Federal Cafe & Bar
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I had a fantastic brunch! The food, service, coffee, and cocktails were all outstanding! There was a line out the door. I was alone, but was still told there would be a 20 minute wait time. It was literally 5 minutes. They opened at 8am on a Sunday! I got there around 10. If you don't want to wait, you'd better be standing there when they unlock the doors!
This review is solely based on the take out menu as thats all I did. However, I really wanted to go here for a while and last time it was queued for ages. Luckily this time I was able to get in and get an order. This placed looked amazing ... when I feel more confident to eat out, I would deffo go here and eat in ... Antipodean coffee is great. I just ordered a basic latte and even though COVID things have eased a little bit, I was glad they still took it seriously. So I ordered a basic latte, which was really easy, the menu easily available and readable, ordered without any wait and then waited outside and they brought it out to me. The staff were all very nice and the food looked great and they even had some Aussie chocolate which was a nice touch. The coffee was great too ... very well made, had their own recyclable cups and it was super tasty ... a great way to start any day.
Excellent brunch here! All the staff were friendly and despite being quoted a 20 min wait, it was about 10 min. We got window counter seats and ordered at the till. The Tumeric Latte was absolutely delicious, the Stuffed French toast was super decadent and delicious, as was the Halloumi and Shrooms was perfect! The poached eggs were done just right and the sauce was flavorful. The Pineapple porridge reminded us of Hawaii. Portions were generous and the atmosphere was lively at this cozy restaurant. All of it was wonderful! Can't wait to go back!
Federal Cafe & Bar is one of Manchester's most popular restaurants on Yelp, mainly a brunch spot they have two branches around the city centre with this being one of their main stores as it was the first one which opened back in 2014. It is currently serving food on a collection basis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is also on Deliveroo during this time. The menu is currently a much-reduced menu and some of the items don't seem to travel very well, including the freshly squeezed orange juice which might have been tasty and good quality, but the fact it didn't come with a straw made it hard to drink, especially considering I was eating outside myself. For my food, I ordered the gluten-free eggs on toast which comes with a spicy tomato sauce, however it was more sweet and sticky than spicy. The eggs, however, were pretty good and seasoned well. For £5 this wasn't bad. I also got some extras including bacon and chorizo at £2 each, the bacon was a little fatty and the chorizo was slightly chewy but the latter did have nice flavours. The gluten-free toast was pretty bad, it was barely toasted and it was inedible, even the fact it was soggy due to being drenched in the sauce didn't make it edible. I threw some to nearby pigeons, and even they turned their backs on it. A good place for brunch, do bear in mind this place doesn't have disabled access but it really isn't a good place for take-out from a lack of straws to the food being too messy and just not suitable for take-out or delivery. 3*
What an oasis! Super friendly staff and appealing menu make this a great place for a little treat (I wouldn't come here for a standard weekday lunch as it's fairly expensive, although generous portions and certainly not unreasonable for the quality). I like how you pay at the till so you don't have to stress about waiting to pay at the end. I tried the famed smashed avocado on sourdough and it made a very satisfying meal when paired with perfectly cooked poached eggs and a pile of smoked salmon. The coke was a disappointing 200ml (but I do need to cut down) and they brought water without asking, always a good sign. The nata tart was very nice but not a patch on what I had in Lisbon, I should probably stop ordering it and expecting a different result! It must be a good sign that I recommended two sets of friends to come here before I ever tried it, just on the basis of consistently excellent online reviews, and they all raved about it. On a shockingly summer October day it was delightful to sit on the pavement and watch the trams go by...the closest Shudehill will ever come to beautiful!
