Idle Hands

Ben Williams, Managing Editor
Idle Hands - Coffee Shops in Manchester - Creative Tourist

Originally a six-month pop-up venture on Piccadilly Station Approach, Idle Hands was a breath of fresh air on a rather dreary stretch that’s only been revamped in recent years. Idle Hands, complete with an awesome dog, then made a temporary move to the corner of Newton and Dale Street.

In fact, it’s literally bigger and better than ever before

Now, finally, Idle Hands has a permanent home a few meters away in one of the Northern Quarter’s grandest buildings on Dale Street. The good news is, it’s still fantastic. In fact, it’s literally bigger and better than ever before.

There’s still a bit of Scandi feel to the place with neatly designed furniture adorned with etched wooden menus and geometrically cast plant pots.

Damn fine (vegan) cherry pie

The staff are lovely and the coffee is as excellent as ever, there’s now a full-blown kitchen knocking out an excellent menu too. Vegans are especially well catered for here with Oatly on-hand for those looking a dairy-free flat-white which actually tastes nice. We also enjoyed some damn fine (vegan) cherry pie and we’ll be back for more.

You’re really spoiled for choice for coffee shops in Manchester, but Idle Hands is making a fist of standing out from the pack with good food and coffee alongside after-hours events and a well-stocked fridge of quality beers.

35 Dale StManchesterM1 2HF View map
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Services and Facilities

Cafe, training, consultancy

Opening Hours

  • Monday7:30am - 6:00pm
  • Tuesday7:30am - 6:00pm
  • Wednesday7:30am - 6:00pm
  • Thursday7:30am - 6:00pm
  • Friday7:30am - 9:00pm
  • Saturday9:30am - 9:00pm
  • Sunday10:00am - 5:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Idle Hands

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The new curatorial project ‘Ecological Borders’ ponders how the body can act as both a barrier and a point of connection with nature.

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