delicious Slices Near You

4. Fress

Image source: tripadvisor.com

Location: 62 Oldham Street, Manchester M4 1LE
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 9 am–5 pm
Official Website: Fress

About & Atmosphere:
Fress combines the sophistication of a modern café with the warmth of a neighbourhood brunch spot. White marble tables, contemporary lighting, and stylish plating make it a favourite among those who like their food to be as photogenic as it is tasty. The café is also known for special themed events like Pancake Afternoon Tea.

Menu Highlights:

• Pancake Afternoon Tea – A mix of mini pancakes served with sweet and savoury toppings (event special).

• Eggs Benedict – Classic brunch dish with poached eggs and hollandaise.

• Shakshuka – Eggs baked in spiced tomato sauce.

Price Range: £9–£15 per dish.
Why Visit:
For creative, event-style brunches and a chic, relaxed environment.

5. Black Milk

Image source: tripadvisor.com

Location: 88 Oldham Street, Manchester M4 1LF
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 10 am–6 pm
Official Website: Black Milk

About & Atmosphere:
Black Milk is Manchester’s dessert powerhouse. Bold décor, neon lights, and playful plating set the scene for over-the-top treats. It’s the perfect spot for those who believe breakfast should double as dessert.

Menu Highlights:

• Oreo Pancakes – Pancakes topped with crushed Oreos and chocolate sauce.

• Kinder Bueno Pancake Stack – Layers of pancakes with hazelnut chocolate flavours.

• Seasonal Biscoff Pancakes – A rotating special for caramel biscuit lovers.

Price Range: £8–£13 per dish.
Why Visit:
For indulgent, dessert-style pancakes that are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious.

6. Cocoa Cabana

Image source: cocoa-cabana.co.uk

Location: 7 Murray Street, Ancoats & 128 Burton Road, West Didsbury
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 9 am–6 pm
Official Website: Cocoa Cabana

About & Atmosphere:
Part chocolaterie, part café, Cocoa Cabana is an elegant spot with pastel interiors and display cases full of artisan chocolates. It’s especially popular for its themed brunch events and beautiful presentation.

Menu Highlights:

• Bottomless Pancake Deal (£12.50 during Pancake Day and other special events) – Flavours have included Biscoff, tiramisu, Kinder Bueno.

• Handcrafted Chocolates – Available to enjoy in-house or as take-home treats.

Price Range: £10–£15 per dish or event deal.
Why Visit:
For a luxurious blend of chocolate artistry and creative pancake flavours—especially during special pancake-themed events.

7. Lazy Sundae

Image source: cocoa-cabana.co.uk

Location: Halle Place, Manchester Arndale & Northern Quarter
Opening Hours: Hours vary by location; check store pages for up-to-date times
Official Website: Lazy Sundae

About & Atmosphere:
Lazy Sundae is Manchester’s go-to for Japanese soufflé pancakes—soft, airy, and delicately jiggly. The pastel interiors and floral details create a whimsical atmosphere perfect for relaxed catch-ups.

Menu Highlights:

• Matcha Soufflé Pancakes – Light pancakes with earthy green tea flavour.

• Mango & Cream Soufflé Pancakes – Sweet, tropical twist.

• Chocolate Drizzle Soufflé Pancakes – Rich and indulgent.

Price Range: £9–£12 per dish.
Why Visit:
For beautifully presented soufflé pancakes in a cosy, Instagrammable café setting.

Read Also: Top 5 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Manchester for a Perfect Dining Experience

8. Papa Dutch

Image source: cocoa-cabana.co.uk

Location: Goose Green, Altrincham (plus Altrincham Market origins)
Opening Hours: Hours vary; check social channels for latest times
Official Website: Papa Dutch

About & Atmosphere:
Papa Dutch is a family-run café specialising in poffertjes—mini Dutch pancakes. Starting as a market stall, they now have a permanent Goose Green café. The smell of butter and sugar fills the air, drawing in both locals and visitors.

Menu Highlights:

• Classic Butter & Sugar Poffertjes – Simple and traditional.

• Nutella & Strawberry Poffertjes – Sweet and fruity.

• Biscoff & Banana Poffertjes – Caramel and banana pairing.

Price Range: £5–£9 per serving.
Why Visit:
For authentic Dutch mini pancakes served hot and fresh, with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Conclusion

Manchester’s pancake scene in 2025 is as diverse and exciting as the city itself. From Moose Coffee’s towering American stacks to Lazy Sundae’s delicate Japanese soufflé creations and Papa Dutch’s authentic Dutch poffertjes, there’s a flavour, texture, and atmosphere for every type of brunch lover. Each spot on this list has been carefully chosen and verified for its quality, consistency, and unique appeal—whether it’s a long-established institution like The Koffee Pot or a modern, Instagram-ready café like Federal.

No matter your preference—sweet or savoury, classic or adventurous—Manchester offers a pancake experience worth seeking out. So next time you’re planning breakfast, brunch, or even an indulgent afternoon treat, let this guide lead you to a plate of pancakes that’s every bit as memorable as the city serving them.

FAQs

1. Where can I get the biggest pancake portions in Manchester?
Moose Coffee serves the biggest, most filling American-style stacks.

2. Which café in Manchester is best for pretty, Instagram-worthy pancakes?
Federal Café Bar and Lazy Sundae make the most photogenic pancakes.

3. Are there any places for special or different types of pancakes?
Papa Dutch serves Dutch poffertjes and Lazy Sundae makes Japanese soufflé pancakes.

4. Do these pancake places serve savoury pancakes too?
Yes, Moose Coffee and The Koffee Pot have savoury pancake options.

5. Should I book a table in advance?
Yes, for busy spots like Federal, Moose Coffee, and Cocoa Cabana on weekends.