Manchester Press — Restaurant in Melbourne

2/5 stars - Unsatisfying, expensive and not worth the disappointment, don't believe the hype.

Venue: Nice aesthetics, well spaced and very accomodating with a share-space feel to it. Not many tables for a couple, but 4 people seems to be the perfect number to bring. There is no menu out the front to browse, to which if there have been one, I'd have seen a 10% surcharge on weekends and 15% surcharge on public holidays (I'd have not entered had I known this).

Staff: There's a sign outside that says 'Wait here to be seated' that staff ignore. We waited for a good 10 minutes, only to have another couple jump the queue to be seated before us. Staff don't seem to adhere to their own signage or even their own policies. The day we went was 'Labour Day' and staff seems a little shut down and short, obviously not wanting to be at work on a public holiday - I hope they got public holiday rates, otherwise I'd be that disgruntled too

Food: As pictured, the food looks amazing. However the price for these are typically overpriced. The Banana Bacon and Maple bagel was nice, however the Banana Mascarpone and the Bacon Maple bagel didn't go well together, they're better off separate - which is disappointing. If the banana was caramelised, it may have been a little easy to pair in. The Mixed Berry Maple was a bit of everything smashed up into one with strawberries on top, again looks good; but very unfulfilling and unsatisfying.

Coffee: We ordered a mocha and a double shot cappuccino. No oat Milk (which in these days should be a staple). The mocha was decent, but the double shot capp was very disappointing and tasteless. The coffee art was amazing on the other hand, so it's more about the coffee used than the barista (or maybe it is the barista....).

Overall: 2/5 Honestly i was excited to come to this venue, however the staff detracted from the experience which started a slippery slope of disappointment. To top this off, a 15% surcharge was charged on a public holiday. As stated above, I'd not have come knowing the surcharge. Not the worst experience, but I'd have gone to a place with toasted cheese sandwiches and found it more fulfilling, satisfying and easier...

Nestled deep inside Rankins Ln, Manchester Press draws a consistent crowd with its bagels and warehouse vibes.

The last time I dined here was 7 years ago. The chorizo bagel I had back then was well put together and very tasty. The lack of customer service was, however, quite off-putting.

We recently tried Manchester Press again, and we can't fault the warm staff at all. Unfortunately, it was the food that didn't quite hit the mark this time.

We ordered the Bacon and Maple Bagel ($24.50), which on paper sounds like the perfect combination of sweet and savoury. However, it was actually quite difficult to get all the flavours together as it was quite textural. We also weren't sure whether the blueberry bagel was the best flavour to compliment this creation.

We fared a bit better with the Philly Steak Bagel ($23.80), although the chef may have gone a bit overboard with the chipotle mayo and the overall result was not that aesthetically pleasing.

Hojicha Latte ($6.50) is on its current special menu for those wanting to try something different.

It was overall a slightly underwhelming experience, but I am hoping it was only because we went on...

Great food - Bagel focus. Also healthy bowls, toasted sandwiches and a Big Breakfast. Plenty of add-ons/sides as well. Coffee list is extensive!! Hojicha / ほうじ茶 also offered 😍

Super comfy vibes, no loud music, only soft music, and ambient sounds and chatter. Perfect for dining alone, catching up with a friend, family, colleague, or partner.

Extremely impressing service. Greeted quickly, this server was lovely, kind, professional, and had a sixth sense about when to approach for my order and when to leave me to think. 10/10 perfect experience.

Coffee was Melbourne high standard - 5 stars ⭐

Food was worth the visit. Excellent, nearly zero wait time, hot, fresh, good portion size.

I am not going to complain about the non-bargain price of bagels here, because it's a mid-city laneway location, fully staffed, seated cafe with high quality offerings. These prices are reasonable in my opinion in 2024 for this sit down experience.

Will be returning for a...