Cafés and Coffee Shops on Oxford Road
As much as anywhere else in Manchester, the Oxford Road Corridor is packed with great examples of modern cafe culture.
Food and Drink
The food and drink in Manchester is some of the best on offer in the UK, and many of the city’s finest offerings can be found here on the Oxford Road Corridor.
The food and drink in Manchester is some of the best on offer in the UK, and many of the city’s finest offerings can be found here on the Oxford Road Corridor. Running south from St Peter’s Square in the city centre, the innovation district is crammed with knowledge, business and cultural spaces with a huge variety of bars, pubs, restaurants and eateries.
As the Corridor has rapidly developed over the past 15 years we have seen new neighbourhoods pop up with the likes of First Street and Circle Square offering space to new restaurants and bars. 2022 looks set to be a big year for Circle Square with Hello Oriental and Bird of Pray the first new restaurants in space reserved exclusively for Manchester-firsts food and drink.
While much of Manchester’s new fine dining options are popping up in Ancoats, there are still some great high-end choices here such as WOOD on First Street and Adam Reid at The French. Hidden gems include Sandbar, well known for its excellent beer but for our money, there are very few places serving better pizza in Manchester, and, for those in the know, Seoul Kimchi is the best spot in the North for real Korean food.
Then there are the bars, many of the best pubs and bars in Manchester are dotted around the Corridor for you to discover.
Top Food & Drink Picks
Outdoor Drinks & Beer Gardens on Oxford Road
There are plenty of terraces and beer gardens to enjoy outdoor drinks in the sunshine around Oxford Road.
Student Pubs and Bars
With thousands of students arriving in Manchester each year, there’s no shortage of student pubs and bars around Oxford Road.
Bars and Pubs on Oxford Road
Oxford Road is packed with a great range of bars and pubs where you can get your fill of cocktails, spirits and any other liquor you can think of.
First Street
First Street is a vibrant neighbourhood between Oxford Road and Deansgate, it is home to a number of businesses and is a popular spot for food, drink and culture.
Cocktails on Oxford Road
Oxford Road is packed with a great range of bars where you can get your fill of cocktails, spirits and fizz.
O’Connell’s
O’Connell’s, a newly renovated Irish pub under Oxford Road’s railway arch, offers live music, whisky, and a classic pub atmosphere.
Adam Reid at The French
Adam Reid brings sublime fine dining renowned across Manchester and beyond for its exquisite flavours and excellent British cuisine.
Amber’s
Amber’s, is a 1000 capacity, multi-room music venue on Oxford Road. A fully functioning live space and electronic club at Circle Square hosting world renowned DJs and live acts.
Big Hands
Big Hands at the South end of Oxford Road may be small, but it comes with added rock n’ roll swagger, a great atmosphere and a lovely roof garden.
Bird of Prey
Think you know fried chicken? Bird of Prey at Circle Square takes it to the next level. No order is too large for these chicken wizards.
Bold Street Coffee at University Green
Bold Street Coffee opens its second Manchester branch. Expect speciality coffee with rotating blends on the menu as well as an all-day menu.
Brew
Brew at Contact on Oxford Road is a great spot for coffee, food and treating yourself in a chilled and relaxed atmosphere.
Brickhouse Social
Brickhouse Social is an exciting place where bar meets restaurant and all are welcome.
Bundobust Brewery
Bundobust Brewery in the St James Building on Oxford Street is the latest, and arguably the best addition to the ever-growing Bundobust chain.
Bunny Jackson’s Juke Joint
Bunny Jackson’s is a late-night music venue, dive bar and American diner on First Street. Expect cocktails, cold beer and chicken wings.
Christie’s Bistro
Christie’s Bistro offers sophisticated dining in a stunning Victorian Gothic setting, with a menu of fresh salads, sandwiches, and indulgent desserts.
Corridor Coffee Co
Corridor Coffee Co is a handy coffee shop on Oxford Road which you can find within the Students Union. Excellent coffee is matched with a quality choice of quick bites.
Ditto Coffee Manchester
Ditto Coffee is a coffee shop specialising in independent music and speciality coffee. This Manchester coffee shop is the second from the Liverpool-based Ditto Music company.
Don Giovanni
An elegant and dignified Italian restaurant that has held a reputation as one of the big names in Manchester for many years.
Doug’s Hamburgers
Doug’s brings retro Americana to Oxford Road with top-tier Oklahoma-style smash burgers, crisp fries, and classic cocktails in style.
