December is the one time a year that we can gorge on mince pies for every meal of the day – and not a single person can say a thing about it. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Or start early in November if you so please! Starting with the city’s finest mince pies served up at some of the best bars, bakeries, cafes and restaurants in Manchester, we’re so ready to turn into a giant, sugar-dusted shortcrust, before, of course, turning to our trusty British supermarkets on Christmas Eve and scooping up any (and all) discounted boxes. Here’s our guide to the best mince pies Manchester has to offer right now.
1. Bundobust
Fancy an Indian twist on a British festive classic? At Bundobust you’ll find a mince pie paratha to bring a festive and sweet finish to your meal, which Bundobust describes as “what peshwari did next” and see parathas stuffed with sultana, raisin, cinnamon, clove, star anise and coconut, for the perfect sweet-savoury crossover hit. The mince pie parathas join wonderfully Christmassy dishes as part of the Bundobust festive menu, which includes their much-loved sprout bhajis.
📍Bundobust, 61 Piccadilly, M1 2AG | St James Building, 61-69 Oxford Street, M1 6EQ.
2. The Ivy
Launching as part of a tasty Christmas menu, The Ivy is serving up yummy mince pie parcels this Christmas, served with served with a selection of teas and coffees as a digestif that makes for the perfect, luxury finishing to the classic pud. Accompanied by an array of festive flavours, guests can order The Ivy’s mince pie parcels from the dessert menu now.
📍The Ivy, The Pavilion, Byrom St, M3 3HG.
3. Bar Hütte
Returning for the festive season once again, Bar Hütte has gone all out with the festivities – including, of course, mince pies. Available to scran at the Christmassy bar which consists of plenty of private karaoke huttes, the little treats are perfectly accompanied by mulled wine, boozy hot chocolates and so much more.
📍Bar Hütte, 235 Deansgate, M3 4EN | Kampus, Aytoun St, Manchester M1 3GL.
4. The Flat Baker
Boasting its very own stall at Manchester’s Christmas Markets this year, The Flat Baker is one of the city’s favourite bakeries. They’ve now gone above and beyond to curate their own twist on the mince pie, serving a Brazilian mince roll, which is packed with tropical fruits like papaya and pineapple all in a buttery viennoiserie bun, then topped it off with smooth ice cream and a drizzle of dulce de leche sauce. You can try this intriguing creation at the Flat Baker stall at Manchester Christmas Markets (Piccadilly Gardens) until December 21, or at their permanent home in Ancoats.
📍The Flat Baker, 23 Radium St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6AY
5. Manchester Christmas Markets
Speaking of the markets, of course there are countless stalls this year around the city boasting an array of mince pies. Whether you’re around Exchange Square, King Street or Piccadilly Gardens, there’s no doubt you’ll find somewhere to pick up this yuletide treat, so keep your eyes peeled as you wander round for something to accompany your boozy hot chocolate.
6. Slattery
One of Greater Manchester’s favourite bakeries and chocolatiers, the Slattery family dining room will be serving mince pies in several forms this festive season. The gorgeous afternoon tea option includes mini Viennese mince pies alongside other sweet treats like macarons and Christmas chocolate truffles, and from the Christmas menu you can also get a slice of the homemade plate mince pie, served warm with pouring or whipped cream, custard or vanilla ice cream… we need to get there NOW.
📍Slattery, 197 Bury New Rd, Whitefield, Manchester M45 6GE.
7. Martins
Another independent bakery in Manchester that is getting into the festive season with mince pies galore is Martins. Boasting a whopping 26 bakeries in the Greater Manchester region, you’re never too far from a Martins or mince pie for that matter. But be sure to be quick as these delicious and generously-filled mince pies sell-out quickly online, so you’d better get down to the bakery in order to get your fix of the seasonal and sweet staple. Find your nearest Martins bakery here.
📍Martins, 92 Cathedral Road, Chadderton, OL9 0RR |17 Copson Street, Withington, M20 9HE | 41 Old Church Street, Newton Heath, M40 2JN | 131 Lord Lane, Failsworth, M35 0RX | 123 Heaton Moor Road, Heaton Moor, SK4 4HY | 137 Eton Hill Rd, Radcliffe, M26 2XQ | 56 Swinton Hall Road, Swinton, M27 4BJ | 265 Great Cheetham Street, Salford, M7 4UF.