Manchester Press is a trendy inner-city cafe tucked away down one of Melbourne's many grafitti-clad laneways and it certainly lives up to the hype. Communal tables and stools are spread across the space, the menu is on plastic with printed items off a label maker and whilst it appears effortless, the place really captures that modern industrial sort of vibe. The place was bustling on a Saturday afternoon and immediately when I walked in, I just felt comfortable and knew I'd be back again. Manchester Press features a wide variety of bagels, reminding me of American cliches but with good reason. Almost all the combinations tempted me and I really struggled to chose just one. Furthermore, I was definitely impressed by the coffee here. The staff were also lovely and seemed really interested in knowing how our experience was. It's the perfect spot to take a friend for breakfast or lunch and I'm already contemplating my return to try another item on the menu! read more

Yikes, really average place. I was so excited to come and try a new spot for a before work brekky and the press really disappointed. My order came out all wrong, but they apologised and took care of our coffees, which was a nice gesture...considering our hipster waitress was almost too cool to serve us at the beginning. The bagels are round pieces of bread, they aren't bagels. I'm sorry, maybe jewish, NYC bagels have spoiled me for life, but these were definitely not the real deal. I won't be back again, I'm going back to my regular! read more

I go here often for lunch during the week. Especially for informal business meetings. It's very casual, with a mix of Melbourne Uni students and the CBD business crowd. I always order either the Salmon bagel or the Pastrami bagel. Both are great. I can't remember what else is on the menu as I have been so satisfied with these two options. The only thing that bothers me slightly is the tea pots. They are metal and the staff never put the tea bag in the pot. I am left to do it when the metal has already heated through to the lid and I burn myself each time. Silly metal pots! read more

Every time I went to attend Manchester Press which is located on Rankins Lane off of Little Bourke Street, I would ultimately abandon all hope of securing a table in a timely manner. I am not complaining that the restaurant is popular but it seemingly always has a queue of hungry people waiting in the laneway with their names scribbled on the wall hoping beyond hope that a table will be freed up. After five failed attempts (where I decided that I did not want to wait and went elsewhere) I finally secured a table by walking up at 1:30 PM. The place is buzzing and simple, highlighted by the ceilings, basic tables, chairs where everything looks well worn and used, however I believe that is the look that the place is trying to achieve. At least I think that is what they are trying to do. I was a bit shocked to see that they really only prepare breakfast foods, various bagels and a salad. When in Rome though... Service brings you water, takes your order and will bring you your food. There is no pomp and circumstance surrounding it and frankly you do not expect any. I was really stunned that people normally queue for bagels around lunch so I was expecting a damned good one. What I got was a bit dry. Although the cheese and tomato along with the pickles made it quite a colourful and cheery dish, I couldn't understand the hype. The Ethiopian "free trade" coffee was good and it certainly was a great substitute for what I normally drink. The corporate types were taking things a bit too seriously expecting service to rival that of Movida or the Stokehouse. Tourists were taking photos of their bagels and coffee with SLR cameras. Service seemed hurried but considering the people that were coming in and out and queueing at the register, I wasn't surprised. I started to wonder if there was something wrong with me because after I went to the register and paid, I could not understand all of the excitement about this place. I would go back for the coffee perhaps to takeaway. I certainly wouldn't queue for a table in the future. It just wasn't my thing. It obviously is popular with the masses so who am I to complain. It is hard to give this place formal ratings since they really just serve bagels, so I will reserve the usual points this time around. Still, I will let you be the judge on Manchester Press. read more

Full disclosure: I am from Perth and I don't get the whole Melbourne hipster vibe. In an attempt to find a regular breakfast spot, (y'know, the types that serves bacon & egg on toast?), we gave up and landed here. The vibe - 100% hipster. The place is cute, the music is triple j "commercial is so 1999" horrific but that's not what I came for. The yelp reviews I found boasted bagels, this girl loves a bagel. Having recently had a gastric sleevectomy (I got 3/4 of my stomach removed) I can only eat a tiny amount of food these days... I managed around 2/3 of my glorious coffee and half my Reuben Bagel which was hands down phenomenal! Very enjoyable! read more

