The best: Bakeries in Manchester City Centre ft. Pollen, Siop Shop and more

Sourdough & Viennoiserie Bakery Pollen has gone from strength to strength since opening up shop in a humble railway arch underneath Piccadilly Station back in 2016. Cut to 2020 and you’ll find these purveyors of fine sandwiches, pastries, cakes, croissants and breads brightening up Ancoats’ newly refurbished marina, complete with outdoor seating, locally sourced coffee and their super cuddly Chow Chow and neighbourhood icon, Maru. Visit Pollen on the weekends and you’ll be lucky to get through the door – that’s because all of their goods are baked fresh, in-house every day. They even host regular events that can teach you how to hone your sourdough skills.

Located just a stone’s throw away from Pollen, the tiny Campanio Bakery specialises in sourdoughs, savouries and cakes whilst bringing an effortlessly rustic, neighbourhood bakery feel. Their store on Radium Street at the back of Ancoats isn’t open all the time  – just mornings and early afternoons on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – but those of you who can’t make the trip that early will be pleased to know they also sell their bakes at Victoria Station between 4pm – 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Like Pollen, Campanio also host regular workshops that can help you become a better baker.

Known for their delicious and innovatively designed doughnuts, Welsh bakehouse Siop Shop has fast become a staple of the Northern Quarter’s early morning food scene. Like the other venues mentioned in this list, these guys create all of their food and baked goods in-house – offering up a selection of cakes, sandwiches, small and large plates – plus some great coffee too. However it’s their colourful and – often vegan – doughnuts that steal the show – and if you want to try one, you’ll have to get there early. These things disappear fast!