The Mess Cafe, Sharston, Manchester

Not being one to miss the chance to try out a newly opened cafe, I ventured down to The Mess Cafe, Harper Road, Sharston, Manchester, M22 4RG.
The cafe has only recently opened, and is run by the Message Enterprise Centre. Please click the link to find out some more about the amazing work they do to help young offenders find work and gain experience, and to see the other businesses they operate at the same premises (you could have your hair and nails done, then enjoy a leisurely, and very nice lunch).
The cafe area has a very light and airy feel, with a modern-style decor, and the menu is fresh and interesting, with highlights such as the breakfast bagel (which is already getting a bit of a cult following) and the grilled chicken and chorizo salad with haloumi (see pictures below).
They have one of the best ranges of coffees I have seen, with a clear explanation of what each one comprises, and a nice selection of sandwiches, paninis, soft drinks and cakes. (Did I say cakes!).
I had to go for the obligatory cappuccino (of course, subject of this blog!) and it had to be a large one with chocolate sprinkle (why do a "cappuccino" any other way!).
It was a good size, very good-looking, and had a nice, albeit slightly too-milky-for-me taste. Maybe a bit more froth would have been a bit better, but overall a great cup of coffee.
If you are looking for somewhere in the Wythenshawe/Sharston area of Manchester to get a great cup of coffee or enjoy a relaxing light lunch, you could not do much better than drop in to the Mess Cafe, Next to the Message Trust.

Links: Howard Wilkinson Photography, FACEBOOK PAGE

Crown Carvery, Sandbrook Park, Rochdale

Just off the motorway network, on a complex with an Odeon cinema, bowling alley several eating establishments (including a very good Indian restuarant), a gym that puts fitness first, and a rather large DIY store, The Sandbrook is a great place for a meeting/family meal/evening out.
It was a business meeting with one of my team (network marketing opportunity: www.mm4me.co.uk) that I decided to sample the house cappuccino.

Presentation was remarkable, with the chain's logo embellished on the top of the foam, but the experience was a little short of the initial impression.
While the foam was a reasonable consistency, and decent thickness, the coffee underneath had the appearance and taste of a rather machine-produced coffee, rather than a barista engineered one. It did the job, but only just.
The reason for being there was not for the coffee primarily, it was for the meeting, and the meeting was well worth the visit. I would suggest that the very reasonably priced carvery is probably more of a reason to visit the establishment than to satisfy the need for a cappuccino.

Housing Units, Hollinwood

A quick little visit to Housing Units of Hollinwood ended up in the inevitable visit to the cafe for a coffee and a spot of lunch.
The quality of homeware and furniture in the store is exceptional (and the prices reflect this), and it is a pleasure to browse such quality products, get ideas, and make up an imaginary wish-list. On this occasion we did not come away with anything, but made some mental notes for when we move into our new home (hopefully quite soon).
The cafe was busy (normally a good sign!) so we left our lunch until after we had looked around, and managed to time it just right, as the main lunchtime rush was over by the time we got there.
I ordered a steak and cheese pannini with a cappuccino (no surprise there), and my wife went for a "Half-and-half" soup of the day and sandwich with a latte.
I have to be honest, the standard of food and drink in the cafe did not reflect the quality in the rest of the store. The cappuccino came with plenty of froth, but the coffee was not at all inspiring and chocolate powder was sprinkled with the finesse of a grit spreader. The pannini was rather too well done, which made eating with a knife and fork rather hard work. Fingers it had to be (not a major complaint as I prefer to eat sandwiches that way). My wife's soup was not particularly hot, contrasted with a tuna sandwich that did not give the impression of the Tuna having been chilled right up to preparation. Slightly disconcerting, and the psychological effect detracted slightly from the overall enjoyment.
The cleanliness was without question, and the standard of service and turnout of staff was in keeping with the Housing Units. I can only assume that we caught them at a bad time, and it will not necessarily mean that we do not go again.