Ducie Arms
Ducie Arms is a traditional pub near Manchester Science Park, with top-class pub food, real ales and a cracking atmosphere.
Essy’s First Street
One of Manchester’s best made-to-order burrito spots, Listo Burrito on Oxford Road is an incredibly popular burrito restaurant on Oxford Street.
Etci Mehmet
Etci Mehmet is a Turkish steakhouse known for high-quality beef, lamb, 24-carat gold-covered steaks, and bold, memorable flavours.
Exhibition
Exhibition is a high-end venue with three award-winning kitchens, a wood-fired grill, expertly crafted cocktails, and late-night drinks.
Federal at Circle Square
Federal at Circle Square sees one of Manchester’s favourite cafes going from strength with their new branch.
Fiori
Fiori is Manchester’s authentic Middle Eastern café, serving unique lattes, Karak tea, and vibrant dishes in a warm, welcoming space.
Fumo
Enjoy the smoky aroma of authentic charcoal grills at this superior Italian restaurant.
Gino D’Acampo Manchester
Gino D’Acampo’s First Street restaurant offers classic Italian dishes, a dedicated Spritz bar, and a welcoming space for all occassions.
Gooey
Gooey opens a new café at Circle Square, serving up their famous cookies, French toast, and indulgent brunch favourites.
Gorilla
Since opening in 2012, Gorilla has proved itself as Manchester’s definitive mid-sized modern gig venue and one of the city’s best bar and kitchens.
Half Dozen Other
Discover Half Dozen Other’s fresh bakes, coffee, and artisan treats in a unique cafe setting at Circle Square
Haunt MCR
Haunt is a coffee, wine, and aperitivo bar offering Mediterranean-inspired brunch, hearty sandwiches, curated drinks, and seasonal flavours.
Hello Oriental
Hello Oriental is an exciting food experience based in Circle Square with every possible variation on Asian Fusion cuisine in one place.
HOME’s 1st Floor Restaurant
Hearty classic meals with a contemporary twist, chosen to accompany your cultural explorations at HOME’s 1st Floor Restaurant.
House of Social
House of Social is a vibrant new food hall at First Street, uniting kitchens, bars, and events in a social hub.
Hyatt Regency Manchester
Hyatt Regency Manchester is an elegant, modern hotel set in the heart of Oxford Road Corridor.
Indian Tiffin Room
Charming and homely, the Indian Tiffin Room brings this classic Indian dish to First Street.
Java Bar Espresso
Java Cafe, Manchester’s oldest independent coffee house since 1996, offers expertly brewed coffee and a prime location near Oxford Road station.
Junkyard Golf Manchester
Located on First Street, Junkyard Golf Club is the home of cocktails, crazy golf and an even more crazy night out.
Kim’s Kitchen
Kim’s Kitchen is a welcoming Hulme café, bar and community hub serving brunch, coffee and drinks, close to NIAMOS, Z-arts and Hulme Park.
Kro Bar
Kro Bar, Manchester is an independent pub and music venue housed (somewhat ironically) in the former Temperance Society building.
Listo Burrito
One of Manchester’s best made-to-order burrito spots, Listo Burrito on Oxford Road is an incredibly popular burrito restaurant on Oxford Street.
Manchester Museum Café
No afterthought, the Manchester Museum Café serves real food and drink and has a firm eye on sustainability.
MEATWORKS
MEATWORKS serves top-tier, halal-certified Irish Angus beef, from steaks to smash burgers, in a stylish, alcohol-free Manchester spot.
Momo
Momo serves authentic Chinese street food, specialising in rice and noodle dishes, daily dumpling specials, and a variety of bubble teas.
Monkey Trio
Monkey Trio explores the art of sake alongside a diverse menu of rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and more.
Mr Egg
Mr Egg is a one-stop shop for a quick blast of the cutest, funniest and most delicious types of Taiwanese cuisine.
Mr Su
Mr Su is set to take Manchester by storm, bringing traditional Chinese dumplings and noodles to Circle Square on Oxford Road.
Navarro Lounge
Find Navarro Lounge just off Oxford Road on University Green, a modern and welcoming chain bar with excellent choices of food.
North Taproom
North Taproom serves up everything from small-batch craft ale to high-end cocktails alongside a well-designed menu of Asian street food.
Onda
Onda delivers one of Manchester’s best casual dining experiences, thanks to its laid-back vibe and delicious, artfully made food.
One Plus Chinese Restaurant
One Plus Chinese Restaurant offers an authentic taste of China, specialising in hot pot and barbecue, with hand-stretched noodles and rice dishes.
