Foundation Coffee House

My first coffee house review is of Foundation Coffee House on Lever Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.  Foundation is a recently new addition to the artisan coffee scene in Manchester after opening in 2015.  The minimalist yet stylish interior plays host to a convenient meeting place for both casual and formal acquaintances.

The Coffee

Foundation Coffee House serves coffee using both mainstream espresso-based and more experimental brewing methods such as the Aeropress, V60 and Chemex.  On my most recent visit, I opted to try a coffee brewed in the Chemex hourglass.  It was smooth and had sweet chocolate notes, a rich full bodied coffee.

Foundation has at least one coffee paired with each brewing method.  This demonstrates Foundation’s aim to bring out the best attributes of the coffee beans.  This is a particularly handy way of trying new coffees and brewing methods as each coffee is brewed to its maximum potential.  I prefer darker coffees with chocolate (surprise, surprise!) or nutty flavour profiles and I tend to find these coffees paired with the v60 when I visit Foundation Coffee House.

Quirkier caffeinated offerings include ‘Kevlar Coffee’.  This unique coffee consists of an Americano infused with coconut oil – creating a particularly distinct coffee with delicious and fragrant results.  If you prefer an extra strong pick-me-up why not give the Red Eye, Dead Eye or Black Eye coffee a try?  With extra espresso shots they are sure to give you a boost.  If you are bamboozled by all the choices and are unsure of which to go for, ask the team of baristas.  The team are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and are always happy for you to learn a little more about the coffee beans before you decide.

Once you have ordered your coffee you are given a wooden spoon in a beer bottle.  Very hipster!

A range of real hot chocolates are also available; my favourite is the 82% Dark Madagascar which has a rich and intense character, although more milky varieties are also available.  Teas and other soft drinks can also be purchased but make no mistake, the focus here is on the coffee.

Food

Food offerings include a range of freshly made salads, sandwiches and sweeter offerings such as cakes which compliment their range of hot drinks perfectly for a more indulgent treat.

A private meeting room is available for hire for those looking to get work done.  To gain access to the private meeting room there is a price of £15 per hour.  Although I have never used the meeting room, it does seem to be a popular feature of this venue.

Foundations Coffee House: An Exciting Opportunity for Growth

Foundation Coffee House has recently expanded; they now host film nights with later opening times when alcoholic drinks can also be purchased.  The range of craft beer on offer is extensive and well worth a try.

In just two years Foundation Coffee House has grown in popularity and it is clear to see why; with a stylish and spacious interior this is the perfect place to meet up with friends or colleagues.