Everyone has their own traditions at Christmas, whether it be a day filled with board games and food or questionable condiments to accompany your Christmas dinner. However, for Aiden Ryan, founder of the pink-clad Manchester bakery famed for its loaf-shaped cakes, Loaf, Christmas Day is a little bit different as every year he visits the homeless and offers them gifts.
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And this Christmas the owner of Loaf wants to go that bit further by once again opening the red door to his Oxford Street bakery on Christmas Day to provide a cosy place and “make someone’s day with a little bit of kindness”. Announcing the news on social media, Aiden Ryan said Loaf will be somewhere to go if you’re feeling lonely, down, or simply in need of a warm and that the pink-clad bakery will be “here for you”.
The post continued: “We’ll be serving up delicious hot drinks, offering cakes at a special rate, and providing free options for those facing financial difficulty. It’s all about creating a cosy space for connection, comfort, and a bit of joy on a day that might be hard for so many.
“Every year, my family and I spend Christmas in Manchester city centre, giving gifts to those experiencing homelessness. This tradition continues to be deeply important to us, and now, with Loaf in the heart of the city, I’m grateful I have a place to expand our efforts and make a real difference.”
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, with the Oxford Street branch opening in November 2022.
The owner of Loaf is also inviting Mancs to get involved in an act of good will by donating gifts in order to brighten up someone’s Christmas this year! From toiletries, gloves and scarves to toys and books, anything you’d like to give is welcome, and these presents could be for someone without a home or someone alone this Christmas.
Aiden Ryan added: “If you’d like to contribute, we’re inviting anyone who wants to give back to drop off a wrapped or boxed present at Loaf, along with a small description of what’s inside. These gifts can range from toiletries, gloves, and scarves to toys and books — anything that you can spare.
“Last year was incredible, let’s make this year even better and spread the word! You might be saving someone. Merry Loafmas!”
You can email Oxfordstreet@loafmcr.com or direct message Loaf on Instagram if you want to offer a gift or be involved.
Loaf can be found at 83 Oxford Street, M1 6EG.