Manchester Press - What is the fuss about?

Every time I went to attend Manchester Press which is located on Rankins Lane off of Little Bourke Street, I would ultimately abandon all hope of securing a table in a timely manner. I am not complaining that the restaurant is popular but it seemingly always has a queue of hungry people waiting in the laneway with their names scribbled on the wall hoping beyond hope that a table will be freed up. After five failed attempts (where I decided that I did not want to wait and went elsewhere) I finally secured a table by walking up at 1:30 PM.

The place is buzzing and simple, highlighted by the ceilings, basic tables, chairs where everything looks well worn and used, however I believe that is the look that the place is trying to achieve. At least I think that is what they are trying to do.

I was a bit shocked to see that they really only prepare breakfast foods, various bagels and a salad. When in Rome though...

Service brings you water, takes your order and will bring you your food. There is no pomp and circumstance surrounding it and frankly you do not expect any. I was really stunned that people normally queue for bagels around lunch so I was expecting a damned good one.

What I got was a bit dry. Although the cheese and tomato along with the pickles made it quite a colourful and cheery dish, I couldn't understand the hype. The Ethiopian "free trade" coffee was good and it certainly was a great substitute for what I normally drink.

The corporate types were taking things a bit too seriously expecting service to rival that of Movida or the Stokehouse. Tourists were taking photos of their bagels and coffee with SLR cameras. Service seemed hurried but considering the people that were coming in and out and queueing at the register, I wasn't surprised. I started to wonder if there was something wrong with me because after I went to the register and paid, I could not understand all of the excitement about this place.

I would go back for the coffee perhaps to takeaway. I certainly wouldn't queue for a table in the future. It just wasn't my thing. It obviously is popular with the masses so who am I to complain.

It is hard to give this place formal ratings since they really just serve bagels, so I will reserve the usual points this time around. Still, I will let you be the judge on Manchester Press.

Manchester Press
Link to review
8 Rankins Lane  Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9600 4054
http://www.8oz.com.au
My Rating: N/A
Service: N/A
Ambiance: N/A
Quality: N/A
Value For Money: N/A
Comment: The coffee is good.


Twitter: @epicurean3006
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When I made this post originally, 91% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon also liked Manchester Press.