Hidden behind a rather busy bus stop, it’s easy to miss 19 Café Bar, it’s usually obscured by a couple of double decker buses, but this place is very impressive, with a masterful brunch and lunch offering which will firstly get you reaching for your phone for pics for the ‘Gram, and then for a fork to get tucked in.
Behind the sheer photographic attractiveness of the dishes though, you’ll find some truly delicious creations, and a venue that’s become an unsung hero in the city for brunch, taking on and beating some of the more established and well-known operators in Manchester.
Biscoff Pancakes!
Brioche French Toast
Chorizo & Sweet Potato Hash (+ Sriracha Hollandaise)
With a menu consisting of some seriously stacked pancakes, including the irresistible Biscoff loaded version (£10), unique Benedict’s – such as the new Chorizo & Sweet Potato Hash Benedict (£8.50), and a host of stacked Bagels, sandwiches and not forgetting – a truly banging Full English Breakfast (£10).
I have a particular penchant for their Brioche French Toast (£7.50), a colossal plate of thick brioche toast, whipped vanilla mascarpone, granola crumb and mixed berries, all brought together with a buttery salted caramel sauce which will leave you licking the plate at the end of it all.
They also offer up a belting Breakfast Club Sandwich (£10) which is as big as it is tasty – toasted bloomer crammed with sausages, bacon, egg, black pudding, cheese and lashings of Sriracha mayo.
One of the best things about 19 Café Bar is the fact that it’s actually a bar too – meaning you can tuck into a cocktail with your brunch – and they do a brilliant Bloody Mary in here which will sort your hangover out in mere seconds. There’s also a collection of beers, cider and wines available, as well as a frankly massive menu of teas, coffees and soft drinks.
In addition, you’ll also find a menu of regularly changing Specials on offer, so keep an eye on their excellent Instagram page to see what’s in store for you when you visit. I can’t guarantee that you won’t end up drooling all over your phone/laptop/keyboard though – you’ve been warned.