This is probably my favorite cafe in Melbourne. Their coffee is just amazing. They like to do little latte art for drink-in customers and those little drawings just make my day. Their mocha is probably one of the best in Melbourne. It has a hint of spice that just stands out from all the other mochas I've tried. When it comes to food, all they have is bagel! Amazing amazing bagels with generous servings of whatever you want: avocado, salmon, you name it. It's the perfect place to chillout and enjoy a beautifully crafted cup of coffee. read more

This is one of my two favorite brunch places in the city (along with the Hardware Societe). It is Melbourne's little mecca of bagels, and not just any bagel - they do gluten free ones too! And they're delicious, which is always a pleasant surprise in a gluten free baked good. My favourite bagel is the mixed berries and mascapone cheese breakfast option. It typically comes with a blueberry bagel, which could only make it more amazing (but sadly isn't available gf). The bagel comes halved then smothered in topping, with some pistachio sprinkles. Oh it's good. Another favourite is the maple bacon and banana bagel. Yes, it's as good as it sounds, for the bacon enthusiasts out there who know how great maple bacon is. The avo and feta smash is a great savoury option, as is the chorizo. Basically, you can't go wrong with the bagels on this menu. I have to admit, after over a dozen visits, I've never tried the salads, though they also look great. As a glutard, I'm often faced with salad being my only option on the menu, so I make a point of enjoying great gluten free options when they're there - and they are abundant at Manchester Press. Not to be overlooked, the coffee is fantastic. Their sweet selection is also delightful, with plenty of gluten free options that I've tried - I'm not worried about what I order here, because I know it will be delicious. Simply, Manchester Press is the kind of place that is quintessentially Melbourne - it has a great atmosphere, fantastic food, and excellent coffee. They are yet to disappoint me. read more

Their matcha lattes are amazing and smooth, the best I've had in Melbourne yet. The salted caramel Butter Bing cookie sandwiches are for the super sweet tooths! Not entirely sold on their food menu. The avocado open bagel was quite flavourless and waaaaay too much avocado. You can get kombucha here! read more

See all

Boy! These guys are friendly! I almost proposed marriage to one of them he was so damn sweet, plus he made a delicious coffee... dream man anyone? It takes a brave team to open up a coffee mere metres away from the famed Brother Baba Budan but in all honesty I think they do a better job. Where BBB excels in speediness and is perfect for a takeaway, Manchester Press is so homely and gorgeous that you want to sit in there all day and nosh down on some of their delicious sangas and bagels. There are teeny little seats on the wall out the front for the smokers to sit and the fact that it is hidden down Rankins Lane really gives you that "I've just found something special" feeling. Definitely well worth a look. read more

Stopped into Manchester Press for an early afternoon meal. The restaurant was nicely sized with fun decorations. Service could have been better but I enjoyed the food. I had a Avocado and Fetta Smash on a sesame bagel. Such a large portion but it was delicious. The quirk of Manchester Press is that their meals come with a side of pretzels. read more

Manchester Press - Avocado and Fetta Smash on a sesame bagel. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Great little place to stop by for brunch and grab one of the best bagels in Melbourne. Coffee isn't too bad either and it will be close to perfect. Really comfy place to dine in but this is a popular spot and you might have to wait to get a table. That being said it's an excellent spot for brunch takeaway if you are in the area. read more

Great coffee and excellent bagels. I highly recommend the smashed avocado with feta on a sesame bagel! The cake selection is really good too. It's one of those cool hidden melbourne cafés that is prefect for a group, just the two of you or a solo breakfast or coffee when you just want to read the newspaper. Expect a wait to get in on the weekends! read more

Manchester Press is a spacious funky cafe that you'll want to come back to. This deserves to be a global sensation like Manchester United. Possibly my favourite café in Melbourne - it's agreat place to meet with friends. Another laneway gem where coffee meets art. Manchester Press is part of the coffee triangle (as opposed to the Bermuda Triangle) with nearby places like Brother Baba Budan and Captains of Industry. This is a huge spacious cafe - a former gallery and named after the former printing press business. Friends of mine remember it's former life - the renovation has been impressive. The mystery is accentuated by the fact that you need to pull back the sliding door to enter. Coffee here is amazing with highly skilled baristas that have a knack with latte art. This place has a rustic and at times retro feel (check out the menu with old school labels on perspex). Also check out the water jars on tables (with hydrochloric acid labels). Don't worry the coffee is acidic - but not that acidic! You can really relax here - read the paper and check your emails. Chilled! So relaxed here that a customer went to the bathroom and on passing asked me to protect his back pack and belongings. I passed the test. (I now live in Rio). The breakfast options including the raisin bagel with jam and ricotta are outstanding - good value and huge dollops of both jam and ricotta. In fact Manchester Press does bagels really well with other options (open sandwich style) and toppings available. I was told by the waitress that all menu options were available at any time - not just divided into breakfast and lunch. And that the menu changes whenever the chef feels like it... But some bagel options are more suitable for breakfast. The soft egg bagel with salmon breakfast option is a sensation - sounds simple and harmless but it packed a mighty punch! You crack open the top of the soft boiled egg served in a cute egg cup with oriental figurines, then smear soft egg all over your piping hot bagel. Then you place some salmon from the generous pile on the plate on top of your egg and bagel! So gooood! There's lemon to squeeze over the salmon and a great little salad with lettuce, tomato, onion and cucumber - with a killer dressing. Don't think it's just about the coffee and the vibe here - check out the simple but awesome food! Coffee here is sensational and of the highest quality! Creamy and comes with amazing latte art (love the coffee meets art theme here). Check out the art on the walls by artist William Montgomery. Came here again for breakfast with the family and we all loved it! Now thinking of bringing the mother in law! Great chorizo and peppers with bagel option - some real kick in the chutney! My wife ordered the salmon bagel option - this time even more salmon than mine from earlier in the week! My 7 year old son went the baked eggs and chorizo and absolutely loved it! My daughter went the coco pops (great option for kids as well as kids at heart). My son ate the rest of the coco pops my daughter couldn't eat. And I ate the rest of my wide's salmon that she couldn't eat. Took some happy snaps with shades of the Griswalds! Even coco pops look good on Instagram. The regular coffee is quite small so I think I'll always go for the large in the take away cup. The kids hot chocolate had amazing latte art (except it wasn't a latte). Hot chocolate art? Sensational service every time with staff friendly and willing to explain stuff (interesting they place the bill in a glass on your table). We have a ritual - I keep going to the counter to pay at the end of my meal without producing the bill in the glass - so they go back and grab my bill from the table again. On leaving I noticed a mirror ball mounted high in Rankins lane casting an interesting light array down the lane. All adds to the coffee and the art experience! read more

A good brunch spot if you're after a quality light meal, in a "typical" Melbourne laneway and warehouse setting and at very reasonable prices. I went with friends recently and we all agreed that our food was fresh and well-made. I had their juice of the day (watermelon/grapefruit/mint I think it was - very nicely done) and a bagel with fruit marscapone, strawberries and pistachio dust. The downsides? The menu is rather short and really doesn't include enough vegetarian options (as other reviewers have noted). Bagels with meat or seafood fillings are definitely the focus here. And, as someone who has been to New York and woke up every morning to bagels from Balthazar Bakery (one of the giants of the NYC bakery scene) in my hotel breakfast, I have to say that those still set the standard for me. But criticisms aside, I do recommend Manchester Press to those who are seeking exactly what they offer! read more

Been here once before on a busy weekend, so I was expecting a long wait during the lunch break during the week. Positively, if you're only after a table of 1 it was quite easy to find a seat! Simply walked in and was able to choose! The coffee soy latte art was a fun touch; and it being soy was still smooth and enjoyable to drink. The food offered is quirky, and it's what I've grown to love and expect. Pickles with bagels and pretzels? Not generally a combination I'd associate together, though I do whenever I find myself here. Friendly service, and you don't feel isolated if you're by yourself. This is one of my favourite Melbourne experiences, highly recommend. read more

Manchester Press - Soy latte coffee art - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

For a place known for it's bagels it was underwhelming. Something NQR about the avocado smash, for my sensibilities. Other than that, the staff are cool. The decor is cool. The location is cool. Maybe just best for a coffee. read more

Before you potentially waste your time in the queue, realise that this place only serves bagels. Somewhat disappointing for the traditional weekend breakfast seeker. Perhaps a menu in the window would help in this regard. While the staff seemed friendly, the interior is small, cramped and if you're lucky enough, you too could be seated at the bar with your face up against a blank wall... read more

