Federal Cafe Northern Quarter interior seating area

OUR STORY

Federal started in Manchester in 2014 after a trip to Melbourne.

I remember walking into cafes there and thinking this just feels right. Great coffee, fresh food, and service that actually makes you feel welcome.

We wanted to bring that same feeling back to Manchester.

So we opened a small cafe in the Northern Quarter and focused on doing the basics properly. Good coffee. Good food. Look after people.

Over time it grew. People came back. They told their friends. The cafes got busier and the energy built.

Today Federal has grown across the UK built on the same thinking from day one.

We care about what goes on the plate and in the cup. We care about the way people are looked after. We care about how it feels when you walk in.

The goal has always been simple.
You come in for coffee or brunch.
You leave feeling brighter.

That’s Federal.

Making your day better - that's what we're about.

Whether you're popping in for coffee, settling in for brunch, or just passing by, we want you leaving happier than you arrived. We do proper good food and coffee, but it's more than that. It's about creating a spot where you feel welcome, where connections happen naturally, and where a flat white can genuinely turn your morning around. Come as you are. We've got you covered.
  • Whether it's remembering your usual order or just having a proper chat, we see you. Small moments matter.

  • Your flat white tastes the same whether it's Monday morning or Saturday afternoon. That's not luck, it's what we do.

  • From kitchen to coffee to clearing tables, we're all responsible for making sure you have a good time. No passing the buck, just teamwork that works for you.

  • Every coffee, every dish, every interaction, we push for better because you deserve it.

  • Simple as that. If something's not right, we'll fix it. No excuses, just sorted.

The Management Team

Our management team's passion for for great food, good service, and building relationships with our guests drives everything we do.

Our teams at the cafe are the heart of what makes Federal Cafe & Bar.

  • Federal Cafe Northern Quarter, Oxford Road and Deansgate Claudio Best brunch coffee Leeds Manchester

    Claudio

    Founder & Owner

    Claudio has been with Federal since day one, shaping our vision and transforming it from a small cafe into a neighbourhood staple with multiple locations. His unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service sets the standard for the Federal experience.

  • Federal Cafe Northern Quarter, Oxford Road and Deansgate Emily Best Brunch and coffee in Leeds & Manchester

    Emily

    Social Media Manager

    Emily has been instrumental in creating Federal’s distinctive online presence. Her ability to craft engaging content and visually compelling posts has grown our social media audience significantly, connecting our cafe with fans worldwide.

  • Federal Cafe Northern Quarter, Oxford Road and Deansgate Bruna Best brunch coffee Leeds Manchester

    Bruna

    Executive Manager

    Bruna ensures smooth operations and high standards across all sites. Her tireless dedication and exceptional leadership are integral to Federal’s continued growth and to building a strong, motivated team.

  • Federal Cafe Northern Quarter, Oxford Road and Deansgate Charlotte best_brunch_coffee_Leeds_Manchester

    Charlotte

    Head of People

    Starting as a General Manager, Charlotte transitioned to leading HR at Federal. Her focus on staff well-being and fostering a positive workplace culture helps Federal maintain its strong, people-centered values.

Fancy joining our team?

We're often looking for hard-working, friendly folk to come and work with us. Sound like you? Then go ahead and send us your CV, along with a bit about yourself to:

jobs@federalcafe.co.uk

and we'll be in touch if we have any availability.