It's hard to review this place based on atmosphere as I popped in at 430pm last Thursday and I was the only person in here - saying that, it did give me a good opportunity to really check out the place and have a good natter with the barista. It's a great new addition to the NQ as the likes of NTP and Takk do seem to get super busy now and there really does need to be somewhere new to take the numbers and offer something a little bit different (and space) - the layout is all cool booths and the windows are perfect for people watching. The barista was friendly (I remember him from Caffeine and Co Spinningfields) and it was great to see them stocking OZone coffee from London (I do miss that wonderful place on Old Street...) - the coffee was damn good! I'll definitely be making this place a regular stop on my list of places to hit while I'm in town, I just hope that they get the word out about it a bit more as NTP was crazy busy when I went after here and that is just around the corner. Wifi is: federalcafebar
As it stands, my favourite breakfast/brunch place in the city. I only say as it stands because I haven't visited every single breakfast/brunch establishment (2016 goal right there). Back to the review, Federal is awesome! They have a great menu with a different twist that your regular breakie menus and some healthy options at that! A popular choice is the smashed avocado but I went for poached eggs on sourdough toast with bacon on the side - amazing - and the bacon was some of the best I've ever tasted. Oh and the juices, especially the Superman juice, are fantastic. The Superman is blended fresh in the cafe and contains like 100 of your 5 day; Kale, Avocado, Lime juice, chia seeds and a dozen other really super uber healthy ingredients. I read the ingredients before I had it and expected a horrible taste - nope - delicious! Pretty obvious that I like this place, I'll be back!
If you're selling a) poached eggs b) streaky bacon c) avocado d) all of the aforementioned, then I'm going to be your customer. Having seen other Yelpers' reviews and their comments on the food, I decided to give them a try when I decided to brave the city for some shopping. Located on a corner plot on the opposite side of the road from Oklahoma and across from the NCP car park, the outlook from their windows may be bleak, but not so their interior and definitely not their menu. After a friendly hello from the staff behind the counter, I sat down and glanced the options, having already decided to order their 'smashed avocado, streaky bacon and poached eggs on sourdough toast with rocket' (£7.50). With a pot of Earl Grey, brunch would come to a reasonable tenner. Having missed the large lettering on the menu saying 'Order at the till' I waited for a few minutes before coming to my senses and heading up to the counter. There were only a couple of other customers in when I arrived but they quickly filled up post 11am. My tea was brought out first and was followed not long afterwards by my meal. One word: delectable. It all worked - the saltiness of the bacon with the freshness of the avocado and tang of the rocket. Eggs poached to perfection and hearty toast. Scrummy. I wanted to order another plate of it and berated myself for eating it too quickly. As others have mentioned, their location, though ideal for commuters near Shudehill to pop in, or Arndale shoppers wanting a quiet escape from the food market, for Northern Quarter wanderers you'll have to walk past a few competitors before you reach them. If you are in the area though, do try them out, they rustle up a seriously good brunch.
I love grabbing breakfast at federal, it has such a great atmosphere and a real urban modern feel. The cafe is a little small but I think that's what builds the character of the place. Because of the size waiting time can be a little while but it is definatley worth the wait. I had the haloumi with shrooms which was an amazing meal with sourdough bread, pouched eggs, with sauce haloumi and yes mushrooms. This meal was absolutely delicious would highly recommend if your feeling hungry! If your a coffee lover like me you will not be disappointed in federal cafe and bar as the coffee is delicious and they have so much choice. I have a new favourite which is the piccolo.
Another day, another breakfast, but another great breakfast. I really liked Federal, the portions were large and the coffee was strong. Coffee wise it really feels like these guys know what they are doing - as soon as you walk in the door you are hit with the waft of roasting beans. It was really hard to choose what to eat from the menu, in no way is this a criticism, what I mean is that nearly every option sounded mouth watering. I eventually opted for the tried and tested Eggs Benedict although I knew that in the next 30 minutes I was going to experience some pangs of food envy. That prophecy came true when Jonny Q's french toast came out piled on his plate and topped with clotted cream. Mine by comparison looked truly boring. Have you ever hear the phrase 'empty cans make the most noise'? Well in this case I think my eggs benedict spoke for itself. The bacon was incredibly morish, to the point that as I ate my last rasher I started ripping tiny bits off so it would last longer. The vibe is most definitely hipster but don't let that put you off - they're a cheery bunch in here! Easy 5 stars - one of my many Manc highlights.
I'm a young urban northeastern American female, so naturally, I am very into brunch. Federal satisfies perfectly. The menu isn't extensive, but includes all of the hearty, healthy staples your heart might desire. I had the halloumi and mushroom toast with smashed avocado, and was expecting a slice of toast on a small plate - what I got was a huge platter of food that kept me satisfied all day. My friend ordered a bagel, which was likewise delicious and was probably the best bagel I've tasted outside New York State. The high point of my meal was the mimosa, which was pulpy and fresh. Star deducted because ordering is confusing (it's set up like a full service restaurant but you order at the counter) and there's a long wait for food when it's busy. If you have the time to spare and love breakfast food, Federal is a great way to start a day out in Manchester.
