The Banyan Tree, located in Moho Building in Castlefield, is the current hot-spot for all who live and work at The Box Works, Timber Wharf, and on St George’s Island. It stands right across the road from the converted church, and the glass wall that faces the road allows in generous heaps of light at all hours.
The Banyan Tree is named so after the banyans or banians; the Hindu traders seen resting or carrying out their business under the tree. Banyan trees have become important meeting places for many people who gather in its shade, to relax or chat.
Such has become this one of Manchester’s newest bars, and the fact that they brew the Illy coffee makes a welcome difference. A few weeks ago I had a cappuccino there, with a piece of chocolate cake, which were absolutely delicious. As a matter of fact, Illycaffe has been providing support for emerging talent, as well as collaborating with established artists, including Jeff Koons, Francis Ford Coppola, James Rosenquist, and Louise Bourgeois. I will expand in another blog post on the importance on this, although the intent of a well-known coffee brand to support the arts needs no explanation or excessive laudation. Still, it was also great to drink Illy coffee at the Banyan Tree in the year of the Illycaffe’s 75th anniversary.
The Banyan Tree Flickr photoset.
In the picture on the left – Quentin El-Bez, Juicy Shoot founder and vodka expert, with one his creations: strawberry vodka.