Fig and Sparrow in Manchester

Went in just before 16.30 and asked for a drink to go, however was told they were closing soon and they weren’t serving anymore. Closing time is 17.00 not 16.30 🤷🏼‍♀️

Good coffee but the experience was ruined by the rudeness of the waiter who looked Asian. Be nice to your customers please.

We noticed that some of the drinks on the menu were unavailable, which was a little disappointing. However, the drinks we did try were quite enjoyable. The long black was excellent, the beetroot latte was decent, and the cherry hot chocolate was particularly delicious. On the other hand, the atmosphere could use some improvement, as it felt below average, and the seating was not very comfortable. With a few adjustments, the overall experience could be significantly enhanced.

The environment is a bit greasy spoon, but that’s okay with me. The coffee was good and a good old doorstep bacon butty. With HP sauce o’course!!!!!

This place is super cute, I had a latte with oat milk and my friend had a herbal tea, both of which were great quality. Some of the tables were a bit dirty when we came in but understandable as it must have been busy. The staff were also lovely!

Nice place and food, pricey for what it is but the litter, derelict buildings, crime and pollution in this area is not worth going out of your way for.

Too cool to be friendly or polite, apparently

Extremely slow service for 2 coffees. Had to leave and get a refund. No apology. Lots of uncleaned tables. Bit of a mess.

Han pasado siglos desde que me puse al día con mi amigo. Y necesitábamos un lugar para desayunar. Qué lindo café. El personal era muy amable. Y pedimos un café y un matcha latte. Ambos fabulosos. El desayuno era un juego de pelota completamente nuevo. Queso de cabra batido e higos tostados en masa madre. Suena un poco ‘hipster’ pero honestamente fue tan bueno. Avellanas tostadas. Tomillo fresco. Preciosa miel mocosa. Son los toques finales los que lo hacen un poco especial. Fue el desayuno perfecto con un amigo. Gracias chicos.

I loved the coffees here such a nice area away from the business of town centre absolutely lovely spot I will be returning

Qué horror. Busqué este lugar, pensando que era genial y tenía un café decente. Qué gran decepción. Personal “hipster” no aventajado, parecía más una guardería que un establecimiento para adultos, con sillas de plástico pequeñas y enormemente incómodas. Terriblemente larga espera por un café terrible. Demasiado caro para lo que es. No volverá

Like trying different cafes, especially when we spend weekends together in Manchester. Good vibes Great Food

£8 for a chip butty. This is embarrassing

Confused as to the popularity of this place unfortunately. It feels like a small, old greasy-spoon with some cheap updates to make it seem ‘alternative’. Tricky system for seating and ordering, if it’s busy and you’re on your own, you would have to try and save a seat with your belongings whilst going to the till to order. The very item that made me choose fig & sparrow to try, was unavailable due to lack of ingredients - but that’s just one of those things, so no big deal 😊 I ordered coffee and something else to eat. Which arrived with a side of not 1 but 2 x long black hairs. 🥴 Food was otherwise fine, coffee was fine. Tables were cleared but still dirty, it wasn’t super busy. I stayed for 30-40mins to finish coffee and left smelling of fried food for the rest of the day. The lady serving at the till was pleasant but the person who served food and collected plates seemed unable to speak or smile. I just can’t recommend it I’m afraid.

Llegó tarde para un almuerzo y aunque cocina a punto de cerrar nada era demasiado problema. Personal amable y acogedor. Teníamos hongos en tostadas que era absolutamente delicioso y extremadamente bien presentado El ambiente era genial, todos charlando, todos los grupos de edad Sin duda recomiendo Pequeño menú y pasteles parecía delicioso

Had a delicious mushroom on toast I enjoyed every minute of it and the staff are very nice and efficient. It's a small place with and the staff do very well even though there's usually only two of them. People leaving bad reviews need to get over themselves, the world doesn't revolve around you and your flat white being delivered in 0.4 seconds!

Customer service here isn’t what I would expect from such a nice place. I stood at the counter waiting to be served whilst staff would come and go without so much as a polite smile or friendly word to say that they would see to me in a moment.

