The Best: Independent bakeries across Greater Manchester

Find sourdough, pastries, cakes, jams and chutneys all made in-house by the Trove team. Their focus is on working with high-quality, organic flours to create seasonal flavours, with a great selection of vegetarian and meat options. The brunch small plates, particularly seasonal soups, team perfectly with their fresh bread and coffee. Locations can be found in Ancoats, Levenshulme and Marble Street.

Half Dozen Other only opened in July but has already established itself as a proper gem. Home to sweet and savoury croissants, the team have just launched their exciting new November menu, consisting of treats like a lemon meringue tart, pistachio cookie and ham and cheese croissant. Catch them Fri – Sun for the ultimate weekend feast.

Based in Altrincham, Lovingly Artisan specialises in sourdough bakery – from malted barley, ciabatta and bloomer to cheese and chilli and spiced apple and sultana sourdough. Choose a sourdough box and indulge in a bit of everything.

Pop down to Alex’s Bakery in Deansgate for delectable cakes, brownies, blondies, cookies and cupcakes. Menu highlights include the jammie dodger cupcake, kinder blondies box and carrot cake. They also boast a range of savoury snacks like scones and paninis or you can sample more of their menu by booking an afternoon tea.

Where the Light Gets In’s Yellow Hammer is open as a bakery Weds – Sat, 10am – 6pm and offers small plates Thur – Sat, 6.30pm -10pm. The menu changes weekly and previous small plates have included slow-roasted lamb shoulder and baked bread dumplings. Yellow Hammer also doubles up as a pottery studio, making it the perfect place to pick up a fresh loaf and stick around for an evening of food, drinks and entertainment.

Companio is a small artisan bakery based in Ancoats, serving specialty breads, pastries and focaccia for the whole community. Their almond and coffee croissant is an absolute must-try. Other delicious bakes include the bacon, egg and cheese brioche and plum, mixed berry and pistachio Danish tart.

Cookie and doughnut specialist Gooey is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. The menu includes chocolate ganache and vanilla custard-filled doughnuts, white chocolate and red velvet cookies and seasonal black forest doughnut and pumpkin spiced cheesecake. Open Wed – Sun for collection and they also offer delivery twice a week.

Pollen, based in Ancoats and Kampus, offers pastries, cakes and breakfast buns – ranging from sausage and egg to homemade hash browns in a sourdough ciabatta roll. Check out their strawberry cruffin topped with a mini macaron, irresistible Autumnal French toast and other special bakes.