I recently enjoyed a quiet, slow-paced morning at the Garten Bar Manchester with Helen from North West Family Adventures and I can safely say it was a lovely little find in the middle of Manchester city centre.
** The Garten Bar in the Corn Exchange is now CLOSED** Check out our Restaurants in the Corn Exchange Manchester directory for all, current restaurants.
Tucked inside the Corn Exchange, the Garten Bar is known for its easy-going vibe, stylish interior and crowd-pleasing menus.
Whether you’re popping in for brunch, looking for a cosy lunch spot or planning a more lively bottomless brunch with friends, it has something for everyone.
Disclaimer: Menu options and prices may change over time, so it’s worth checking with the restaurant for any updates.
Looking for more local restaurant reviews? Check out our Manchester Restaurant Reviews section for more great places to dine in the city!
After dinner plans sorted: try our Alcotraz Manchester review for an immersive 18+ BYOB prison cocktail bar nearby.
A Calmer Start to the Day
We arrived at around 11am for brunch, and it was still nice and quiet – a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for chatting over tea and something tasty.
The bar itself has a laid-back, modern feel, with plenty of natural light from the Corn Exchange’s beautiful architecture. It’s one of those spaces that feels a little tucked away from the usual city centre hustle, but still right in the heart of everything.
We’ve been told it gets busier later in the day, especially on weekends, so if you prefer a more relaxed setting, earlier is definitely better.
What We Ordered – Sweet vs. Savoury Brunch Classics
I chose the French Toast (£9.50) – thick slices of brioche, served warm and fluffy, topped with maple syrup and a rich berry compote. Honestly, it was everything I wanted – sweet, comforting and generously portioned without being overly indulgent.
Helen chose the Smashed Avocado (£9.50), which came on toasted sourdough with a drizzle of chilli oil and fresh radish slices. It looked fresh and colourful and Helen loved the subtle heat from the chilli oil. It’s a great choice if you’re after something light, but still satisfying.
To sip, we each had a pot of tea (hot, strong and served with a smile) and a glass of prosecco – because brunch feels better with bubbles, doesn’t it?
Menus at The Garten Bar
The Garten Bar offers a good range of menus to suit different times of day and moods, including:
- Brunch Menu – featuring light, flavourful favourites like smashed avo, French toast and granola bowls
- All Day Menu – with burgers, sandwiches, salads, and small plates
- Lunch Menu – ideal for a quick bite mid-shopping trip or before catching a train
- Sunday Roast Menu – for those slow Sundays with Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings
- Bottomless Brunch – for a more celebratory vibe, with free-flowing prosecco and selected dishes
A Note on the Atmosphere – Relaxed & Versatile
One of the best things about The Garten Bar is how flexible the space feels – ideal for a quiet brunch, but also set up for more social get-togethers as the day goes on. While we were there, it was peaceful and calm, but the space clearly has the potential to come alive for weekend drinks or dinner with friends.
Although we didn’t spot anyone ordering steak while we were there, it does appear to be a popular choice on the menu, especially in the evening. It’s definitely one to try on a return visit!
The bar also serves up signature cocktails, mocktails and premium spirits, so whether you’re in the mood for something classic or something creative, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Final Thoughts – Would We Return to Garten Bar Manchester? Absolutely.
The Garten Bar has that just right balance of city centre energy and calm corner escape. It’s a lovely option for brunch in Manchester, especially if you’re after somewhere that feels a little more chilled out but still offers quality food and drink.
The service was friendly, the space was cosy and the food hit the spot. Whether you’re visiting the Corn Exchange, planning a shopping day or just fancy a glass of fizz and some French toast – this spot is well worth a try.
We’ll definitely be back… and next time, we might just stay for the cocktails!
Check out our recent Prezzo Salford Keys review for more Manchester foodie inspiration.