Ordered a beetroot latte and mocha, both were pretty terrible. The cafe is beautiful and has a lovely vibe, but that latte was a crime against coffee.

Walked a long way to get here only to find it hugely overrated and overpriced. Took ages to get my flat white from non-plussed staff who looked far too much like “generation Z kid”. Will not be bothering again

Best coffee for me in Manchester

I was a bit shocked - mushroom & egg on toast and Sausage and bacon cob + 4 coffee's for £35! quite an expensive breakfast

Great cafe with delicious food and coffee. However the service was very slow. We were waiting at the till for 10 minutes before anyone served us. Staff didn’t seem very happy to serve people and we’re not welcoming. However the food was delicious.

Decent coffee and food menu, hours need updating for kitchen vs shop closure (annoying)

Amazing chilled cafe , fabulous team and terrific coffee right in the beating heart of the Northern Quarter , highly recommend

Fabulosa cafetería artesanal, excelente ambiente frío, personal amable y fabuloso café y pastel justo en el corazón del Barrio Norte!

Stifling hot inside. So uncomfortable we had to leave and go elsewhere.

Lovely little cafe. Quite hot inside, but lovely to sit outside and watch the world go by. One star off because service was quite slow, but I think I just turned up during a busy period. The vegan choc chips cookie was amazing, and I can see they have plenty of vegan options on the menu too. Staff very friendly and coffee was lovely, would recommend a visit if you're not in a rush.

Very clean and well presented cafe. The front of house work very well together, proactive and hard working, keeping the place tidy and clean. Top marks to the front of house staff. Coffee was excellent. On the downsides: - cafe gets very stuffy and warm from the midway point of the cafe to the back. It seems like the heat from the kitchen is being drawn into the main part of the cafe. When moderately warm outside (17 degrees C) it was not pleasant to sit at the tables near the kitchen. - food service was very slow. We visited on a Sunday at 1130 for coffee and breakfast sandwiches for 4 people. Cafe was about half-full. When ordering we were advised it would be a 30 min wait for food. In the end it took 45 mins. The menu is fairly straightforward and not complex, so we felt the wait time for food was excessive. Overall, for us, the downsides sadly outweigh the positives when there is a lot of choice for other places to visit nearby.

Nice place, but they didn't have any filter coffee (even tho it's supposed to be a specialty there). Maybe that's because it was quite busy on Pride day. Also, we were served real black pudding after asking for the vegan meal (and the cook threw us with a mean look when he had to start over), and the avocado toast was so spicy (not mentioned anywhere it was going to be) I had to ask for more bread... which was served with non vegan spread (we had mentioned veganism about 5 times by then)...

Nice little cafe to have breakfast. The Eggs Benedict were very good. On the other hand, in case of crowds, the wait can be very (or even too) long: more than 50 minutes for us. Please check when ordering.

The food was very very underwhelming, especially for the price. I got 2 tiny pieces of almost burnt bread with my turkish eggs, as well as our whole tables poached eggs being severely overcooked, they were all hard. The only redeeming thing was the cookie

The place is small, their coffee is delicious, and the location is nice

Delicious coffee but it is absolutely boiling inside!

Underwhelming, Turkish eggs looked nothing like the pictures online. Overpriced for what it was.

Food was amazing but multiple things we planned on ordering from the menu weren’t available when we tried to order. The staff overall were not friendly or polite. When I was given my americano I ordered I asked if they had any milk for it and was told “you didn’t ask for milk but okay” and when the staff member came back with milk I thanked her profusely to be ignored. Disappointing that the food was so good because the I wont be back with service like that.

Terrible service and overpriced.

Top artisan coffee. Top customer service. Top quality food. If there was a cafe tree, Fig + Sparrow would be sat perched on a branch at the very top.

Nice coffee and space to sit but the toilets are dark, dirty and smelly.

Our Turkish eggs were delicious with perfectly poached eggs. The matcha pistachio iced latte is highly recommended! Unfortunately, in addition to being very friendly, the staff was also mainly busy with each other (very giggly), which always felt a bit uncomfortable.