Manchester Press - Interior ambience - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Great coffee, nice atmosphere, but prefer the Hardware Societe! read more

Manchester Press - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Trendy little café serving fantastic bagels and brunches. Tasty little treats on a well hidden street. Quite the spot to check out If you are local. Try the Bagels, pretty devine. read more

n 2013, i remember, MP was "the" spot for all the trendy ppl - not that im saying it's no longer seen in that way, but perhaps something "refreshing" is needed. Until then, I wouldnt mind coming back every now and then with a friend to enjoy shooting this nicely decorated, happy eating chia pudding. But without a camera and a good outfit? Im not sure. 也许很多女孩会喜欢chia pudding，我也理解----吃之前不妨先感受一下干花和百香果的香气。 这家老牌的咖啡馆曾是2013的城中热点。因此常有等位的可能。之前我说过我并不确定我会喜欢贝果比较硬的口感，这里的话会比较明显 － 因为呢，这里的贝果要用切的，所以有时刀叉不熟悉的话可能有显得狼狈的样子。另外我并不觉得贝果上的食材有"走心"，感觉是仅仅扔上去而已； read more

Loved the food, breakfast, service and staff are great. Such a good place to hang out. read more

I first came here in December 2012 and i still love it! The avovado and feta smash bagel is my favourite along with the freah apple juice. Coffee is also good! Staff were very accomodating to finding us a spot with the kids. Service was quick and friendly! read more

I went with 3 stars, but this could easily be a 4 on a good day, or if you're really in the mood for a Bagel. Manchester Press tends to be a place I'm only around on the weekend. I'm a little OCD about a weekend breakfast, and for me that really means eggs. I don't mind a bagel, but force of habit usually means I end up going elsewhere. However, if you're in the market for a bagel, or just lunch, Manchester Press is definitely a 4-star option. They are typically busy, but I can't think of a time where I've had to wait more than a few minutes. This gives them an edge on the nearby Hardware Societe, which generally has a 20+ minute wait for weekend brunch. Plus, they get huge points for being open every day. Bonus bonus points for being open most holidays too. When most cafes in the CBD are shutting down, Manchester Press powers on. read more

Truly a hidden gem. Nestled away into an alleyway this place has plenty of seating and good coffee. This place makes a great alternative to "Brother Baba Budan" nearby if that place is full. The decor is typical Melbourne hipster style, but if there is something I would change I'd maybe have free wifi or power read more

Bagels! We had to line up to get into this place, but the size and quality of the bagels and coffee was worth it. Huge heapings of veges on mine and salmon on my partners. We shared a table with a bunch of other people and the staff were so friendly, they really make it personable. The place itself looks like a warehouse that's barely had a repaint, but it has a nice feel to it. They don't have any cooked meals because they don't have a real kitchen for it, but undoubtedly you can get the bacon you are after nearby if you want it. For now, what they do, they do well. Bagels! read more

Loved the flat white I had here today, and the pistachio cupcake with raspberry and vanilla cream cheese was to die for! read more

See all

My favorite breakfast place in Melbourne (and I tried a few while I was there). Their avocado smash is great and I will dearly miss the açaí bowl, complete with passion fruit and edible flowers read more

Oh my god. When this place opened just earlier in 2011, I fell over myself in excitement when I discovered it. I just adored the open space and quirky wall drawings. There is a large wooden communal table alongside various sized tables, plenty of space to sit and not feel guilty about taking up space with work or a newspaper. The staff are lovely and warm and were enthusiastic about their new addition to a heavily competitive area (they are just around the corner from the legendary BBB's) However, they stand their ground and have become a popular café. And their bagels are awesome. Get your hands on the pastrami bagel - they don't skimp on toppings and at $12, you get your lunch money's worth. Also try the peanut butter and jelly with strawberries and caramelised banana - it'll knock your socks off! The best feature of Manchester Press is their coffee. They use 8oz Espresso and each coffee comes with some of the best coffee art you will see. Its popularity has seen this place get progressively busier, which is a little sad for patrons who enjoyed the spaciousness of its quieter early days. If you can find a table, sit down and enjoy one the best coffees and bagels you'll get in Melbourne. read more