7 months ago
Instant favorite breakfast spot in Leeds. Excellent variety for whatever you're in the mood for. From full breakfast, custom combos to acai/fruit bowls they got it all covered. The staff is amazing, we were surprised by the warm welcome when we returned! Really appreciate. Love the eggs with chorizo, lattes are delicious. Avocado toast yummy as well. We look forward to return trip, highly recommend!! read more
1 year ago
A Fantastic Cafe Experience! I've been to this cafe twice now, and both times have been fantastic! The service is consistently excellent, and the coffee is spot on. What really stands out is the food--it's absolutely to die for! Everything is so fresh, fast, healthy, and delicious. Plus, everyone who works there is super friendly, and the cafe itself is always very clean. I highly recommend it for a great meal and a great experience! read more
long ass line on weekend mornings but i went on a weekday which was fine. the eggs benedict not being served on an english muffin threw me off. it was good just a little eggspensive. whoever said that the english dont season their food didn't try the smashed avocado read more
I had a fantastic brunch! The food, service, coffee, and cocktails were all outstanding! There was a line out the door. I was alone, but was still told there would be a 20 minute wait time. It was literally 5 minutes. They opened at 8am on a Sunday! I got there around 10. If you don't want to wait, you'd better be standing there when they unlock the doors! read more
This review is solely based on the take out menu as thats all I did. However, I really wanted to go here for a while and last time it was queued for ages. Luckily this time I was able to get in and get an order. This placed looked amazing ... when I feel more confident to eat out, I would deffo go here and eat in ... Antipodean coffee is great. I just ordered a basic latte and even though COVID things have eased a little bit, I was glad they still took it seriously. So I ordered a basic latte, which was really easy, the menu easily available and readable, ordered without any wait and then waited outside and they brought it out to me. The staff were all very nice and the food looked great and they even had some Aussie chocolate which was a nice touch. The coffee was great too ... very well made, had their own recyclable cups and it was super tasty ... a great way to start any day. read more
2 years ago
7 years ago
Excellent brunch here! All the staff were friendly and despite being quoted a 20 min wait, it was about 10 min. We got window counter seats and ordered at the till. The Tumeric Latte was absolutely delicious, the Stuffed French toast was super decadent and delicious, as was the Halloumi and Shrooms was perfect! The poached eggs were done just right and the sauce was flavorful. The Pineapple porridge reminded us of Hawaii. Portions were generous and the atmosphere was lively at this cozy restaurant. All of it was wonderful! Can't wait to go back! read more
6 years ago
Federal Cafe & Bar is one of Manchester's most popular restaurants on Yelp, mainly a brunch spot they have two branches around the city centre with this being one of their main stores as it was the first one which opened back in 2014. It is currently serving food on a collection basis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is also on Deliveroo during this time. The menu is currently a much-reduced menu and some of the items don't seem to travel very well, including the freshly squeezed orange juice which might have been tasty and good quality, but the fact it didn't come with a straw made it hard to drink, especially considering I was eating outside myself. For my food, I ordered the gluten-free eggs on toast which comes with a spicy tomato sauce, however it was more sweet and sticky than spicy. The eggs, however, were pretty good and seasoned well. For £5 this wasn't bad. I also got some extras including bacon and chorizo at £2 each, the bacon was a little fatty and the chorizo was slightly chewy but the latter did have nice flavours. The gluten-free toast was pretty bad, it was barely toasted and it was inedible, even the fact it was soggy due to being drenched in the sauce didn't make it edible. I threw some to nearby pigeons, and even they turned their backs on it. A good place for brunch, do bear in mind this place doesn't have disabled access but it really isn't a good place for take-out from a lack of straws to the food being too messy and just not suitable for take-out or delivery. 3* read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
10 years ago
What an oasis! Super friendly staff and appealing menu make this a great place for a little treat (I wouldn't come here for a standard weekday lunch as it's fairly expensive, although generous portions and certainly not unreasonable for the quality). I like how you pay at the till so you don't have to stress about waiting to pay at the end. I tried the famed smashed avocado on sourdough and it made a very satisfying meal when paired with perfectly cooked poached eggs and a pile of smoked salmon. The coke was a disappointing 200ml (but I do need to cut down) and they brought water without asking, always a good sign. The nata tart was very nice but not a patch on what I had in Lisbon, I should probably stop ordering it and expecting a different result! It must be a good sign that I recommended two sets of friends to come here before I ever tried it, just on the basis of consistently excellent online reviews, and they all raved about it. On a shockingly summer October day it was delightful to sit on the pavement and watch the trams go by...the closest Shudehill will ever come to beautiful! read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
