YOU USED to head there to sample the latest food trends, down cocktails, sink shots, and generally behave hideously. But, now you’re a parent – complete with endless responsibilities, constant early morning wake-up calls and a new, permanent ‘plus one’ – the Northern Quarter might feel like it’s just not your scene anymore.
I don’t need to tell you that maternity leave is all about the sugar-buzz, carb-fest you can only get from cake, cake, cake
Besides the newly-forged lifestyle discrepancies, what also might be putting you off venturing Oldham Street-side with your baba are the two ‘S’s: that’s ‘space’ and ‘stairs’. Because all the bijoux restaurants and cafes housed in charming, timeworn buildings can seem anything but pram-accessible.
But choose your venue carefully and you can still enjoy lots of what this eclectic neighbourhood has to offer, even when you’ve got your little one in tow (though probably best to leave the flaming Zombies for a time when you’ve drafted in a babysitter).
Here are five Northern Quarter venues that are baby-friendly enough to save your sanity, but also bursting with mum-friendly cool.
EZRA & GIL
20 Hilton St, Manchester M1 1FR
The water bowl by the door signifies that dogs are welcome at Ezra & Gil, so clearly babies are no big deal.
You do have to negotiate a few steps to get inside – the Stevenson Square entrance is the more manageable of the two – but once inside you’re all set for a hassle-free visit: there’s a cracking brunch menu, plenty of spots to stow your buggy, high chairs and sturdy baby change facilities.
Service is generally quick, even when the place is packed out with weekend crowds – invaluable when you’ve got an impatient babe with you – and the music/chatter’s just loud enough that any kiddie kick-offs will be largely drowned out (I am absolutely speaking from personal experience here).
YARD & COOP
37 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HW
This is our favourite place to go after a rigorous Saturday morning Shake, Rattle and Roll session at Band on the Wall (about the closest me and the other half tend to get to an actual gig nowadays).
A dedicated kids’ menu, high chairs and baby change are all present and correct at Yard & Coop, plus there’s plenty of space to park your pram.
The fried chicken here is majorly tasty, and you can build your perfect plate by selecting from different cuts of meat, sauces and sides. And if you’ve not quite hit your lunch hour yet but the baby won’t wait, there’s also a choice of smaller plates to tide you over while they chow down.
TEACUP KITCHEN
53-55 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that maternity leave – heck, early motherhood in general – is all about the sugar-buzz, carb-fest you can only get from cake, cake, cake, and there’s no finer place in the Northern Quarter to enjoy a slice than Teacup Kitchen.
Served in huge slabs, you’ll probably struggle, as I did, to finish a full portion in one sitting, but they’ll do you a takeaway box if you want to take the rest home to enjoy during ‘nap time’.
There are other, much healthier things on the menu too of course, and a spacious baby change. Plus, if you’re planning on assembling your buggy squad, the tables at the back are big enough to host a decent-sized mothers meeting.
FOUNDATION COFFEE HOUSE
Sevendale House, Lever St, Manchester M1 1JB
Don’t let the droves of laptop-toting freelancers that colonise Foundation Coffee House put you off – there’s plenty of space for everyone here.
On first glance, this place looks like it’s a no-go for prams as there are quite a few steps at the main entrance, but if you pop around the corner to the Sevendale House reception area, there’s a mini lift that’ll get you where you need to be.
The concrete floors are mercifully wipe clean should not all of your little one’s food quite make it to their mouths (again, absolutely speaking from personal experience), there are plentiful highchairs and, most importantly of all, a wide selection of delightfully caffeine-loaded beverages that’ll help carry you through the day.
DOUGH PIZZA KITCHEN
75-77 High St, Manchester M4 1FS
Nothing keeps my kiddo quiet like a gooey slice of cheesy pizza. If yours is the same, then give Dough, which won Best Family Friendly Restaurant at the 2009 Manchester Food & Drink Festival, a try.
Pushchair space is a little bit tight here, but you’ll be fine if you stick to the outer reaches of the restaurant. Pull up a highchair and take your pick from a range of unusual toppings – every dietary requirement’s catered for with the vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options.
Though the pizzas are sizable enough to divide up between you and your baba, there’s also a separate kids’ menu if you don’t fancy sharing.
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