Gran T’s Coffee House

Named after owner Chris’s much-loved and sadly-missed grandmother, Gran T’s Coffee House is independent through and through. It launched in 2017, promising an alternative to the way big soulless chains treat their customers. Instead, this eye-catching cafe (you’ll see the cheerful mint-coloured frontage a mile off) treats customers as individuals, making sure they feel appreciated and supplied with some of the best produce Altrincham has to offer.

The feel is precisely that of going round to your gran’s house, to be treated with homely, hearty sandwiches and sweet baked goods, while bringing in modern elements such as gluten-free produce. Many items are made fresh so the menu changes often, even day to day, but if you’re lucky you might be able to pick up some gluten-free brownies or the carrot cake (a particular favourite of Altrincham-born Manchester night tsar Sacha Lorde, apparently).

Gran T’s Coffee House is British hospitality at its finest

It seems an inordinate amount of time was spent selecting the perfect coffee bean to match both the food on offer and the desired atmosphere, but by all accounts, it was time well-spent. Sumatra mocha espresso was the final choice, a medium roasted bean with a full-bodied, earthy taste and vibrant finish – this bean has won awards at the Great Taste Awards not once but twice. It’s a delight to see so much time and attention spent on important details like this, and it’s exactly what you want from an independent coffee house.

The place itself is charm personified, all comfy seating, plush cushions and appropriate lighting. It’s the perfect spot to catch up with an old friend over a hot drink, play one of the many board games, or while away the afternoon quietly working. You’ll never feel rushed or treated like a pound sign – Gran T’s Coffee House is British hospitality at its finest.