A major city in the northwest of England, Manchester is rich with industrial history, although nowadays it is best known for being a major cultural hub with a variety of nightclubs, libraries, and of course a long running history of sports as well. However, Manchester is also known for having some of the most fabulous bakeries and cake shops in England as well! So come with us through Cottonopolis and check out our top nine picks for the most incredible bakeries and cake shops in Manchester, England!
Companio Bakery
Image: Time Out
Companio is a small, friendly artisan bakery in the Ancoats area of Manchester that specializes in sourdough breads, pastries, and Viennoiserie baked goods made fresh every day to supply not only their own bakery, but also other artisanal outlets in Manchester. Originally established in 2015 by Russel Goodwin after an incredible crodwfunding campaign, it was bought in 2019 by friends and bakers Neil Large, Phil Pryor and Baneta Yelda, who take pride in offering high quality fresh baked goods to their community every day.
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Customers are impressed with the quality baked goods they get here. Favorite baked goods include the Seeded Loaves, the Pain au Chocolat, and the sourdough bread.
KiwiCakes Manchester
KiwiCakes Manchester, located in the Stretford area of Manchester, is the place to go for decadent cakes and cupcakes that can be as simple or as over-the-top as you like when it comes to your custom design to fit any special occasion. KiwiCakes is owned by home baker Jo Fletcher, who fondly remembers days spent in the kitchen with her mother while she made cakes for events and other special occasions. She started KiwiCakes after being commissioned to make a number of her special, one-of-a-kind cakes by friends and family for all kinds of occasions.
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Customers who have had Jo’s cakes agree that they can see and taste the love she puts into each and every one. According to fans, you can’t go wrong with any of the flavors of Jo’s amazing cakes!
Teatime Collective
This eclectic little bakery was established in 2013 and offers 100 percent vegan custom cakes, donuts, tortes, other desserts, and even light breakfast and lunch fare. Whether you want a colorful, whimsical cake or a more subdued, classically beautiful cake, it can be tailored to your special occasion. They have standard and more unique cake flavors such as their Gin and Tonic with Lime and Raspberry and Pistachio, and the same goes for their donuts with the Peanut Butter and Cherry Black Forest and the Chocolate Orange Cream. No matter what sort of cake or dessert you are searching for, Teatime Collective can help satisfy your sweet tooth!
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Customers love the quality of the vegan baked goods offered at Teatime Collective. One of the most loved cakes here is the Tiramisu.
Pollen Bakery
Small local establishment Pollen Bakery and cafe specializes in fresh baked daily sourdough breads, cakes, viennoiserie baked goods, and even coffee. Whether you’re looking for something savory or sweet, light or heavy, or more of a meal like their breakfast, brunch, or lunch fare, Pollen Bakery has you covered in the Manchester area. They even offer more inclusive vegan and vegetarian options.
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Customers rave about the quality of the food and fresh baked goods made and served at Pollen Bakery. Favorite baked goods include the Apple Cinnamon Cake, the Toffee Apple Cruffin, and the sourdough bread.
Alex’s Bakery
Alex’s Bakery is your Manchester cake shop destination for custom cakes, cupcakes, brownies, blondies, and even some English and Brazilian delicacies for afternoon tea. There are always fresh made cupcakes at Alex’s, and cakes can be custom made to suit whatever occasion you are celebrating. Alex’s Bakery is owned by Alexandra, who hails from Brazil but now calls Manchester home. As a child, she loved watching her grandmother make tasty cakes and other desserts and came to really appreciate the process as well as the finished product. Opening Alex’s was a dream come true for her, and she enjoys her job so much that she doesn’t feel like she is working.
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Customers love the cakes and baked goods from Alex’s, and they can see and taste all the love she puts into them. Fan favorites include the brownies, the blondies, and the Cookies and Cream Cupcakes.
The English Rose Bakery
If you’re looking for a flavorful variety of famous French macarons in Manchester, then The English Rose Bakery is the place to go! The macarons made here come in a wide assortment of flavors and designs to suit any occasion, and they even offer vegan macarons. Along with fresh made macarons, they also host and teach macaron making classes. The English Rose Bakery was established in June of 2010 by Emma Brown, who had fallen in love with French macarons on a weekend trip to Laduree in Zurich.
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Folks have just as much fun at the macaron making classes as they do eating these fabulous French desserts. According to loyal fans, you can’t go wrong with any of their delectable macaron flavors.
The Black Cat Cakery
The Black Cat Bakery is a small bakery that specializes in delicious homemade cakes, whether they be for grocery stores, restaurants, pubs, or other establishments, or cakes custom made for special occasions, and even cakes for those with vegan and gluten free diet restrictions. The Black Cat Cakery takes pride in using only the finest ingredients available, trying to locally source, and trying to reduce their carbon footprint all the while making people smile with their delicious cakes.
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Clients appreciate the willingness of The Black Cat Bakery to work with them for the perfect cake. Fan favorite cakes include the Blueberry and Orange Cake, the Apple and Elderflower Cake, and the NGI Vanilla Chai Cake.
Barbakan Delicatessen Ltd
Barbakan Delicatessen Ltd is a family bakery and deli that was first estabished in 1964 and specializes in baking individual hand-crafted loaves of bread without tins and with authentic European recipes, as well as authentic European cakes and pastries. With a wide selection of breads such as their Italian Toscana, German Wurzlebrot, and French Campagrain, it’s easy to try something new or find something specific for a particular recipe or an amazing sandwich. Cake and pastry varieties include Poppy Rings, Chocolate Shortbread, and Mince Pies. Along with their baked goods, they also have a deli counter with an assortment of delicious meats and cheeses.
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Loyal customers love the food and service they get here at Barbakan. Fan favorite baked goods include the Granary Chorlton Sourdough bread, the Beigels, and the Kabannos.
Kelly’s Bakery
A Manchester staple for over 30 years, Kelly’s Bakery specializes in fresh baked breads, custom cakes for any occasion including weddings, pastries, and even has a hot food and lunch menu. Kelly’s Bakery is sort of a one-stop shop type of bakery, because not only can you order a custom birthday cake, but you can also pick up something tasty for lunch or dinner, and even a snack for while you’re busy running errands. Kelly’s Bakery has a passion for food, and they take pride in making all of their food and baked goods with only the finest, freshest ingredients.
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Patrons talk about how great all of the baked goods are and the friendliness of the staff. Fan favorite baked goods include the Meat and Potato Pies, the Chocolate Fudge Cake, and the Breakfast Pie.
If it weren’t for traditional bakeries and cake shops, it would be hard to access many of the different breads, cakes, pastries, and more from around the world. So if you happen to be in Manchester and are looking for something delicious, whether it be sweet or savory, or perhaps even a birthday cake, check out any of our top nine incredible picks and see just how amazing they are for yourself!