Enjoy expertly prepared brunch dishes, including vegetarian specialties like Halloumi Benedict, served in generous portions with beautiful presentation.
Savor one of Manchester's best cups of coffee, with balanced, well-made brews that highlight our commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Indulge in delicious baked goods and sweet treats, featuring standout bread and confectionery items to complement your meal or coffee.
Perfect for social gatherings, our open and inviting space is ideal for meeting friends, with a cozy ambiance enhanced by the historic arcade setting.
Book ahead to secure your spot in our popular cafe, ensuring a seamless dining experience even during peak hours.
Pot Kettle Black is one of those places I’m generally happy to return to. The space is open, warm, and inviting, and it feels like a nice spot to slow down a bit, especially for brunch or a catch-up. It does get pretty crowded on weekends, so expect a bit of noise and waiting around. Front-of-house service was prompt and friendly when we arrived, which helped, though the kitchen was noticeably slower. Food took a while to come out, but nothing outrageous, just something to be aware of if you’re in a rush. Food itself was pretty decent across the board. Nothing overcomplicated, just well-executed brunch dishes that do what they’re meant to. The real standout for me was the coffee. Easily one of the better cups in Manchester. Balanced, well made, and clearly something they take seriously here. That alone makes the place worth coming back to. Prices felt fair for the location and quality, especially given how central Barton Arcade is. You don’t feel like you’re being overcharged just for sitting somewhere trendy, which I appreciate. Overall, it’s a nice, dependable place to meet friends, chat, and enjoy a good coffee. Go when you’re not in a rush, expect it to be busy on weekends, and you’ll likely leave feeling satisfied rather than stressed.
Amazing experience at Pot Kettle Black. I had the Halloumi Benedict and all I can say is WOW — hands down the best veggie breakfast I’ve ever had. Perfectly cooked, full of flavour, and beautifully presented. The coffee was incredible too. Can’t wait to come back!
One of Manchester best brunches! Ambiance by the arcades was nice and cosy although it gets loud quickly. Service was a bit long at first for the drinks but they were pretty busy to be fair, even though we went at lunch time on a Wednesday. Coffee was excellent and all brunch plates were spot on, very tasty, beautiful visually speaking and generous in portion. Highly recommend it - but best to book a table :)
The last time we were there, we unfortunately arrived without a reservation, so we couldn't get in. This time we were more prepared and made a reservation. So we had a table, but even so, the place was full around 10-11 a.m. on a weekday. The welcome was friendly, as was the service. We received our food in about 15 minutes, but our drinks came later (which was a little strange), and the water we ordered was never served—although it wasn't charged to us. The food was very good, and the bread was especially delicious. As for drinks, the "Mixed Berry" somethie is worth trying.
Pot Kettle Black is the jewel in the brunch crown of Manchester. I had one of their specials and it was frankly the best brunch I've ever had. Service was with style and grace, and despite feeling like I'd waited a while (even though I'd booked a spot) I can't fault the quality of service or the food. My only gripe would be that it felt a little cold, so bring a scarf but you'd be mad not to eat here.

Where exceptional coffee meets artisanal brunch in the heart of Manchester.
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Nestled in the historic Barton Arcade, Pot Kettle Black is a beloved Manchester cafe renowned for its expertly crafted coffee and beautifully executed brunch dishes. We offer a warm, inviting space perfect for slowing down, catching up with friends, or enjoying a moment of calm. Our menu features high-quality, well-portioned meals with standout vegetarian options like the Halloumi Benedict, all served in a stylish setting. While it can get bustling, especially on weekends, our friendly service and dedication to quality make every visit worthwhile. Book ahead to secure your spot in this brunch gem.
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