Amazing food and coffees, and a lovely team. Had a beetroot latte for the first time, and the shukshaka was delicious. Just the right thing after a 2-day hike. Definitely coming back for more.

Contrary to Tesni Hughe’s unfair review, I can say that I was there that day and I found that server to be extremely friendly, polite and very accommodating of my dietary requirements. I also found the shakshuka to be incredible and the eggs cooked to a fantastic standard. 5/5 would recommend.

I’m not sure who Tesla Hughe’s is, but I regularly visit Fig + Sparrow and personally I find the server in the green jumper nothing short of delightful! In fact, he is just as delicious as the delectable selection of food and beverages on offer. Does anyone have his number?

Food and coffee were of a decent standard, let down by staff that just don’t appear to want to be there. You know the feeling you get when you think you are doing them a favour just being there? That was the feeling that staff gave off. Optional service charge? No thanks

I enjoyed the food. But where has service gone in recent years? It used to be an experience for the customer - these days, it feels you have to do everything for yourself, bar cook the food. If they could get you in the kitchen cooking, they would. Good food, but, service was lacking - the impression staff gave off made me not want to spend my money there. People can't afford to go out and eat in the same way these days - so when they do, they want an experience. I think this image says it all.

Great place to get some work done

The place is not air-conditioned, the employees are unfriendly, the cleanliness is poor, and the quality of the food is mediocre

Was not able to order food, owing to backlog in orders and would be 45 minute wait

Despite positive reviews, we found food service slow with cold staff, noone smiled at us or even made eye contact. The shakshuka was extremely disappointing - it shouldn't be named shakshuka, rather "overbaked eggs with a layer of tomato paste on top". Would not return.

The Truffle Honey and Goats Cheese Toast is a must have, it's the perfect combination of savory and sweet.

The tastiest food and a really lovely vibe. Generous portions, too! My gluten free diet due to Coeliac disease, catered for beautifully. In Manchester? Pay these guys a visit. Once you’ve tasted the food, you’ll thank me! You’re welcome…

Only senile people work, They managed to forget about my order 2 times.

ice cold sandwich, soggy and hard like eating rocks. I would rather eat subway

I've had some really nice iced americano and a rocky road. Thanks!

Stopped by for breakfast while in Manchester as the place looked great on Instagram. Coffee was fine, food was tasty enough but over a half an hour wait for 2 sausage baps. Service could have been better but not the worst.

Only went in for a morning coffee as I was just in Manchester for the day. Being from New Zealand where coffee is king, it was quite hard to find a coffee which was up to scratch in the UK. Until Fig + Sparrow!!! The staff were so lovely and made hands down the best coffee I’ve had at all in the UK after being here for a month. Will be returning when I make my way back to Manny. Thanks guys x

Probably the best coffee and matcha in Manchester. That is my opinion of course but please make sure to try this lovely cafe out. Their cakes are amazing too!

Nice spot, however staff was rude and made me feel unwelcome.

Un pequeño café de moda con personal servicial y amable. El ambiente general es tranquilo y mínimo. El wifi es fuerte, pero no tan fuerte como el café. Sabroso menú de desayuno con un montón de opciones de los consumidores de carne - vegano y gluten - golosinas gratis. ¿Necesitas un lugar para despertarte en la concurrida ciudad: este es el lugar para estar.

Incredibly long wait. Lots of staff standing around looking at phone rather than clearing tables or god forbid actually serving the food that the kitchen (incredibly slowly) put on the hatch. Total case of style over substance.

Looked good from the outside but overall disappointing. Coffee fine but food service incredibly slow, despite the there being only four customers at the time. Does it really take 25 mins for a sausage sandwich? I’d finished my coffee 10 mins before my (pretty average) food arrived. To make things worse, it’s pay as you order with a request for a tip built in BEFORE any food or service has been provided. I’m always happy to tip good service but asking for it in advance is a joke.

