Best French Bakery in Balderstone

"Home Sweet Home has grown from humble beginnings to many locals’ favourite eatery that now boasts two locations in the city. Whether you opt to eat in the original Northern Quarter branch or the newer venue in Great Northern, expect a huge focus on dessert alongside the equally impressive savoury menu. The ice-cream shakes hark back to the 1950s in the best possible way, American style pancakes are the ultimate breakfast treat and their deep dish cookie pie is to die for – and that’s not even mentioning the incredible array of colourful sugar-covered pimped out cakes that sit tantalisingly in their dessert bar."

"The Great Northern branch of Home Sweet Home offers an afternoon tea with a difference. As well as a selection of loose leaf teas or coffees and a tier of mini open bagels with maple cured BLT and smoked salmon, there is also a tier of fresh churros. The warm Spanish style doughnuts are dusted with cinnamon sugar and Dreamcheese frosting and served with warm Nutella dip and fresh strawberries."

"This Icelandic inspired coffee house and creative space is one of the newest additions to The Northern Quarter, and is rapidly becoming one of the most popular. The minimal design, open brickwork, old school graffitied tables and atmospheric lighting really do make you feel as though you are hiding from the cold somewhere in downtown Reykjavik. These guys know how to make the perfect coffee, and are accommodating if you require something specific – just ask."

"TAKK is one of Manchester’s best independent coffee houses, with three spots scattered throughout the city centre. Providing locals and visitors with a warm and welcoming space to work and meet, TAKK takes its inspiration from the laid-back lifestyle in Scandinavia and Iceland. Their coffee is great, and their food is simple and delicious."

"Want to be taken away to Iceland or Scandinavia with just a sip of coffee?. Located in Manchester’s Northern Corner you’ll find the Takk Coffee House, a creative space with a friendly environment that welcomes anyone and everyone, whether you want to meet, talk or get your head down to work."

"Continuing a theme of Coffee Spots in glorious Victorian shopping arcades, I present Pot Kettle Black (PKB), which has been gracing Manchester’s coffee scene since the start of October 2014. The Barton Arcade, home of PKB, is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen and PKB takes its lead from there, with gorgeous external features and some of the most ornate and sumptuous window art there is. Stepping inside, PKB is one of the most beautifully-appointed coffee shops I’ve ever visited."

"A coffee shop that has gone from strength to strength since its opening in 2014, Pot Kettle Black has two locations in Manchester – including Barton Arcade and Spinningfields. The coffee shop is inspired by our friends in Australia and New Zealand, taking pride in coffee culture and experimenting with only the best beans in the game. The chilled coffee shops bring a welcome summer vibe to the city, and if you’re stopping by, we highly recommend you try their bakes too."

"Pot Kettle Black has created a special menu especially for Pancake Day. Simply pop by their hatch on Tuesday to grab breakfast, brunch or lunch pancakes from 10am to 3pm. There’ll be pancakes topped with streaky bacon, fried egg and maple syrup; raspberry coulis and white chocolate mascarpone; and honeycomb, milk chocolate and butterscotch sauce."

"The name is somewhat deceptive; although these guys know how to make a good brew, they are also highly trained baristas, and know how to serve up an awesome coffee. The pastries, and baked goods on offer are delicious, as are the sandwiches, which you can enjoy warm, or cold. With 2 seater tables, a large centre wooden table, high top bar, and an outdoor area, find your favourite spot, and relax."

"North Tea Power, in the centre of Manchester, is dead easy to find. Start at the Market Street tram stop. Turn your back on the Costa and Nero that face you as you step off the tram and gird your loins when you see the Starbucks on the other side of the road."

"A cracking cup of coffee, a great name and serves alcohol too (but not first thing in the morning). What more could you want?. 36 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LA@northteapower / northteapower.co.uk"

"A local favourite, Ezra & Gil is consistently busy, with freelancers, Instagrammers and general foodie lovers all big fans of the Northern Quarter spot. The perfect place to go if you’re after a seriously photogenic breakfast with a bustling atmosphere, Ezra & Gil has a tasty brunch and breakfast menu featuring all the classics, from full English breakfast, to all the eggs and smashed avo on toast a millennial could dream of. The menu is pretty big, too, so you’re guaranteed to find something that tickles your fancy."

