We have so many independent institutions to be proud of here in Manchester, and one that is an overwhelming favourite is The Flat Baker in Ancoats. This year, in a special treat, The Flat Baker has bagged a cosy stall at Manchester Christmas Markets, serving up indulgent festive treats and innovative twists on artisan classics.
Located in the main hub of the Manchester Christmas Markets this year in Piccadilly Gardens (just in from the Christmas tree), The Flat Baker is serving Brazilian tropical mince pies, and chocolate caramel brownies, any of which will certainly warm your cockles and give you that sweet festive fix you desire. The Brazilian mince pies are an innovative approach to this yuletide classic, made with papaya, guava, pineapple and a touch of cachaça (a Brazilian distilled spirit) – too intriguing to miss.
The croissants and cinnamon rolls in sauce are a classic from The Flat Baker, but this festive season their croissants are laced with a warm sauce of your choice and spiced cinnamon rolls drizzled with your favourite sauce (Lotus Biscoff being one of them). With their pistachio croissant filled with ice cream and drenched in pistachio sauce going viral over the summer, the Ancoats bakery has now given it a wintery touch by serving it in a pot of pistachio sauce for you to dip your croissant addictively into as well as serving it with a generous helping of whipped cream for that added luxury.
The team are super friendly and pride themselves on the family feel of the bakery, all with a Brazilian twist. If you happen to be passing The Flat Baker in Ancoats, you can check out their full menu which includes the most incredible hot chocolate options like the Festive S’mores hot chocolate with real dark chocolate and mixed spices, topped with a generous layer of marshmallow and a Lotus biscuit to dip in… it really is worth the trip.
Open 10pm – 8pm daily, The Flat Baker stall is likely to be one of the most popular at the Manchester Christmas Markets this year, with a snaking queue lining the area for most of the day. Obviously our biggest tip is to get there as early as possible, who cares if you’re eating chocolate for breakfast? It’s Christmas, after all!
You can find The Flat Baker at the Manchester Christmas Markets until December 21, and their permanent home at 23 Radium St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6AY.