It's hard to review this place based on atmosphere as I popped in at 430pm last Thursday and I was the only person in here - saying that, it did give me a good opportunity to really check out the place and have a good natter with the barista. It's a great new addition to the NQ as the likes of NTP and Takk do seem to get super busy now and there really does need to be somewhere new to take the numbers and offer something a little bit different (and space) - the layout is all cool booths and the windows are perfect for people watching. The barista was friendly (I remember him from Caffeine and Co Spinningfields) and it was great to see them stocking OZone coffee from London (I do miss that wonderful place on Old Street...) - the coffee was damn good! I'll definitely be making this place a regular stop on my list of places to hit while I'm in town, I just hope that they get the word out about it a bit more as NTP was crazy busy when I went after here and that is just around the corner. Wifi is: federalcafebar read more
As it stands, my favourite breakfast/brunch place in the city. I only say as it stands because I haven't visited every single breakfast/brunch establishment (2016 goal right there). Back to the review, Federal is awesome! They have a great menu with a different twist that your regular breakie menus and some healthy options at that! A popular choice is the smashed avocado but I went for poached eggs on sourdough toast with bacon on the side - amazing - and the bacon was some of the best I've ever tasted. Oh and the juices, especially the Superman juice, are fantastic. The Superman is blended fresh in the cafe and contains like 100 of your 5 day; Kale, Avocado, Lime juice, chia seeds and a dozen other really super uber healthy ingredients. I read the ingredients before I had it and expected a horrible taste - nope - delicious! Pretty obvious that I like this place, I'll be back! read more
12 years ago
If you're selling a) poached eggs b) streaky bacon c) avocado d) all of the aforementioned, then I'm going to be your customer. Having seen other Yelpers' reviews and their comments on the food, I decided to give them a try when I decided to brave the city for some shopping. Located on a corner plot on the opposite side of the road from Oklahoma and across from the NCP car park, the outlook from their windows may be bleak, but not so their interior and definitely not their menu. After a friendly hello from the staff behind the counter, I sat down and glanced the options, having already decided to order their 'smashed avocado, streaky bacon and poached eggs on sourdough toast with rocket' (£7.50). With a pot of Earl Grey, brunch would come to a reasonable tenner. Having missed the large lettering on the menu saying 'Order at the till' I waited for a few minutes before coming to my senses and heading up to the counter. There were only a couple of other customers in when I arrived but they quickly filled up post 11am. My tea was brought out first and was followed not long afterwards by my meal. One word: delectable. It all worked - the saltiness of the bacon with the freshness of the avocado and tang of the rocket. Eggs poached to perfection and hearty toast. Scrummy. I wanted to order another plate of it and berated myself for eating it too quickly. As others have mentioned, their location, though ideal for commuters near Shudehill to pop in, or Arndale shoppers wanting a quiet escape from the food market, for Northern Quarter wanderers you'll have to walk past a few competitors before you reach them. If you are in the area though, do try them out, they rustle up a seriously good brunch. read more
I love grabbing breakfast at federal, it has such a great atmosphere and a real urban modern feel. The cafe is a little small but I think that's what builds the character of the place. Because of the size waiting time can be a little while but it is definatley worth the wait. I had the haloumi with shrooms which was an amazing meal with sourdough bread, pouched eggs, with sauce haloumi and yes mushrooms. This meal was absolutely delicious would highly recommend if your feeling hungry! If your a coffee lover like me you will not be disappointed in federal cafe and bar as the coffee is delicious and they have so much choice. I have a new favourite which is the piccolo. read more
Another day, another breakfast, but another great breakfast. I really liked Federal, the portions were large and the coffee was strong. Coffee wise it really feels like these guys know what they are doing - as soon as you walk in the door you are hit with the waft of roasting beans. It was really hard to choose what to eat from the menu, in no way is this a criticism, what I mean is that nearly every option sounded mouth watering. I eventually opted for the tried and tested Eggs Benedict although I knew that in the next 30 minutes I was going to experience some pangs of food envy. That prophecy came true when Jonny Q's french toast came out piled on his plate and topped with clotted cream. Mine by comparison looked truly boring. Have you ever hear the phrase 'empty cans make the most noise'? Well in this case I think my eggs benedict spoke for itself. The bacon was incredibly morish, to the point that as I ate my last rasher I started ripping tiny bits off so it would last longer. The vibe is most definitely hipster but don't let that put you off - they're a cheery bunch in here! Easy 5 stars - one of my many Manc highlights. read more
