Cafe Sanjuan

There are some days when it feels like Stockport is everywhere, and for very good reasons. The town just south east of Manchester has plenty to boast about, not least a spectacular viaduct that remains the largest brick-built structure in Western Europe — with 11 million individual pieces accounted for. But there’s plenty more to do than count building materials, with a thriving food, drink and cultural scene offering everything from street parties to elegant, elevated dining. Petersgate, once a half-empty corner of the centre, is a case in point, with plenty of options for indulgence. 

Cafe Sanjuan is certainly among the most popular. Not to be confused with the famous tapas spot up in Chorlton, this place is all about exceptional coffee and long breakfasts. Which you’d expect given the owner, Luis Felipe San Juan, hails from Colombia, home to some of the best beans and — at the other end of the process — brews you can find anywhere on the planet. Running the operation with his family, which only adds to the warm welcome, since it opened the establishment has quickly carved out a strong reputation for equally strong cups of the black stuff, which comes in all varieties, including the ‘proper South American’ approach of losing the milk and adding a pinch of salt. 

Anyone unsure about that needs to give it a go, and while you’re there why not sample the exceptional — and unique — breakfasts served throughout the day, inspired by the street food and traditional eateries in cities such as Bogota, Medellin and Cali. Papa, which is deep fried mashed potato stuffed with slow cooked meat or beans, is just one example of how serious things are. The accompanying salsa on hand to add yet more vivid flavours. All of which goes some way to explaining why Cafe Sanjuan picked up a nomination at the Manchester Food & Drink Awards 2024.