"One of the Northern Quarter's best cafes has been preparing to open a second site - this time on Peter Street - throughout 2020. The fit-out is ready at the unit, which was once home to a Subway. Glimpses inside the new site show off brushed concrete walls and green velvet booth seating."

"Ezra & Gil, 20 Hilton St, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1FR - Visit now. One of our favourite spots for caffeine in Manchester. A spacious, stripped back location serving up great coffee and a delicious menu of fresh cooked food."

"Lupo Caffè Italiano, located at the Boat Shed, Exchange Quay, serves award-winning Italian coffee. Italian-flavours continue to run through its daily-changing menu which has previous included crostatina with nutella, stuffed peppers and pistachio, and white chocolate muffins. The cafe also makes Italian birthday cakes with custom designs."

"In Manchester’s Northern Quarter, five minutes’ walk from Piccadilly Station, there is an unprepossessing street on which, about half way down, is an unprepossessing store front, part of a tall (four storey) terrace of solid, brick-built buildings. This in turn proclaims itself to be the home of TAKK, a relative newcomer to the Manchester coffee scene. Perhaps this is down to innate modesty (although given the A-boards, I doubt that) or maybe it’s a cunning ploy to lull you into a false sense of security, but the exterior really gives no clues as to the delights that await you when you step inside."

"Another Northern Quarter coffee shop, but this one doubles up as a creative space. It’s aim is to provide a welcoming space to work, meet, talk, and dream up some big ideas. Inspired by travels throughout Scandinavia and Iceland, TAKK serves a unique Nordic Style espresso and their colourful food menu won’t disappoint either."

"Named after its location near to the war memorial on Davyhulme Circle, Poppies 11 Cafe is a delightful little place. It's the perfect place to start the day (we'll have a Poppies Breakfast and a Cappuccino) or a great spot to catch up with mates during lunchtime. The cafe also serves a great afternoon tea, with finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a selection of miniature cakes."

"Burgess Cafe Bar at IABF, International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Engine House, Chorlton Mill, 3 Cambridge Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 5BY - Visit now. If you have a more literary bent, head over to the small but perfectly-formed café at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation. Refreshingly free of distractions (background music is a no-no), this is the ideal place to sit and read a book amongst like-minded people."

"Formerly known as William Sicilian, Sicilian NQ is the first and only true Sicilian restaurant in Manchester – offering up hearty, traditional dishes that aim to encapsulate the culture of Sicily. Think Sicilian wines and beers, antipasti, pasta, cannoli and even lovely traditional Italian desserts that go down extremely well with a good old cup of coffee. Sicilian NQ, 14 Turner St, M4 1DZ."

"King’s Gardens is a 17-acre garden located in the centre of Southport Town Centre, on the Promenade. The gardens are a hive of activity all year round and are a busy tourist attraction on the Southport seafront. The gardens have been restored to their former glory with Victorian shelters and the Venetian Bridge showcasing the beauty of the park, the gardens have sprung to life with an array of colourful flowerbeds and displays, lovingly maintained by the community."

"And you cannot go a list about Manchester without mentioning the famous curry mile. The Delhi Sweet Centre, however, is not a curry house, but a traditional Indian sweet store. You only need to pass it on the street to realise why it is considered one of the greats."

"One of the best outdoor restaurants in Manchester, The Ape & Apple is an ideal pitstop after a long day of exploring the city. With friendly locals, monthly-changing ales and a secret terrace out the back, this place ticks all of our alfresco dining boxes."

"One for the grown-ups - the Comedy Station is described as "Blackpool's Funniest Night Out.". Enjoy an evening of sharp wit and belly laughs at one of Blackpool’s premiere live comedy clubs - and the only purpose-built comedy club in Lancashire. With a skilled compere welcoming three comedy talents from top-flight television shows such as Mock the Week, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Live at the Apollo and more, bringing the best of the UK comedy circuit to Blackpool, it's sure to be a night out to remember."