Always lovely staff, had the truffled goats cheese, figs and honey on toast - so delicious. Don’t always see that on the menu so had to go for it. Great coffee also

Buzzing Sunday morning brunch spot. We were told how long food would take and settled in with a coffee or two. Drinks and food all excellent and service was cheerful. Will be back.

Great latte. Staff were friendly.

really cute little local cafe. i had some fresh sourdough toast & matcha latte, it was a lot better than the average. i also had their fresh choc chip cookie to take away & it was one of the best i’ve had in a long time.

Nice food, tasty and good presentation. Though I thought it was quite expensive just for one small slice of bread.

Quality lattes and hipster menu, this place is good for reading a book or watching the busy street. There’s not enough indoor seating but service and turnover are faster than your regular brunch spots nearby.

I went to this place guided by the good feedback on Google Maps and I was disappointed. They have some so-called "Special coffee" on the menu. They're called "Chemex" and "V60". I asked the girl at the till what made them special and what was the difference with the classic coffees. Initially she said some nonsense (clearly she didn't know what the difference was) and then said that the coffee beans were different and she pointed to a shelf where the coffee beans should have been but no boxes were left. Not knowing what the difference was, I took a classic americano which was nothing special, to be honest (quite watery and tasteless). The place itself is kind of cute but nothing special, there are lots of better cafes.

sultry and lacklustre staff and really slow service. possibly due it’s footfall location to explain its survival, in many other scenarios I suspect this place wouldn’t last long. Will never step foot here and will frequent alternative places that value their customers. mgmt take note

Nice spot for a coffee but I probably wouldn't go back for food as I found the avocado toast overpriced and underwhelming. The baked goods looked nice though, so perhaps that's a better bet for next time.

Don’t bother eating here, a sausage sandwich with 2 sausages was £7.50 and cold! Good coffee though

Great independent cafe for breakfast, hot snacks and drinks. Small but friendly space. Great menu choices saved delicious food. Would recommend for a weekend brunch.

Lovely food, great breakfast options. Lovely staff.

Nice independent cafe. Barista was friendly and polite. We ordered cappuccino and beetroot latte which were both very nice. I wouldn't say it was the best coffee we've ever had but definitely better than in the big chain coffee shops. The wait was a little long though as the place was busy.

A cute cafe in the city centre, suitable for working. 🥪 Food: good coffee and excellent full English! The avocado was light and fresh, amazing taste! 🙎 Staff: friendly. 🪑 Atmosphere: not a noisy place. 💷 Price: fair Many plugs under tables and wifi was fine. It's friendly for remote workers.

Amazing teas and brunch! Gets crowded at lunchtime, so best to go before or after.

Had such a lovely experience taking my mother for lunch here who was visiting. Lovely atmosphere and the staff were super friendly and helpful. The mushrooms on toast was so delicious - best I've ever had!

Really lovely staff! Had the mushrooms on toast and it was amazing.

Excellent food, service and pricing. Dog friendly and considerate of gluten free senza glutine...highly recommended. Wonderful espresso.

We wanted a cute, cosy cafe to stop in for a quick coffee and upon entry instead of being welcomed we were abruptly told no food was to be ordered. When we did go up to order our coffees, the one lady was so busy on her phone to even notice us standing there, and when she did, she didn’t seem to have a clue what she was doing. When the coffees did arrive they were luke warm at best, I was so tempted to send it back! Upon leaving the cafe (quite quickly) we said thank you to the two ladies working and again were ignored. Cafes like this make me realise I should just stick to the regular Costa or Starbucks.

I went this time last year while on holiday and it was the best breakfast I'd ever tasted. So this year I went back and I was hugely disappointed. This year there was normal bread instead of their lovely sourdough bread which was puzzling because it was served when my girlfriend ordered jam on toast, the vine tomatoes had been replaced with with a small tomato slice, which to be honest didn't look appetising, and the avocado have been changed from fresh looking slices to a pile. To make it worse the changes look like they have been done to cut costs and the price has risen from £9 to £12 for essencially a small breakfast as there was only one sausage, one piece of toast and one egg. Overall, it's gone from a breakfast I would have gone out of my to eat to one which I now think is overpriced and probably won't go back for. I have to be fair though the jam on toast was with sourdough bread so it was nice and the beetroot latter was good. It's just such as shame.