Oxford Road Tap
Located in front of Oxford Road Station, this micro pub offers a curated selection of craft ales, cask beers, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Peveril Of The Peak
Peveril Of The Peak is Manchester’s most iconic pub adorned with the sorts of bottle green, yellow and brown Victorian tiles that are a reclamation yard’s dream.
Rain Bar
This huge three-floor pub, formerly a Victorian warehouse, then an umbrella factory (hence the name), has one of the city centre’s largest beer gardens.
Red Chilli
Red Chilli offers authentic Beijing and Szechuan cuisine, famous dim sum, and a refined setting with a VIP room for special occasions.
Sandbar
Sandbar, just off Oxford Road in Manchester, is a well-loved watering hole, with a great selection of ales and some eccentric seating.
SEESAW
Found within the SEESAW arts hub and creative workspace, the SEESAW Café is one of the best coffee shops in Manchester.
Seoul Kimchi
Seoul Kimchi is an intimate restaurant on Upper Brook Street that serves Manchester’s most acclaimed Korean cuisine.
Society Manchester
Society Manchester is a glorious indoor and outdoor space in the very heart of the city, with several street food vendors to choose from and a range of high-quality drinks.
TAKK University Green
Takk at University Green is an Icelandic inspired, independent coffee shop that offers tasty, artisan, single-source coffee and delicious brunch, snack and vegetarian options.
The 8th Day Shop & Cafe
You can stop by on your lunch for a quick takeaway sandwich or burrito to take back to your desk or enjoy across the road in All Saints Park, or you stay longer and pick from a menu of mains in their downstairs cafe.
The Abbey
The Abbey is a historic Hulme pub combining live music, great beer and local heritage, led by the team behind YES and Now Wave.
The Briton’s Protection
An iconic pub with an impressive whiskey list running into the hundreds. A welcoming atmosphere and a sprawling beer garden.
The Courtyard
The Courtyard is a mecca for sports-loving students with a huge amount of TV screens, a massive beer garden and bargain booze.
The Flour and Flagon
The Flour and Flagon pub has a range of cask beers, gins and a menu of “honest grub” which includes burgers, pies, grills and a range of desserts.
The Gasworks Brewbar
Gasworks is a repurposed industrial space on First Street that’s now used for quality drinking and dining.
The Grosvenor
Set in a historic building, The Grosvenor offers a vibrant atmosphere with big screen sports, 30+ beers on tap, live entertainment, and crowd-pleasing food.
The Lass O’ Gowrie
Take a seat by the river at The Lass O’ Gowrie and watch the world go by in this refined and ancient watering hole.
The Refuge
The Refuge, at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, is a luxurious, modern restaurant, housed in a magnificent, Alfred Waterhouse designed, Victorian brick and terracotta building offers 10,000 sq ft of drinking and dining for everyone and anyone with the instruction “Come As You Are”.
The Salisbury
A rock music-friendly venue where everyone can enjoy a pint in one of Manchester’s most historic pubs.
The Salutation
The Salutation is one of Manchester’s most historic pubs – thriving right in the heart of the Oxford Road Corridor for over 200 years.
The Taphouse
The Taphouse at Circle Square lets you pour your own pints from 24 taps, sip from 16 wines, and grab NYC-style pizza by the slice.
The Temple
Originally called The Temple of Convenience owing to its former life as a public toilet block, this is a tiny bar with some of the finest bathroom graffiti in town.
The Whitworth Café
The gallery in the park which has gained global attention with contemporary exhibition programmes giving new life to international collections.
Tsujiri
Much loved Japanese tea house, Tsujiri has opened its second Manchester site at Circle Square
Turing Tap
Located at the south end of Oxford Road between the universities, hospital site and Whitworth Park, the Turing Tap is a handy pub with an extensive, all-day food menu.
Umami
Based in the heart of Oxford Road, Umami is a restaurant serving up Sushi, Ramen and Asian Fusion food at a delicious price.
YES
Four floors of YES with something for everyone – including a rooftop bar, two live music spaces, a club space, DJs and extensive coffee, street food and bar selection.
Yi Fang Fruit Tea at University Green
Made with loving care, this is tea taken to the next level. Yi Fang Fruit Tea at University Green’s recipes have deep roots.
Zouk Tea Bar and Grill
Zouk Tea Bar and Grill is a modern, exciting restaurant, serving up some of the very best Indian-Pakistani cuisine in Manchester.