Fig + Sparrow

Fig + Sparrow is my favourite little coffee shop in the Northern Quarter Manchester. The atmosphere is just so quirky and welcoming.
As well as their coffee being top notch, they’ve got a wide selection of teas!
I would also highly recommend the fig & walnut sourdough; it’s delicious on a sandwich or just toasted with jam! It’s my go to place for a sandwich in that area! There’s a menu, but they don’t mind you mixing up the things from the menu, in my experience!
They’re really accommodating, and easy going; They’re used to many the traveller and have always got good suggestions of other places to go in Manchester. Or even the Manc-​local, who perches up with their laptop, you can loose yourself in their fab playlist of music on offer whilst replying to your emails!
Definitely worth a visit!

Love this place. Was the perfect café to hide away in for some delicious food and coffee while I did some work. Everyone was very nice and the ambiance it great. They have a little boutique with household items and cards. They have sandwiches, salads, tea coffee desserts and more!

I’ve been here several times now, and although the cute gift shop is lovely, what pulls me back time and time again is the coffee.
I usually drink a flat white and at fig and sparrow they are always a perfectly balanced coffee– not too citrus and not too bitter, with ornate and beautiful latte art as a bonus.
My boyfriend has had a few filter coffees (with a small selection of different beans which changes frequently) and also enjoyed his too.
After visiting quite a few coffee places in Manchester, fig and sparrow is definitely my favourite.

As an Aussie in the UK, it’s often hard to find good coffee, but these guys nailed it. I’ve been here quite a few times now and the consistency and standard of brew is excellent! They also have some tasty tasty treats if you want a snack with your cuppa! Highly recommend!!!

Absolutely charming little find. First time in Manchester and just came across this place accidentally, walking past I couldn’t help but notice how quaint and lovely this place looked so I walked right in!
Place was very relaxed for a Wednesday morning, with the clientele consisting of students and people conducting business meetings by the looks of it. Place is perfect for it as it wasn’t busy, the ambience I’d relaxed with soft chilled out music playing in the background and power sockets under the benches along the wall to plug your laptop or phone into.
I popped in just before lunch time and treated myself to a late breakfast of Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts and a chai latte. The yogurt was delicious, serving size a bit small but it’s quite cheap so I suppose you could probably pay a bit extra for a larger portion. I ordered the chai latte off the menu: it’s not advertised, but as a chai enthusiast I had to at least ask. Was told they do «their version», meaning they don’t have powder but they use tea leaves to brew their own. Now let’s face it if you truly like your chais as I do you know this is actually way better than the powdery stuff! Authentic and delicious, though if you like your chai super sweet, make sure you ask for some honey in it :)
All in all I really liked this place. Chai and yogurt came in at 5.20£ which I thought was decent, though if your order is less than 5£ bring cash, as there will be a 30p surcharge.
In any case, staff were relaxed and friendly and the place gave off a really nice vibe. It felt like one of those trendy cafes that offers a great selection of coffees, teas and juices as well as a broad food menu. The breads also looked amazing, and they even have gluten free granola options with the yogurt. Despite the trendy feel there was absolutely no pose or pretentiousness whatsoever, so just a nice relaxing place to start your day!
The décor was kind of old rustic charming and reminded me of a large country style kitchen much like my kitchen at home (city dweller though I am) which is definitely part of the appeal of this place. I’d definitely come back for a proper feed for brunch and the likes.

Lovely little café and shop in the Northern Quarter close to Piccadilly gardens. They have a couple of seats outside as well as a bench in the window and table seating.
I can’t drink coffee unfortunately but I had a delicious oat-​ly chocolate milk since it was a hot day– now I’m addicted to the stuff! I ordered the mackerel and beetroot salad which came with horseradish and was really good. The menu is small– they have soups, salads, sandwiches and a couple of breakfast items. Could have a few more options but all in all I liked what I ordered. The atmosphere inside is really nice as they have fairy lights etc, definitely recommend.

What a lovely find!
Fig + Sparrow is a small, but cute and intimate coffee & tea shop located in the NQ.
We came across here yesterday after a wander around the city and stayed for a coffee. We found a table close to the entrance and relaxed for a while, taking in the lovely décor and some of the very nice homeware /​gifts and trinkets that were on sale there. I ordered a latte and Neil C. went for a flat white — both really good.
The food menu looked small, but great and so did the cakes, scones and buns that were on sale near the counter! I resisted, as we had only just eaten, but next time i’d like to try the eats here.

