Essy’s Cafe

There’s something pretty spectacular nowadays about getting a sub, drink and bag of crisps for lunch. I tend to gravitate more towards either the super indulgent — I’m talking Mumma Schnitzel and Bangers & Bacon style — or salads made at home. On a recent lunch however, I left the decision totally up to my friend and we ended up at Essy’s.
Directly across the road from work, I don’t know why I haven’t been before! Fear of not being a regular, perhaps; it gives off a slight vibe of you should already know what you want before you get in the door. I’ve heard brilliant things about their jacket potatoes but went for a turkey sub with salad instead.
It was nice to have something simple but so satisfying. A bit like Subway (sorry Essy’s!) but better. The bread was nice and soft and the salad super crunchy, with cucumber, lettuce and tomato. There are sauces available but went dry due to not liking mayo/​salad cream etc.
With a diet coke and bag of crisps it came in just under £5 so totally worth it. I’m looking forward to going back soon.

There is something refreshing about a place that is exempt from styles and fashion. I found this place through reviews on Qype and now live just round the corner. Its a (small) step up from a greasy spoon run by friendly guys with no pretence. 2 eggs and chips and a cup of tea was £3.50! not that I’d eat that every week but its nice to know there are places left in central Manchester (or anywhere) that haven’t been bum-​raped by Starbucks Frapaccino nonsense-​world. The eggs tasted so good they could well have been laid by one of the elder waiters and I wouldn’t have cared. Also looked good for jacket potatoes. Didn’t come out stinking of grease either. Reminds me a bit of the great Turkish café/​restaurants on Stoke Newington High Street in Hackney.
All they need is someone in the back showing you how to replace the hard-​drive in your iMac and I’d willingly have some plastic knockers fitted and a Brazilian and move in!
Highly recommended for no frills food at a good price

This has to be my favourite café in the centre of town. The staff are lovely and the décor is that of a not-​so-​greasy greasy spoon. Even the frilly white canopy outside makes me happy. The menu serves mainly british style café food; pie and chips, eggs and ham; also omelettes, curry on chips, all-​day breakfast etc. The portions are more than ample and the prices are more than reasonable. You’ll come away with your belly and your wallet (depending on your financial position) well stuffed.