Despite overcoming the harsh winter months, another Manchester food spot has revealed it will be closing its doors. Following on from the likes of Desert Island Dumplings and Herbivorous announcing closures last week, the much-loved and prettily pink Manchester bakery, Loaf, has said it will be closing at the end of this month.
Taking Manchester by storm with their handmade, loaf cakes, with some inspired by the UK’s favourite biscuits and treats such as Bourbon, Custard Cream, Jammie Dodger and Pink Wafer, Loaf is sadly saying goodbye after what has been “a really hard year” for the bakery and owner Aiden. Reasons behind the bakery’s closure were not just rising costs but also the loss of essential funding, delayed payments and invoices and “unexpected hits”, as well as “big personal challenges”, according to the founder.
Aiden began the Manchester business back in May 2020 by baking to raise money for NHS Million whilst on furlough. What was only supposed to be temporary, kickstarted a career in baking, providing the people of Manchester with a slice of happiness in the form of cake.
In 2021, Aiden started baking from a shipping container in Pollard Yard where he was baking at least 50 cakes a week, supplying some of Manchester’s finest and even doing events for Selfridge’s and Pretty Little Thing all whilst doing the day job. Loaf then took up a residency at Affinity Living Riverview in Salford in early 2022, followed by bagging a spot in Selfridge’s at the Trafford Centre, and then a bakery on Oxford Street.
Alongside their classic collection of nostalgic cakes in loaf form, the bakery has produced specials such as Manchester Tart, Solero, Lemon Meringue Pie and Chocolate Vimto. The bakery was also loved for its community spirit as it would remain open on Christmas Day for those feeling lonely, down, or simply in need of warmth.
Announcing the news of Loaf bakery closing on social media, Aidan said: “I’ve made the incredibly tough decision to close Loaf MCR. Loaf began in 2020 as a small lockdown idea to raise money for the NHS—and somehow grew into a bold, pink cake business that lived in a shipping container, then cafés on Oxford St and New Bailey St, and even Selfridges! It was more than I ever dreamed of.
“But behind the scenes, it’s been a really hard year. We lost essential funding, faced delayed payments and invoices, battled rising costs, and unexpected hits—including a supplier taking thousands from our account without permission. It led to cashflow issues we couldn’t recover from.
“There were delays in paying important bills—things I never imagined would happen (even tips and pension contributions for staff). It was a living nightmare and it weighed heavily on me. At the same time, I was facing big personal challenges, which led to a mental breakdown the middle of last year. I couldn’t function. And when your business needs you 24/7, everything starts falling fast.
“I’m not sharing this for sympathy, I just think honesty matters. Running a business isn’t always big wins and instagram moments—it’s often stress, silence, and sacrifice. Still, I’m proud. Of the joy we spread. Of the community we built. And of myself—for knowing when to stop and look after mine and my team’s health.
“To my loafly team: you were the heart of this. Thank you for everything. To our suppliers, landlords, partners, and customers—thank you for believing in Loaf.”
Loaf’s final day before closing will be on April 30, if you wish to get one more min loaf or “just a goodbye hug”. In terms of what’s next, Aiden said “who knows?” and “for now, we rest”.
You can find Loaf at 83 Oxford St, Manchester, M1 6EG, Affinity Riverview, 29 New Bailey St, Salford, M3 5GN and Selfridge’s, 60 The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, M17 8DA until April 30.