My encounter with Fig + Sparrow was a brief one, but enough to make me want to go back. Over the years, I have had some great recommendations from Unilocal CMs, so when Jonny Q. suggested Fig + Sparrow, I knew it had to be good. There is nothing worse than a café that feels like a sterile environment, but this place is far from that. The place has a very cozy and welcoming feel about it.
When you first enter, there is a small shop, of which I mostly noticed a wall of cards. The merchandise looked mostly like items for the home Then you smell the coffee and hear the familiar sounds of the espresso machine. There are some booths to the side or a couple of large tables in the middle. To be honest, there isn’t much seating, which at the time we were there, it wasn’t a problem, but I could see how it might be a little more than cozy when it really gets buzzing. I had a plain ol’ tea, but I really liked the teapots. I should really get one, but it feels a bit weird to have a teapot for one at home.
While chatting and sipping on tea, I noticed bread loaves for sale. To me that is another win! I particularly like that they aren’t just plain white or brown loaves… I am really interested in trying the Fig and Walnut Loaf. I also noticed the different types of people that were attracted to the place. I didn’t really think it was the type of place for businessmen in suits, but there were a couple of them! A lot of people had laptops out, so I am guessing there is wifi… or they are just playing Solitaire ;). Cannot wait to stop in again and try out the coffee, baked goods, and yes, purchase a loaf of bread!

Really lovely coffee shop and store. Peaceful and a lovely place to meet with friends.
It’s half coffee shop half store selling coffee machines mugs and ceramics which I wanted to buy one of each.
Not a lot of seating and I’m guessing it gets really busy but worth a try :)

Fig & Sparrow is a charming little coffee house, gallery and shop just inside the NQ/​Pic Gardens border. Delicious coffee, a warm bright, welcoming atmosphere and really chilled out staff add to a lovely selection of (slighty expensive) homemade decorative items.
Really worth checking out if you’re looking for a quiet spot to write some reviews!

I have passed this place a few times on my way to work… and so i finally got to try it…
These guys are serious about good coffee, they know where they import each type from and how much its worth per coffee bean :)
Their menu is very vast and their homemade cakes are divine :) When I popped in it was very busy and there was not much room to move… the lady who I think was the manager seemed a little stressed towards her colleagues under the chaos but she switched to such a kind and welcoming person when she greeted us. There is an advert for more staff at the moment there, so I think they were just short handed.
Anyway I chose the Marrakesh mint tea and my friend a coffee put through a copper funnel thing. she is the pro when it comes to coffee making so I have no idea how and what made it taste so smooth and flavoursome without milk and sugar…
To snaffle I chose the peanut brownie which was yummy and the scones looked just as nice. the tables are slightly crammed together but I was still comfortable and it was nice to quickly look at items for sale so you can attempt nice coffee at home too.
I don’t think I can explain thoroughly enough how good this place is for coffee, because I am not a connoisseur. But hey definitely one of the nicest independent ones I have been to… Sod Starbucks and Costa :)

Fig and Sparrow… As I was passing I just popped in for a cup of tea. As you enter the shop it sells knick-​knacks and the coffee shop is at the back of the store. It is very nice inside and they have free Wi-​Fi. The drink was good and they offer lots of nice cakes with a good selection. You can even buy ground coffee to bring home as well as loose tea. Another nice touch is they sell loafs of bread, such as olive bread and some sourdough as well a variety of other type, and at a reasonable price.

I arranged to meet a friend here on a Saturday afternoon and was pleasantly surprised to find we could get a seat straightaway.
There is a shop selling cool stuff at the front and then you sit at the back (although there are tables outside too).
You order at the till at the back and then they bring the goodies over to you. There is a good selection cakes, including very healthy sounding courgette and lime cake.
We went for the soup to begin begin with. £4.75 for a healthy portion of beetroot and lentil soup with some yoghurt garnish and bread on the side. You get a choice of bread. I had the olive and rosemary, my friend had fig and walnut.
My friend had the Marrakech mint tea and I had the china green sencha, both very good and served in nice pots/​cups.
After the soup, we decided to have cake. I had a rocky road slice and my friend had the salted caramel slice, both very nice. One day I may try the healthier cake but today I needed calories! I had the jasmine green with the cake and it was very nice.
Overall really like it and will be back again!

I remember when Fig+Sparrow first opened. I stumbled upon it accidentally and was wowed instantly. The front part is a shop selling cool things for the home that I’ve never actually seen anywhere else whilst the back half comprises of a café.
The shop sells items such as cards, candles, baskets, kitchen supplies (cups, mugs etc), glassware. I once bought curtain hooks from there which totally complimented by newly decorated reception room. All the products are usually locally sourced and you won’t find them anywhere else — at least I haven’t, anyway.
The café is small but provides an intimate warm environment. The music is fantastic — a perfect way to enjoy Saturday mornings with a book, coffee and some nice cake or food. They don’t have a kitchen but they do provide some great salads and snacks. I personally love the cakes. They’re unique and unlike anything I’ve ever had before. My personal favourite are the new Fig/​Almond cake slices. The Trove loaves are scrumptious and you can even buy whole ones to take home with you.
The staff are absolutely lovely and being a regular they owners now know me by name! We enjoy a great conversation before I proceed to the café to order my drink/​food. It really is my favourite place in Manchester. It’s the «Central Perk» to my life! I genuinely can’t say a bad word about it.

