The Royal Mills roastery that gave the neighbourhood its name, pouring what's coming off a 6kg Giesen that day.

Ancoats Coffee Co. are Manchester's own specialty roaster, and this is their room in the city. Single origins rotate, retail beans travel home with you.

The menu runs from pour-overs to the Magic, Melbourne's ristretto format done properly, and the staff will walk you through the difference before you order. The espresso stands up on its own.

Assembly Coffee from London, pulled with the precision the sourcing decision deserves. Beehive Mill is an unhurried room; worth the walk into Ancoats.

The croissants brought you in. Stay for the coffee.

Ancoats regulars have been naming this place for years, which in a neighbourhood this competitive means something. Dog-friendly and relaxed, with coffee that earns genuine enthusiasm rather than polite praise.

Order the cortado, stay for the Greek pastries, repeat as necessary.

The deli counter is the draw; sandwiches, cannoli, charcuterie; but the coffee is good enough to be a reason in its own right. Order both.

Bookstore, bar, and café in Ancoats with a coherent identity and waffles worth ordering. The coffee holds up.

Australian baristas who've built a loyal Ancoats following on the strength of their iced coffee. Worth the walk.

The coffee counter inside Ancoats General Store holds its own in a neighbourhood that sets the bar. The croissants are the draw for most people; the oat cappuccino is reason enough to make it a habit.