Farrars café & tea room

If you’re stuck in the confusion of motorways that is Manchester’s ring road system, give yourself a break and pull in here.

Radcliffe Market is one of the new wave of food halls sweeping the country and regenerating tired markets and large industrial spaces into vibrant culinary hubs. It was set up by Jodie Bannister to bring good food and arts back into the town, and there’s a youthful buzz to the retro furniture and varied food stands.

At the far end, Farrar’s is one of the permanent fixtures, and serves a decent range of considered lunches and snacks, all provided by small artisans companies nearby. The coffee is excellent, and roasted nearby by Ancoats Coffee Co while tea is the house’s own blend. Bread and pastries are fresh daily, from croissants to seed-loaded flapjacks and pastel de nata, and friendly staff are happy to steer you through the menu.

We agreed with the number of delighted customers calling this a ‘hidden gem’ and left reluctantly.