4 years ago
I'm a young urban northeastern American female, so naturally, I am very into brunch. Federal satisfies perfectly. The menu isn't extensive, but includes all of the hearty, healthy staples your heart might desire. I had the halloumi and mushroom toast with smashed avocado, and was expecting a slice of toast on a small plate - what I got was a huge platter of food that kept me satisfied all day. My friend ordered a bagel, which was likewise delicious and was probably the best bagel I've tasted outside New York State. The high point of my meal was the mimosa, which was pulpy and fresh. Star deducted because ordering is confusing (it's set up like a full service restaurant but you order at the counter) and there's a long wait for food when it's busy. If you have the time to spare and love breakfast food, Federal is a great way to start a day out in Manchester. read more
11 years ago
Solid Sunday Brunch spot - this was my first time here and I already know I'll be coming back soon. On the edge of the NQ and in a very nice rustic bar-like establishment. Gets very busy during weekend 'brunch' hours so be ready to wait 20-25 mins for a spot for 2 during peak times. Helps if you're waiting with someone who has top chat to pass the time by ;) But the food was definitely worth it. Some advice: sharing plates are definitely recommended esp. if you're with your significant other. My friend got the Smashed Avocado on Toast the bacon and I ordered the French Toast. Both came with generous portions of toppings so it may be a bit hard to wolf down on your own. Instead we just shared both and that meant double the goodness. Price range is reasonable - was around £8 for each of our dishes. Huge plus, the bacon here is crispy salty and loaded with flavour. I think after a bite of this I knew this place had a special spot in my heart. read more
I had the Smashed Avocado; poached eggs, bacon and avocado sitting on sourdough. It was delicious! Great combo served on superbly baked sourdough, and it goes down well with a morning latte. The cafe is situated on the corner of Nicholas Croft/High Street running along the tram line from Shudehill to Market St in the Northern Quarter. Inside, it has hard darkwood furnishings that resonates the Australian/NZ vibe, and the size gives you are nice cosy setting. I hope to return soon to sample more from the menu, both food and coffees. read more
12 years ago
I'd heard loads of other Yelpers talk about Federal Cafe but had no idea where it actually was in the NQ...turns out it's on the edge of the Northern Quarter, near Shudehill and the Printworks. Came here for brunch and a catch up with Chris T. It's a good spot for a meet-up over a cup of coffee. I actually had a chamomile tea since I have a caffeine intolerance and also ordered the poached eggs with avocado, bacon and sourdough. Couldn't fault it- very good. They have a range of coffees, teas, hot chocolate and soft drinks, along with a food menu- it's quite basic and small, with mainly egg-type dishes, French toast, muesli and sandwiches. As far as I'm aware it doesn't change at lunchtime, so it's breakfast/brunch stuff throughout the day. Would be nice if it were a little more extensive with salads etc. The interior has a sort of New York cafe style, quite urban and industrial looking with wooden floors etc. It filled up quite quickly while we were there and seems pretty popular. Definitely a decent spot for brunch. read more
Last time I visited here, it was a decided 4, but upon visiting again I really have to give them an upgrade. Yes, ordering at the counter is still something I'm not a fan of but everything else was epic, so its deserved. This time I had a milo with almond milk (served warm) which was just perfect - these folk understand the delight that is milo and how to serve it. Followed up with a massive smoked salmon bagel which was generous and delicious. This place is super cool and located just on the corner of the NQ and is well worth a visit. read more
If you believe what people say then breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Yesterday my friend Beth and I visited Federal in Manchester's northern quarter to get our morning food and beverages. We walked in and were told we can order at the bar when we are ready, personally I am a fan of these relaxed cafe's and restaurants...especially at breakfast time. I cant stand being fussed over too much before I have had at least one caffeinated beverage. We both ordered the eggs Benedict which was fantastic both in presentation and taste. It was brought over to our table quickly and was eaten in exactly the same way.....fast! This is a really great place, relaxed vibe, fantastic food and someone working who has great taste in music. Bravo Federal. read more