The front of Fig + Sparrow is seating for the café. Then comes the shop. Then comes more café. Imagine a cross between a coffee shop and an interior design shop. And maybe a card shop.
The interior is lovely though — small and intimate, done out in wood (although sometimes a bit oppressively warm). They do some lovely teas and coffees here (the orange pekoe tea is especially nice) as well as some great soups, sandwiches and cakes. I was particularly charmed by the fact that the soup is served in a big enamel mug!

My Aussie friend recommended me this cute coffee shop since they serve a very special and rare African coffee called ‘Geisha/​Gesha’. Surprisingly the coffee came in a glass jar with a small cup but I must say the taste of Gesha was just amazing. Very flowery, smooth and delicious.
We both loved the ambiance in fig+sparrow on a Saturday morning and had both breakfast. I chose for the Smoked salmon + spread cheese on toasted artisan sourdough bread and my friend picked porridge with honey and toasted almonds. I will definitely come back again because the service was sweet, brightened up the place with their smile and the small qualitative menu was top-​class!
Great place for individuals, designers and anybody who appreciates great coffee :)
Big plus: sockets under the seats (i always need to charge my phone) and they have free wifi!

I have read lots of good reviews about this place and I love artsy stuff. My chance came today to seek shelter from the rain. Not sure if it was the mugginess outside, the fans were on inside and it was hot!
A mixture of customers ranging from young families, the loner on the laptop and girlfriends enjoying a hot brew. I just had a normal brew as I was thirsty and a carrot cake. The tea was one of the best teas I’ve ever had, I just love a brew from a teapot and the carrot cake had plenty of filling and was very tasty. The let down was the teacup. It has this ridiculous small ring where I could barely put my finger in and I have slim fingers so I had to concentrate every time I picked up my cup in case I spilt it everywhere (I’m very clumsy).
Despite the place being really hot, it was a cute place, friendly staff, great tunes from an old fashion speaker and a good atmosphere and vibe.
Not as good as other places in NQ but definitely worth a visit. I can imagine this place holding special evenits where we can create arts and craft on those wooden tables.

Such a cute place but not my favourite coffee.
I walk past this little café and shop every day on my way to work and have wanted to try it for ages. I have been in twice now, once for a late afternoon drink and cheeky affogato then for emergency toast and peanut butter one morning.
Both experiences were fine but not as good as I had hoped. The interior is lovely, a fair amount of seating and really nicely laid out. There is a good menu with plenty of choices and lots of nice hot and cold drinks.
I had a jasmine tea with my affogato and it was over brewed for my taste which was a real shame. The espresso in the dessert was very strong (and I love a strong coffee, my favourite blend is called jail break) and didn’t really work for me.
I do love this place and I would keep giving it a chance as it’s got a really great atmosphere and I love a little look round the shop.

When Fig+Sparrow first opened about 1 minute walk from my old office last year, I have to say it wasn’t somewhere I could see myself hanging out in. The shop at the front was full of cool stuff that you could browse and look over but the coffee shop part looked a bit tacked on and not really somewhere that felt as nice as some of the places like North Tea or Home Sweet Home — plus the cakes just looked too healthy where somedays you just want to go somewhere and splurge on calories!
Fast forward a few months and just randomly I thought I’d go and check it out again. I’m pleased that I did as it somehow felt warmer, more alive (a good mix of people working, meeting and just taking a load off) there were friendly staff up for a chat and the cakes looked amazing! Unfortunately I’d just been for lunch and couldn’t fit any in but I now know to go back here to enjoy some quality slabs of sugar!
What’s nice is that they’re also getting more connected with the artisan producers of Manchester which is a real USP in terms of offering these to a wider audience. The brownies are made by The Browny Owl (always have to purchased from Levy market) and you can buy Trove (another Levy favourite) loaves to take away. At £2.50 a pop — I didn’t hesitate at getting hold of one for my breakfast today!
Overall it was a really pleasant experience and could be one of our cities best kept secrets — I’d recommend going and re-​checking it out yourself!

Was happy to find this place after rather miserably trudging round the Northern Quarter in the rain looking for somewhere to sit down and have a hot drink. It has a comforting well maintained ambience (even the basement loo!) and the staff are extremely friendly. I really like the broad wooden table in the middle of the coffee area, feels calming and comfortable to sit at!
I tried the Marrakesh loose leaf mint tea which was very nice although not as good a fresh mint tea — when I return next I’ll try the peppermint instead. They have some lunch in a jar meals which is a fun concept although I’m not sure the actual contents would be that exciting. But it’s a nice touch, also like the jugs of water with orange slices and sugar syrup.
Shops like this which contain loads of really overpriced unnecessary home items I normally just dismiss as selling tat but for some reason the stuff here entranced me, especially cushions featuring a dog saying «Bonjour» /​holding a French flag in its mouth (srsly I don’t know why I found this so cute) and a wire basket for £18 which I for some reason felt I really need in my life. My friend felt the same about a set of colourful plastic spoons… I don’t what this place does to you but I enjoyed it!