The upper crust of Manchester bakeries.
Manchester: the epicentre of independent creators – sharing their delicious concoctions with us lucky, lucky Mancs. It’s no wonder we have so many cult faves within the region with the level of talent we have, and with lockdown officially ending there’s no better time to support them. From the bakeries that attract mornings queues for the sweet scent of their sourdough to the tucked-away spots satisfying our sweet tooths – we’ve rounded up the very best bakeries in Manchester to try out this weekend.
1. Pollen Bakery, Ancoats/New Islington
The creme-de-la-creme of Manchester bakeries: Pollen. Proudly sitting on New Islington Marina, Pollen attracts queues down the street for its cult favourite sourdough. But it’s not just bread that gets the locals going ‘mad fer it’. The much-loved spot also serves up beautiful little treats such as cupcakes and croissants, and they even have an in-house chef creating lovely little brunch dishes to try out, too. If that wasn’t enough to persuade you to give them a try, their gorgeous dog Maru frequents the bakery – so you can stop by to say hello! Pollen, Cotton Field Wharf, 8 New Union St, Manchester, M4 6FQ.
2. Albert’s Schloss, City Centre
While you probably know Albert’s Schloss to be the place in town for a booze-up and a boogie, they also have a mini bakery on site where you can pick up some delicious handmade items. The bakery area is situated within the restaurant side of the venue, and you can regularly find loaves of bread, pretzels, buns and croissants – with ever-changing sweet treats, too. Be sure to check it out next time you pop down for their Sunday service. Albert’s Schloss, 27 Peter St, Manchester, M2 5QR.
3. Hey Little Cupcake, City Centre
It’s hard to walk by this little Spinningfields spot without popping in for a box of cakes, and you can probably see why already. Experimenting regularly with different toppings, this hidden gem serves up cupcakes, brownies and huge ‘signature’ cakes – varying from the ever-chocolately, to the colourful rainbow-themed. Cupcakes can be purchased singularly or in a box, and they regularly create cute seasonal ones to celebrate occasions such as Halloween, Christmas and Valentine’s – but we’re sure you don’t need an excuse for a sweet treat. Hey Little Cupcake, 2 Hardman St, Manchester, M3 3HF.
4. Lovingly Artisan, Altrincham
Award-winning bakery Lovingly Artisan knows good bread, and Altrincham locals think so, too. The bakery specialises in beautiful sourdough loaves, all finished off with lovely designs that you’ll probably feel guilty for cutting into – but less so when you taste them warmed up with melted butter smothered on them. From bloomers, to baguettes and ciabatta – there’s a whole lotta bread to choose from. Lovingly Artisan, Central Way, Altrincham, WA14 1QU.
5. Companio Bakery, Ancoats
Another Ancoats spot that pulls in the crowds, Companio Bakery swings open its doors and is guaranteed to have locals waiting outside to snap up a loaf before they’re gone. But not only do they serve up some super tasty bread, they also specialise in gorgeous pastries too – from fruity, Indian inspired bakes to pizza doughs filled with cheese and all the good stuff – it’s worth checking out to see what the lovely bakers have going on that day. Companio Bakery, 35 Radium St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6AD.
6. Trove, Levenshulme and Ancoats
Originating in Levenshulme, Trove can also be found in Ancoats – serving up tasty brunch dishes and freshly baked items most days. Guests can pick up sourdough loaves among other items such as pastries and cakes, with brunch dishes serving up classic plates such as Eggs Royale and Bacon butties – all made with their bread which is made from scratch at the bakery. Trove, 1032 Stockport Rd, Manchester, M19 3WX | 5 Murray St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6HS.
7. Gooey, City Centre
This one’s for the Mancs with a serious sweet tooth. Specialising in just cookies and donuts, Gooey recently opened up its permanent home within Ducie Street Warehouse – and they’re so popular, they sell out daily. Everything is baked fresh daily, with weekly specials that the bakers experiment with weekly (including their Red Velvet, which is now a permanent fixture and even a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup cookie). The cookies are bigger than our fists, and the donuts come Boston-style – stuffed full of cream! Gooey, Duplex 5, Ducie House, Ducie Street, M1 2JW.
Read more: Ancoats’ Boutique Chocolate Cafe Serves Up The Sweetest Afternoon Tea
[Featured image: Lovingly Artisan/Albert’s Schloss]