Canalside
Nestled between the peaceful waters of the canal and the energy of Co-op Live, Canalside is your new go-to destination for great coffee, good food, and unforgettable events. Whether you're popping in for a morning brew, grabbing a pre-show pint, or planning a private celebration, Canalside is where community meets creativity.
Canalside Café is opening to the public Monday – Friday, 9am – 2pm, unless it is closed for a private event. Please note that our public opening times may vary weekly so be sure to check out social channels before visiting.
Canalside Café
Something's brewing on the canal...
Open Monday to Friday, 9am–2pm, the Canalside Café is a cosy, affordable space to relax, refuel and reconnect. Whether you're starting your day with a slow coffee, co-working by the water, or lunching up with friends, our café is designed with the community in mind.
- Budget-friendly menu with fresh pastries, hot drinks, and satisfying bites
- Free Wi-Fi and plenty of plug points for remote working
- 25p off when you bring your own cup
- Dog-friendly and family-welcoming
- Loyalty card – collect 6 stamps and your 7th hot drink is on us!
📍 Find us just off Joe Mercer Way, a short walk from the Etihad Campus tram stop or along the Ashton Canal.
Cafe Menu
Drinks
Hot drinks
Espresso £2 / £2.50
Americano £2 / £2.50
Flat White £2.50 / £3
Latte £2.50 / £3
Cappuccino £2.50 / £3
Hot Chocolate £2.50 / £3
Matcha Tea £4 / £4.50
Matcha Latte £4.50 / £5
Tea £2 / £2.50
Add on: Biscuits £1
Add on: Syrups 50p
Cold drinks
Mango & Passionfruit Lemonade £2.50
Raspberry Lemonade £2.50
Pepsi, Pepsi Max, Pepsi Max Cherry £2.50
Tango Orange £2.50
7UP Zero £2.50
Still / Sparkling Water (330ml) £2.30
Breakfast
Hot
Bacon Butty £4
Sausage Butty £4
Plant-based Sausage Butty (ve) £4
Filled Hot Croissant £4.50
(Cheese & Bacon)
Filled Hot Croissant £4.50
(Cheese & Tomato)
Pastries
Croissant (v) £3
Pain Au Chocolate (v) £3
Pain Au Raisin (v) £3
Double Chocolate Muffin £3
Blueberry Muffin £3
Chilled Pots
Greek Yoghurt & Granola (v) £4
Overnight Oats (ve) £4
(Overnight Oats, Chia Seed, Oat Milk, Cinnamon)
Lunch
Sandwiches
Tuna Crunch Panini £4
(With Cucumber)
Onion Bhaji Wrap £4
(With Mango Chutney)
Roast Chicken & Bacon Ciabatta £5
Parsley Mayo
Toasted Cheese & Ham Sandwich £4.50
Salad
Caesar Salad (v) £4.50
(Cos lettuce, Parmesan, croutons, Caesar dressing)
Add Chicken +£1.50
Snacks
Vegan Chocolate Brownie £4
Carrot Cake (v) £4
Crisps £1
(Walkers Ready Salted, Salt & Vinegar, Cheese & Onion)
Meal Deals
Breakfast meal deal
Pastry + regular hot drink £4.50
Vegan / Gluten free option available
Butty + regular hot drink £5
Bacon butty
Sausage butty
Plant-based sausage butty (ve)
Lunch meal deal
Sandwich, drink + crips £6.50
Panini tuna crunch
Ham & cheese toastie
Onion bhaji wrap (ve)
Upgrade to Premium Meal Deal
Roast chicken & bacon ciabatta + £1
Salad of the Day + £1
Where Is Canalside?
Canalside is located on the Etihad Campus, just off Joe Mercer Way in Manchester. Nestled between the glistening waters of the canal and Co-op Live.
Hop on the tram to Etihad Campus, catch bus 53, 217, or 218 or stroll down the Ashton canal walking route to come and see us for a coffee and pastry any weekday.
For more info, visit our getting here page.
Loyalty Card
Become a Canalside Café regular with our loyalty card. Sign-up to our Canalside newsletter and then head into the café to collect your loyalty card. Collect 6 stamps for every hot drink you purchase and get the 6th one free.
