JOE & THE JUICE
What they say: A Danish healthy juice/shake, coffee and sandwich joint started in Copenhagen over ten years ago. “This branch is a lot less out there than some of our others”, says Italian barista Andrea. “At our bigger outlets we have loud music, a funky feel, but here there isn’t the necessary footfall.” He also concedes that some of the prices reflect their primary London market, yet maintains that would-be competitors like Costa and Starbucks don’t offer the same offbeat vibe that Scandinavian outlets seem to master so perfectly.
In its native Denmark, Andrea says Joe's popularity is comparable to our Pret
What we say: First it was IKEA and H&M, now Joe’s is cashing in on our seemingly insatiable appetite for all things Skandi. Manchester Debenhams is Joe's thirteenth UK opening (there's also one in the Trafford Centre), with plans for four more by the end of the year. A strong focus on wellness targets weary, health-conscious department store shoppers who wish to park their bottoms and reboot. The fare is pleasant but nothing outstanding whilst Andrea is right in saying that the quiet Debenhams corner doesn’t have quite the same vigor of other branches. Yet, as a quick stop for peckish punters, tasty paninis and personable staff it does the job. As for the Joe's 'experience', we’re a little sceptical.
What to order: The £4.20 juice classics are simple but delish. Those with a sweet tooth would do well to order the Pick Me UP (raspberry, banana and apple) whilst, for sourpusses, Young Blood (celery, lemon and apple) is a winner. Team your drink with a £4.85 panini (pricey but satisfying) for a surprisingly-filling lunch out; Joe’s Club (chicken, avocado and tomato) is the best of the bunch. Though you'd be forgiven for mooching around the corner to Arndale Market's Smoothies for twice as much at half the price.
When to go: Joe's is lunch to the core, although it busies up around 12.30pm so grab an early lunch (or even a brunch) or leave it 'til 2pm if you want speedy service and some peace and quiet.
What else? Joe and The Juice is much bigger than you think, with a presence in eleven countries from Singapore to the United States. Indeed, in its native Denmark, Andrea says Joe's popularity is comparable to our Pret; though Joe's has 42 units in Denmark compared with Pret's 400 in the UK - but we see what he's getting at.
Where is it? Ground floor, Debenhams, Market Street, M60 1TA
When is it open? Weekdays 8am to 7.30pm, Saturday 8.30am to 7.30pm and Sunday 11am to 5.30pm
Find out more: joejuice.com, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
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