The antithesis of ‘new’ Manchester, the Buddhist Centre’s long-standing basement restaurant and juicery finds itself offering something fashionable once more. There are cooler places to pursue an interest in clean eating, veggie or vegan principles and local and Fairtrade produce, but Earth Café has a reassuring constancy (and sound business and food prep practices) in its favour. Open during the daytime only, the canteen-style operation provides myriad ways to get your five a day. A main course platter might feature sweet potato pie, a vegan curry and a couple of sides for £6. Bean burgers and Jamaican-style patties are also popular, and for afters there are vegan (and sometimes gluten-free) bakes including pineapple upside down pudding or beetroot cake. Hot drinks are organic, but as yet there are no greens in the freshly pressed juices and shakes; try a banana latte smoothie, with banana, coffee, cocoa and soya milk.