Amazing coffee, great food, brilliant vibes :)

Awful service. The lady with black hair showed no respect and almost yelled at us after we sat there for only a few minutes but we were never given a menu. Please talk to customers more nicely, stop making a face and show some basic respect.

Visited this lovely little cafe on a recent visit to Manchester. Lovely atmosphere and great coffee. I had a leek and potatoe soup which was excellent, beautifully flavoured and perfect for warming up from the cold December day

Cute cafe, Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, yummy food and coffee.

The lovely people at this cafe couldn't have been more friendly and the delicious vegan breakfast was well worth the trip. Their coffee is particularly amazing and all their barista are totally fab too!

Absolutely luv this cafe. Set in the heart of the Northern Quarter, with sanded orginal floorboards, great atmosphere and real Manchester feel. Service is top notch & food + drinks delicious. We are vegan and there are a good selection of vegan options. I recommend the avocado toast & chocolate brownie. I have decaf coffees & they are hard to find as tasty as a normal coffee - here they are beautiful esp with oat milk.

Really great food, lacklustre service.

Cute cafe in Manchester, has nice vibes! My coffee was slightly bitter, but great with some sugar. They also sell some coffee and tea accessories.

Lovely atmosphere. Speciality coffee. The Shakshuka is divine.

I am making my first Google review expressly to write this review. It was really that shocking. The food was fine, bordering on good. But the service from one staff member was so offensive as to actually give us a few laughs. The bathroom is absolutely foul, I think evidenced by that they haven't fixed the toilet for three weeks. Oscar Wilde couldn’t describe the stench. I can overlook the structural issues if not for the fact that the waitress practically caused an earthquake slamming down a pot of cutlery (she seemed irate by the very fact that we had asked for cutlery to begin with). It was the most passive aggressive service l've ever experienced, including in Paris. For management: I can describe her in more detail but suffice to say she has a vaguely American international school accent and worked the till on 05/11. Also, if you wait in the queue and get a table inside, there is no table service, so you will have to rejoin the queue of other people trying to find a table and being turned away before actually being able to order anything. I've never experienced such a system before. Mediocre, passive aggressive, but absolutely hilarious. 10/10 for the inside jokes for those involved (or inflicted) with visiting this café.

Lovely little café, I really like all the wooden furniture in there. Fast service and a good coffe

The vibe of the place was nice, however service was very slow- took 30 min for food to arrive and staff didn’t seem attentive or particularly friendly. Had the Vegan Breakfast which was quite expensive for what it was, was way too salty and dry. Very disappointing, atleast the cappuccino was nice and there were lots of vegan options.

في هذا المكان شربت أفضل قهوة في مانشستر .. مكان بسيط جداً وصغير وملموم وحميمي جداً .. العاملين هنا لطيفين ومبتسمين .. الجلسات متقاربة لكن لها طابع جميل . طلبت V60 ومثل ماقلت الذ قهوة ذقتها في مانشستر . المكان يستحق الزيارة خاصة لمحبين القهوة المختصة .

Café v60 é bom!! Ambiente com muitos locais e fica num doa melhores bairros de Manchester, bem alternativo, Northern Quarter!!

Lovely little cafe with plenty of vegan cakes.

Chic. Earthy. Great cappuccino. Soft and thick bacon with bread. 👍

Visited specifically for the Vegan breakfast. Very disappointed to be told, only after ordering and paying, that they could not create a gluten-free version. The alternate offered was a very dull beans or avocado on toast.

Terrible service and very overpriced for what you get.

Very quaint and trendy little place. The latte I ordered was beautifully made and the staff were very friendly. Breakfast was lovely and for what they charged was very reasonable. Would recommend and go again.

The flat white and cappuccino were overly milky and lacked flavour but the avocado toast and butcher's benedict were very good. Really nice touch with the chilli jam