Reservations
Looking for a spot for a community club meet-up in Manchester or want to make a group booking? Let’s make it happen! Get in touch with our team and we’ll book you in.
Whether you need a reservation for a group booking for 6+ people, community meeting over coffee and pastries or a spot for a run club refuel, Canalside is open for business soon for whatever you need. To reserve, email our team at canalside@cooplive.com.
Canalside Bar – Your Pre-Show Spot
On event days, Canalside transforms into a buzzing pre-show bar exclusively for Co-op Live ticket holders. Arrive early, grab a Detroit-style pizza, sip on an ice-cold pint, and soak in the canal-side views before the main event.
Open before every Co-op Live show
Access to official merchandise in our on-site store
Relaxed indoor and outdoor seating
Perfect for pre-gig drinks and bites
PRIVATE HIRE
Looking for a unique venue in Manchester for your next event? Canalside is available for private hire, offering a flexible, stylish space for everything from corporate events and creative workshops to community meet-ups and private celebrations.
Full venue hire or upper-level exclusivity
Customisable branding and event set-up
Capacity for up to 500 guests
Indoor and outdoor seating with canal view
Ideal for networking events, launches, team socials, and more
Let’s make your event your own — with the perfect mix of atmosphere, flexibility, and support from our events team.
FAQs
Is Canalside accessible?
Canalside is fully wheelchair accessible. A ramp provides step-free entry to the building, giving easy access to the café, bar, and merchandise store. An accessible lift is also available to reach the upper level of the building.
You’ll also find accessible toilets located next to Canalside, complete with ramp access.
Is the Canalside Cafe dog-friendly?
Dogs are always welcome at the Canalside Café. Bring your pup along and let them enjoy a refreshing bowl of water on the dog walk while you relax with pastries, sandwiches, or coffee.
Where can I park?
If you’re visiting Canalside Café by car, you can park in the Blue Car Park at the Etihad Campus. Parking is free for up to 2 hours, making it easy and convenient to enjoy a coffee and light bite.
.jpg)
How will we know when it’s open?
Our public opening times may vary weekly due to private events. We’ll be releasing opening times for the Canalside Café on our social media every Sunday so be sure to check out our social channels before visiting.
What’s available at the Canalside Café?
Canalside Café offers a selection of pastries, sandwiches, salads and sweet treats, with a menu that’s suitable for vegetarians and vegans. The Canalside Café serves a selection of fresh pastries, sandwiches, salads, and sweet treats. With plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, it’s the perfect spot to grab a light bite.
Is the Canalside Café family-friendly?
The Canalside Café is family-friendly, and families are always welcome. High chairs are available, so everyone can enjoy pastries, sandwiches, and sweet treats.
Is there wi-fi at Canalside Café?
Free Co-op Live wi-fi is available throughout the Canalside Café, along with plenty of power outlets both inside and outside. Whether you’re stopping by for a coffee, settling in with your laptop, or coming for a meeting, Canalside Café is a perfect co-working spot all year round.
Can I reserve a table?
You can reserve a table at the Canalside Café for a group booking for 6+ people. Whether it’s a coffee catch up, community meeting or a spot for a run club refuel, email our team at canalside@cooplive.com.
Please note that there are no reservations when open at the Canalside Bar for Co-op Live events in the evenings.
What’s available on event days?
The Canalside Bar is open before shows at Co-op Live, serving fresh Slice Society Detroit-style pizza and tasty sides. The menu includes vegetarian and vegan options.
Pair your food with an ice-cold pint, cider, or soft drink from the main bar on Canalside, or head to our fast-serve bar outside the venue for quick access to beer and cider.
Don’t forget to visit the merchandise store before the show to pick up artist merch.
The venue policy applies to the Canalside Bar on event days. Details on venue guidelines and more info available in the Co-op Live FAQs here.
When is merchandise available?
The merchandise store will be open on Co-op Live event days, subject to artist merch availability. The perfect place to pick up official artist merchandise before the show.
What do I get if I sign up to the mailing list?
Sign-up to our newsletter to stay up to date on opening times, events at the café and essential updates.
Sign-up here
As a thank you for signing up, receive a loyalty card in store to get a free drink on us. Collect 6 stamps for every hot drink you purchase and get the 6th one free.
Only available on hot drinks. Valid during Canalside Café opening hours.