Pollen Bakery ★ 4.7
Sunday Times-listed Manchester bakery by Ancoats Marina, baking sourdough loaves and laminated pastries. The cinnamon morning bun is the menu's calling card.
Worth the queue: Cinnamon morning bun
Bakery counters in Manchester worth queuing for: levain breads, laminated pastry, regional bakes and the morning ritual.
Where to queue for bread and pastry
Companio Bakery ★ 4.6
Ancoats bakery in Manchester run by Baneta Yelda and Neil Large; cardamom buns and pizza doughs filled with cheese. Open wed-sat 08:00-14:00.
Worth the queue: Cardamom bun
Long Boi's Bakehouse ★ 4.5
Old corner-shop bakehouse on a leafy Forest Range corner in Levenshulme, founded by an ex-Pollen baker. At 40 Forest Range. Booking recommended.
Worth the queue: Cardamom morning bun
Siop Shop ★ 4.4
Welsh-influenced bakery cafe on Tib Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter. Pic-niq sausage rolls, bara brith, brunch plates and excellent espresso daily.
Worth the queue: Pic-niq sausage roll
Lily Vanilli at Mackie Mayor ★ 4.3
Pastry counter inside Manchester's Mackie Mayor food hall. Daily-changing tarts, slices and seasonal sweets, the lemon tart is the regulars' first order.
Worth the queue: Lemon tart
Bakeries: tours, tastings and classes in Manchester
Manchester: Afternoon Tea Baking Class
Roll up your sleeves and dive into a quintessentially British baking experience in Manchester. Learn to bake your very own Afternoon Tea, and enjoy your own delightful...
Manchester: Northern Quarter Food Walk with Tastings
Explore Manchester’s Northern Quarter on a guided food walk. Sample four small plates at top eateries, discover street art, and hear local stories.
Manchester: Gay Village & Northern Quarter Food Tour
Embark on a Manchester Guided Food Tour and savor English Breakfast, Curry rice, pie or fish & chips and Cider or Ale, while discovering the city’s rich culinary traditions.