I've been hearing a lot of buzz lately about the 3-week young cafe with the somewhat misleading name of 'Manchester Press' that had just opened up in a small alleyway off Little Bourke St. I popped my head in early Friday morning to check out the place, and was surprised to find a rather airy, if sleepy, little joint just around the corner from the contrastingly cramped Brother Baba Budan. Though I already had a coffee in my hand, I was assured by the waiter that the coffee that they served were nothing short of perfect. He explained that the owners operated a coffee roasting facility in Queensland, with the intention of opening another here in Melbourne.
With my curiosity suitably piqued, I dragged my co-workers down during our lunch break. The sight that greeted us was decidedly busier than it had been in the morning, so we ended up in a little alcove with four seats and a glass table that was probably too low to be entirely comfortable. The staff however, were on the whole very friendly (I mean, who can resist that grin!).
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Manchester Press |
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My happy coffee! |
But I'm getting a little off topic. The menu, while not extensive, didn't fail to impress. The options were bagels, bagels and more bagels, but for someone who often gets a bagel craving, this isn't a bad thing. Finally, three bagels were ordered:
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Chorizo, cheese, capsicum, tomato and tomato chutney |
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Salmon, dill, cream cheese and capers |
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Goat's cheese, pesto, cherry tomato, roquette and capsicum |
[Update - 5th May 2011: I've been back a few times recently and have been a little disappointed that their menu hasn't changed at all. Somehow, I thought that this place would naturally have a seasonal menu seeing as their range is so limited, but it looks like this hasn't happened yet, if indeed it ever will. The food and coffee are still amazing, and there's definitely something to be said for a cafe that has you smiling every time you walk through the entrance.]
Manchester Press
8 Rankins Lane, Melbourne
Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm

[...] I’d rather pay the extra $3, and wait an extra 10 minutes, for the amazing bagels from Manchester Press. I guess you can’t win them all. Don’t get me wrong, this is still a good place to pick [...]
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