This is probably the 4th time I've come here. Arrived at about 11am on Sunday, there was a bit of a wait but only about 20 minutes. I had the beef brisket closed bagel. The flavours were there, but the brisket was a little dry. This would have been okay had my jalapeño cream cheese not been too thinly spread or if there was more of the pickle jam. This also meant that there wasn't enough heat in my bagel. The brunch was served with a side of pretzels and pickle. I loved the pickle but not so much the dry pretzels. Most people around us left the pickles alone, I would've preferred a salad to be honest. I'm also bothered by the fact that I ordered a poppy seed bagel but received just a plain bagel. Look I'd come here again but this last visit wasn't one of the better ones. read more

Outstanding brunch! The staff is young, helpful, and kind. The menu is a good size not being to specific nor overwhelming with options. Non of the meals have eggs which is rare for a brekky and brunch place, yet they manage to fill your belly with other amazing things like very fresh avocados, acai, bagels, bacon and more. The avocado mast they make is really good and with a hint of salt it is perfected. Great quality food all around. Loved it, will go again this week! read more

Manchester Press - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

See all

Their salad with avocado and a salmon steak was amazing. read more

Manchester Press - A beautiful coffee. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

As is true of many Melbourne hotspots, if you want somewhere good, be expected to wait. Manchester Press is no exception. Waited fot about half an hour here but I must say it was worth the wait. If you are craving bacon and eggs this isn't the place for you however for the bagel lover you'll be quite satisfied! I ordered the bacon bagel served with avocado and a tomato relish....YUMMO!!!!! Coffee was fantastic too. Definitely a good place for a Sunday morning breaky. read more

I moved to Melbourne from NYC recently and I was craving bagels so badly. I heard about this place from some friends and thought I'd try it out. Coffee was pretty good and the bagel was pretty good but the cream cheese was a let down. I didn't want any of their fancy open bagel options... I'm mostly upset they didn't have an everything bagel (which is the best kind) and that you couldn't just grab a quick & hearty bacon, egg and cheese brekkie bagel on the go. Also cream cheese is super important for a bagel place!!! That has got to be on point. Their open bagel menu looks awesome though and super creative. I'm down to try those out next time. read more

Manchester Press has a raw, factory floor and unfinished vibrance to it. And I absolutely love this about it. There is a very obvious and deliberate nod to the building's previous life, that I find not only charming but respectful. The tables and chairs really do pay homage to it's industrious past with lots of repurposed furnishings, including what I can only assume to be large spools that once held reams of fabric. In an age of consumerism and waste, Manchester Press is quite a unique experience. The staff are all young, hip and there to get the job done. They are neither the warmest nor chirpiest team of floor staff I've encountered, nor are they the coldest. But whether or not that matters is another thing. They are purposeful, unobtrusive and I'm ok with that. I've been going to the Press (just nicknamed it, high fives all round) for a couple of years now, on about a fortnightly basis. They are reasonably priced, if not a touch on the expensive side, hence the fortnightly visitations. The salmon bagel is a delightfully heavy breakfast if you're up for it. The bagels are always delicately soft, the salad crunchy and the salmon is fresh. Servings are always generous and exactingly presented and served. It's really no surprise that during busy periods your name needs to be placed onto a waiting list. My advice: join the queue. read more

We read about this place and decided to check it out. Totally impressed with back alley delight. Bagels were delicious and service was perfect. Definitely on our return to list. read more

It's a small menu but there are some amazing things on offer. Yes they are mostly bagels. Usually a wait but the queue manages itself. Great coffee. read more

Manchester Press - Texas BBQ Pulled Pork - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Another place that I frequent often for lunch with friends or when trying to show visiting friends Melbourne's laneway culture. Bagels are more than filling and often extremely good quality (especially considering the lack of readily available access to bagels in Australia). And who doesn't like having faces in their hot drink? read more

My husband and I had the Thai Salmon Salad. It was sensational. Absolutely out of this world. Can I take the chef back to Perth with me? Yum! read more

Awesome coffee. That's all I really have to say. The food looks great, too, but both times I've been it's been so busy that getting a table required a pretty decent wait. Maybe next time! read more

I love this place. Great food, great coffee and the staff are friendly. As a bonus when it's not too busy they sometimes serve up some coffee art. read more