With no more than five seats inside and only a couple of tables outdoors, this small place has got a genuinely local feeling. This particular morning was a bit grey so we were the only customers, but I've walked passed it many times on sunny days and it's always seemed busy. We were still able to sit outside though, for a Swede that's pretty amazing in the middle of November.
It's only been open for about two months but the waiter told me that they're doing well and are about to expand into a nearby container, making room for about 20 more seats as well as longer opening hours.
Among other things on the menu you can find various versions of English breakfast, toast with scrambled tofu or beans and (vegan) cheese. They also have different burger options, which all sound delicious, and they only cost a fiver. That in combination with later opening hours and I think this place could be a winner.
Although I might be a hungry pregnant woman, I didn't really fancy a burger for breakfast/lunch so I ordered one of the specials; a ciabatta with marinated tofu, pesto and rocket with green leaves and tomatoes on the side (£3). The bread was fresh and soft, not dry as ciabattas can tend to be, and the tofu was gorgeous. If I'm picky I'd say it could have had some more pesto or oil. After eating about half of it, it just felt a bit dry, but the flavours were spot on.
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| Ciabatta with marinated tofu, pesto and rocket |
Jon was a different story. As he was off to hockey later, he needed something more filling and ordered one of the other specials; smoked tofu with red pepper and broccoli noodle stir fry with ginger, chilli and garlic (£5). This dish was full of my favourite flavours and was excellent with strong ginger, the distinguished smoked taste of the tofu, and lots of spicyness. Actually, it was hot; something it would appropriate to point out for more sensitive eaters.
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| Smoked tofu with red pepper and broccoli stir fry with ginger, chilli and garlic |
As a side, or more like a starter, I ordered a chocolate flapjack (£1). It was big and had a really rich and crisp chocolate cover with bits of marshmallows that melted in the mouth. Lovely. If nothing else, I'll definitely come back for more of those.
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| Chocolate flapjack |
It might be a description that only a few will understand but the atmosphere around this place feels really "Hulme". For me that's unique, relaxed, nice service, extremely good prices and a genuinely personal touch. I also believe that it being totally vegan provides a good alternative to the other cafes and restaurants in the local area. I really hope that the Teatime Collective will last and with their expansion, I believe it will happen.
So if you wanna eat fresh, good and flavoursome vegan food in Manchester, you should definitely make a trip to Hulme Park/St Wilfrid's Enterprise Centre and check this place out. I can't wait to see their progression, and to try their burgers...
Vegetarian selection: 9/10
Vegetarian food: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Value for money: 10/10
35/40
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