As much as we love loaves of bread (all of the carbs, please) loaf cakes are having a moment. Taking Manchester by storm with their light, fluffy sponge in an array of flavours, baked in loaf form and topped decadently and decoratively, it’s the cupcake’s cool, new best friend, made by Loaf.
The Manchester bakery has announced it will be opening a a permanent location on Oxford Street on November 4 so Mancs can get their loaf cake fix and more. Plus, they’re giving away 100 free cakes to celebrate, from 12pm until they’re gone.
Loaf will continue their baking bonanza the following day, with funky entertainers dishing out delicious cake samples from 12-5PM, bringing back fan-favourite flavours Manchester Tart Load and Vimto Loaf. Every 10th customer could also be in with a chance to win their coffee or cake completely on the house.
Founder of Loaf, 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 earlier this year, followed by bagging a spot in Selfridge’s at the Trafford Centre, but now the bakery is set to open its Oxford Street branch.
The specially-designed rose-hued cafe is a pink paradise to match the bakery’s groovy logo, boasting a balcony seating area and cute counter. The new Loaf opening will also be bringing with it a newly revised menu of mini loaf cakes (which were previously slices of chunky loaves) that are both dainty and delightful to eat.
Loaf is known for making handmade, loaf cakes, with inspirations for their specials coming from some of the UK’s favourite biscuits and treats such as Bourbon, Custard Cream, Jammie Dodger, Pink Wafer and more. Alongside their classic collection of nostalgic cakes, expect new specials every two weeks. Most recent specials have included the likes of Manchester Tart, Solero, Lemon Meringue Pie, Pina-ca-Loafa and Chocolate Vimto with ice cream.
There’ll also be handmade Loaf Au Choc and Brioche Loaf fresh on the counter every day – served by the slice with your choice of toppings. Loaf is also working on some new light lunch options with grab-and-go artisanal sandwiches and bagels from Sndwch Mcr, as well as drinks and snacks by Store Supply.
Loaf can be found at 83 Oxford Street, M1 6EG.