The global franchise ‘with community spirit’ has opened on Whitworth Street
After almost two years in business, Chez said ‘au revoir’ to its Whitworth Street site this March (and the owner has apparently gone to live in Portugal, lucky bugger).
Now the homely cafe - which specialised in breakfast and brunch, including plenty of veggie and vegan options - has reopened as something equally wholesome, in the form of Esquires Coffee.
A ‘global chain with community spirit,’ Esquires Coffee was founded in Delta, British Columbia. The ethical coffee franchise now has over 130 stores across four continents, and Manchester will be its 36th UK branch.
The brand is keen to highlights its independent nature, however: produce is local and sustainable where possible, with a focus on independent suppliers, and each branch’s menu and interior is different.
As for Esquires Manchester, fruit and veg comes from New Smithfield Market, while red meat is sourced at Burholme Farm in Lancashire - the oldest farm on the Duchy of Lancaster Estate - and chicken comes from Holker Estates based in Cartmel. Free-range, naturally.
Breakfast and brunch spans full English to bagels, baguettes and the requisite avocado on toast; while lunch includes hot meals like soup, jackets and homemade pizzas alongside sandwiches and salads.
Customers can also grab hot boxes filled with wholegrain rice, spinach, hummus, tomato and red onion plus a choice of meat, halloumi or falafel. All dishes are available to eat in or take away in compostable boxes, and there’s plenty of choice for vegans and vegetarians too.
Drinks-wise, expect Fairtrade and organic hot drinks, as well as freshly-pressed juices.
Sonya Peacock, Operations Director of Esquires Coffee Manchester said: “Our shop is much more than a coffee house, it’s a cool and quirky environment, filled with communal tables and cosy seating, making it the perfect location to relax, study, catch up with friends or work, with the added benefit of delicious food and, of course, great coffee. We can’t wait to welcome our local community in."