I really liked the Federal Cafe and Bar, which is on the edge of the Northern Quarter. I only went in for a quick coffee and i was the only person in the place though it was 4pm. The barista was really friendly and was telling me all about the place. I loved the industrial interior of the place and it looks great. It looks like a trendy cafe from a trendy borough in New York City! My Latte was smooth and tasteful and at £2.70 not a bad price. he also gave me a Federal loyalty card. The barista also gave me a plate containing a few slices of the delicious sour dough bread with a triple oil dip. Its one of cool places to show off to your friends, i really like it, next time though i want to try the menu out a bit more. read more
12 years ago
When it comes to breakfast at the moment, Federal is basically the only place I suggest. After trying the goodies at our exclusive Yelp event and then returning for lunch, I had one more thing I just had to go back for - and that's the french toast. We arrived at about 10.15 to a completely full cafe, instantly filling me with the dread that we would be end up roaming the Northern Quarter looking for somewhere else to get the most important meal of the day! Being a party of four meant we couldn't exactly squeeze on to most of the tables, however, there was a large group finishing up their coffees and the lovely waitress came over to assure us that we were on her radar and the next party to be seated. By the time we were at the table, we'd all devoured the menu and were ready to head up to the till to order (remember to do this rather than sitting and waiting for someone to come and take your order...) I couldn't really see past the french toast; massive slabs of bread, creme fraiche, berries and a small pot of salted caramel sauce. The whole thing was just as delicious as I remembered - a big tick for consistency! Others in the party went for eggs benedict with ham, scrambled eggs with sourdough toast and the tomato salsa, and fried eggs with bacon and the aforementioned toast. Everything was polished off around the table, with additional drinks ordered at the till throughout. It's all well priced and worth it, if only it was bigger and we could while away the hours... With ma and pa visiting from 'down South', I wanted to show them the best of Manchester, and Federal helped me do just that! read more
Federal Café and Bar started following me on Twitter a few weeks ago and after a look around their place I couldn't wait to go and try their place for brunch. I must say, what a great place! Located on High Street, very close to Shudehill Metrolink station, this café is quite small but that's what I loved about it. The two guys who run Federal are great - as soon as I walked through the door on Saturday morning they sparked up a conversation with me and I instantly liked them. They're so passionate about their venture and now so am I!! I ordered the smashed avocado, bacon and poached eggs on sour dough toast with rocket and it was sublime! I saw them take a French toast dish to another customer so I contemplated ordering this afterwards, but it wasn't meant to be! My belly is too small - but next time! Every dish on their menu sounds and looks fantastic - they also do rustic sandwiches to take out and a fab selection of cakes. I ordered a latte too - and it came with a small chunk of chocolate brownie on the side of the plate which was amazing! Very happy with this place - they'll be seeing a lot of me I reckon. read more
If I had to eat one meal for every day for the rest of my life I would choose Federal's French toast. It was the nicest thing that's crossed my lips in my entire life. The French toast was served with cherries, mascarpone and caramel sauce - it was absolutely delicious. The service was good but I cannot comment on the inside of the restaurant because it was full and we were seated outside. I'd get a flight back to Manchester just to come here. read more
10 years ago
This place is amazing Staff friendliness 5/5 Food quality 5/5 Atmosphere 5/5 for a cafe I tried the Haroun and Shrooms. It was delicious. Honestly you can't go wrong with this place everything was good. read more
Although Iv only been here a couple of times, and only once to eat, I'm giving it 5 stars purely for its purpose. The fact Manchester has an Aussie themed cafe is amazing! About time! A place that does smashed avo with eggs and smoked salmon, sourdough toast, matcha lattes... And banana bread! It's clearly a close topic for me about Australian inspired food and drink. When I moved back from aus, I was shocked to see how behind Manchester was with healthy eating and just breakfast/brunch options in general. The food I had didn't disappoint, and there were so many other options on the menu I can't wait to go back and try. I'm just overly happy Iv found a place that sorts out my sourdough toast, avocado and banana bread addiction. A great place for breakfast/ brunch / lunch! read more
