Hot Cup Cafe

Small cafes often get lost in a large city, with booming, chain restaurants taking the limelight because they are “comfortable” and people know what to expect. But Hot Cup Cafe defies these challenges, and displays itself as a hidden gem within Salford.

The Cafe itself is clearly proud to be Mancunian, with Manchester United themes on one side, and Manchester City on the other. As soon as we walked in we questioned “which side should we sit on?” It brought a friendly rivalry to the place. Despite the competition the cafe is very homely and welcoming, with comfortable seating, classic wooden tables and warm lighting; locals feel welcome and the staff heighten the feeling with friendly and familiar chit-chat, the small detail of knowing their name really brings the atmosphere to life. 

Sometimes, the basics are perfect, the meals are homelike and budget friendly, you can get a full meal for less than ten pounds! Included on the menu are three different types of breakfasts, a range of toppings on jacket potatoes, and classic meals.

I personally went for the fish and chips, with a side of garden peas, and a bottled orange juice, all coming to £7.25. The portion size was extremely generous and the quality was excellent. The fish was well battered, and the chips were classically chunky. The fish was beautifully flaky and was almost nostalgic to me. It reminded me of going to pubs with my family, I would always have fish and chips, although this wasn’t a chain pub, it was a secret cafe, hidden in plain sight opposite the Irlam o’th’ Heights Aldi.

Dan and Rhys, who came with me on this budgeted adventure, and both got burgers, one chicken and one American, me and Rhys shared a side of onion rings. They both were beaming at the food presented to them and left with positive reviews, repeating how they couldn’t believe how much food we got for the price we paid.

All in all this cafe was welcoming, friendly and delicious, and I personally loved the value we got from the menu; definitely a score! More photos are below: