40 years old and still buzzing, Manchester’s original health food shop and café specialises in classic vegetarian favourites. Enjoy a crunchy and fresh protein packed mini bowl with house pickles or a super-sized super bowl with added hummus and a Mexican bean dip. Sandwiches include the Reuben ciabatta with Smokey Tofurkey Pastrami or the classic ‘Middle 8’ burger available to take out or (when Covid restrictions are lifted) in the illuminated basement (thanks to large skylights). Many of the recipes for their popular soups, stews, pies and hearty main course mainstays have been handed down over generations since the café opened in 1970.
Seasonal sweet treats, cakes and ‘energy bombs’ are further reasons to stop by. There’s a decent selection of craft beer from the likes of Alphabet Brewing Co and Shindigger as well as organic and fair-trade soft drinks and freshly blended smoothies. Friendly clientele with plenty of students from the Manchester Metropolitan campus just across Oxford Road are another plus point as is the large supermarket upstairs stocking one of the city centre’s finest range of organic, fair trade and ethically sourced goods.