This has certainly become my recent go to place for brunch when in Manchester. I have been here on several occasions and haven't really understood what all the fuss was about in previous visits... But this was my own fault due to bad menu selections. They are certainly following trends and offer both crispy bacon and sour dough toast in pretty much all the dishes. I really hate both of these, hence my lack of enthusiasm before.... However swap the sour dough for a bagel and the crunchy bacon for smoked salmon and Federal suddenly becomes my favourite brunch spot. The eggs are cooked to perfection, and my hollandaise sauce was thick and flavoursome. Amazing. The coffees are also very good here, and although it can get busy, service is always efficient and served with a smile. A must visit if you're after a great breakfast but you can't get up before noon. Brunch all day is the best way! read more
Finishing yet another 12 hour night shift..we needed a drink and a hearty breakfast.. I had been here before for coffee but always found it too busy to order food.. walking in we were met with a large queue of business men , waiting to grab their coffee and sarnies . A lady behind the counter shouted for us to grab a seat. The tables are very small and it makes you feel like your sat down to breakfast with everybody..anyway the menu consists of eggs done any way, bacon, granola yogurts, sarnies omelettes. After pondering a short while I settled on the smashed avocado, smoked salmon, poached eggs on sour dough bread for a tenner. My partner in crime opted for the bacon with poached eggs... Unfortunately, despite there was a new waitress you still had to order food at the counter..which causes a little chaos from those who have to battle the flustered business men. Finally I got to the counter and sheepishly requested a blood orange screwdriver at 8.30am.I explained we had finished a night shift. This was granted . When the food arrived it did taste as good as it looked with perfect poached eggs and creamy avocado. I tried a little of my friends bacon which was very crispy but too salty for me. To finish we had a coffee each after our vodka oranges which also tasted great. Overall I think they need to divide the commuters queue from the diners by taking orders at the table. Also I found mine a tad expensive for what it was. Service was friendly..I may try again. read more
4 years ago
Having taken a Friday off work I decided to get up bright and early to head for a spot of breakfast before taking to the shops to finish some of my Christmas buys. Wanting to start in the Arndale Federal was the perfect location to meet given the weather was a bit hit and miss. This place is tiny inside with only a handful of tables I'm glad I gave it a go mid-week to ensure I snagged a table! I was stuck between the eggs benedict and hallomi and shrooms on toast. After much deliberation I opted for the benedict to pitch it against other cafes in the NQ and I wasn't disappointed. Served with smoked salmon, buttered spinach and lashing of hollandaise sauce - just what I needed to set me up for the day. I then saw a number of hallomi dishes being served and I will now NEED to return to taste test something a little different for breakfast. read more
After visiting here for my first time after my first Yelp event I had been meanking to come back here to visit. As I don't often visit this area of town i often forget about it which is a shame! However, after leaving the Arndale heading over to the Northern Quater I noticed Federal and decided to pop in for a coffee and a snack. I had a pour over coffee which was excellent and decent value. We shared a warm BLT which was excellent and very tasty. Also the friendler waiter kept us topped up with water which is served in a milk bottle - nice touch. I am always very nosey and always have a sneaky peek at what other tables have ordered when their food comes out...The smashed avocado and bacon looked amazing so I think I will be coming back just to try this! Federal is an excellent cafe which offers so much more than most others in the city centre and is one I should definately remember for the future! read more
10 years ago
Federal is a great little spot just next to the Shudehill Interchange Bus Station. If you're taking the bus to Manchester this is an excellent coffee or food spot in between travel. The choice of food is good, more on the pricey side but portions are big so come hungry. What did we eat: Smashed Avocado with poached eggs, sourdough toast, and extra bacon Halloumi and Shrooms - sourdough toast, poached eggs, halloumi, garlic and thyme mushrooms, tomato, rocket Pressed Juice Special of the Day PROS Good portion sizes / good value for money Popular dishes like smashed avo, cream cheese bagels Good service Excellent presentation Easy to find Tasty Food CONS The special pressed juice didn't taste great and didn't look great Peak times such as Sunday afternoon for brunch invites queues into the entrance so can get cramped London prices The tomato in the Halloumi and Shrroms didn't complement the dish and was quite sweet Great place to visit but Manchester has some other hidden brunch gems too. Due to its popularity, it may need to expand as it was quite cramped with people queuing inside the small room. Beautiful presentation and tasty food bit I think they would benefit from some more original dishes too :) Sophie read more
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More info about Federal Cafe & Bar
9 Nicholas Croft
Manchester M4 1EY
United Kingdom
Northern Quarter
Directions
0161 831 9374
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http://federalcafe.co.uk
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