As Mancunians continue to embrace the brunch culture, Ditto Coffee Union on Albert Square has updated its offering with a new food menu. We dropped in on a midweek morning to give it a try.
Ditto is the brainchild of Matt and Lee Parsons, two Liverpudlian brothers who in 2005 founded Ditto Music, a music distribution service aimed at creating a fairer music industry by championing independent new talent.
In 2018, they decided to combine their passion for music with their love of good coffee. The result is a thriving group of coffee shops which double as music spaces, providing a hub for emerging artists to perform and connect.
The vibe here is chilled, unpretentious. We were welcomed upon arrival by the friendly team, busy at work serving up the new menu to a packed room. The cafe offers a convenient workspace area to accommodate those looking for a comfy alternative to the office (or home), with many taking advantage of their laptop plug-in points and high tables. Sam, the duty manager, was happy to chat about the Ditto brand and offer guidance on the menu.
As the name suggests, coffee is taken seriously here. They offer their own blend, responsibly sourced and roasted locally. Whether your taste is a plain flat white or a mocha-chocca whatever, they’ve got you covered. Within minutes of sitting down, the barista produced a silky-smooth Chai latte to rival any other. A second was quickly ordered, and then a third.
Now to the grub. The diverse menu covers all bases, offering brunch staples from eggs Benedict to made-to-order porridge to a proper full English. Vegans are equally well looked-after, with an impressive selection of plant-based options available.
The more adventurous can opt for a roast beef-packed ‘Yorkshire pudding wrap’, or an intimidatingly healthy ‘Buddha bowl’, loaded with couscous and raw veggies.
Eggs Florentine came on a crispy brioche. The poached eggs were exactly what we aspire to – tap them and they ooze. A sprinkle of sumac gave the dish a spicy kick, which worked perfectly. A nice twist to a classic.
Also featured on the new menu are two showstopper desserts to satisfy even the sweetest tooth. The intriguingly-named ‘Hong Kong style French toast’ was the winner. Sweet brioche stuffed with pastry cream, doused in blueberry compote. Sugar overload. Pleasure overload. You feel like you’ve died and gone to Hong Kong.
For those in a rush, order your favourite drink ‘to go’ alongside a range of cakes and sweet treats (vegan, dairy and gluten-free options available) baked in partnership with independent local businesses.
This popular spot can be summed up as; good food, good coffee, good vibes. If you are in the city centre and find yourself in need of anything from a quick pick-me-up to a full-blown brunch bonanza in a relaxed atmosphere with a bit of heart and soul, put this one on your list.
(Ditto Coffee Union offers the full brunch menu from Tuesday – Saturday. A second Ditto Coffee Union location can be found on Oxford Road. We recommend that you check opening times in advance).
