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 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. Miracle on Cross Street
Popping up especially for the festive season, Miracle on Cross Street is the perfect (and probably the most Christmassy) place to wind down with a mince pie this month. The bar, which resides below Salt Dog Slims, is serving up the delicious seasonal treats alongside Christmassy cocktails, mulled wine and more, with grotto-style décor to accompany the bar’s Christmas theme. Miracle on Cross Street, 17 Bow Ln, M2 4FW.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 tropical Brazilian mince pie, which includes papaya, guava, pineapple and a touch of cachaça (a Brazilian distilled spirit). 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
6. 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.
7. 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.