Top 5 Artisanal Bakeries in Manchester (2025) – Best Sourdough, Pastries & Cafés

Manchester is home to a thriving culinary culture, and its artisanal bakeries are a big part of that story. Combining traditional baking techniques with modern creativity, these bakeries offer everything from crusty sourdough and buttery croissants to elegant French pastries and neighborhood favorites.

Here are the top artisanal bakeries in Manchester for 2025, each worth a visit for their unique flavors, ambiance, and craftsmanship.

1. Pollen Bakery

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Overview

Pollen Bakery is one of Manchester’s most celebrated artisanal bakeries. Starting under a railway arch in Piccadilly, it has grown into two popular cafés—at Cotton Field Wharf (Ancoats Marina) and Kampus. Known for precision, patience, and premium ingredients, Pollen consistently ranks among the UK’s best bakeries.

Specialties

• Signature sourdough loaves

• Croissants, pain au chocolat, and seasonal pastries

• Brunch menu with inventive dishes

Location

• Cotton Field Wharf: 8 New Union St, Manchester M4 6FQ

• Kampus: Aytoun St, Manchester M1 3GL

• Website: Pollen Bakery

Ambiance

Minimalist, modern cafés with open kitchens where guests can see bakers at work. Bright and welcoming, perfect for brunch or takeaway bread.

Customer Favorites

Sourdough loaves with chewy interiors and crisp crusts, and buttery pastries that often sell out early.

Rating: Around 4.3–4.5/5 (varies by platform).

2. Long Boi’s Bakehouse

Overview

Located in Levenshulme, Long Boi’s Bakehouse has rapidly become a neighborhood treasure. Founded by a former Pollen baker, it has earned national recognition in The Good Food Guide’s Best Bakeries 2025 for its imaginative approach to pastries and cakes.

Specialties

• Croissants and laminated dough pastries

• Cinnamon rolls

• Unique cakes and seasonal tarts

Location

• 44 Stockport Rd, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 3AD

• Website: Long Boi’s Bakehouse

Ambiance

Rustic, community-focused, and intimate. Known for its friendly staff and welcoming neighborhood feel.

Customer Favorites

Cinnamon rolls with generous filling and croissants praised for their flaky layers. The rotating selection of tarts and cakes adds variety.

Rating: Approx. 4.6/5 (local reviews).

Read Also: Top 5 Supper Clubs in Manchester 2025 | Secret Dining Guide

3. Companio Bakery

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Overview

Companio Bakery, based in Ancoats, is a true artisan establishment. Focused on long fermentation and traditional baking methods, it has developed a loyal customer base who value quality, consistency, and authenticity.

Specialties

• Classic sourdough bread

• French-style baguettes

• Pastries baked fresh daily

Location

• 35 Radium St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6AD

• Website: Companio Bakery

Ambiance

Small-scale, authentic bakery with a strong community feel. Ideal for those seeking honest, wholesome bread.

Customer Favorites

Sourdough loaves are especially praised, while pastries attract customers looking for a simple yet high-quality morning treat.

Rating: Approx. 4.7/5.

4. Bisous Bisous

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Overview

Bisous Bisous brings Parisian elegance to Manchester with its French patisserie-style bakes. Located in West Didsbury, it specializes in delicate, colorful, and intricately designed desserts, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Specialties

• Macarons in a variety of flavors

• Croissants and pain au chocolat

• Mille-feuille and opera cake

Location

• 167 Burton Rd, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 2LN

• Website: Bisous Bisous

Ambiance

A chic and cozy setting that feels like stepping into a Parisian café.

Customer Favorites

Macarons with crisp shells and flavorful fillings are the highlight, while buttery croissants showcase expert pastry technique.

Rating: Approx. 4.6/5.

5. Trove (Closed in 2024 – Honorable Mention)

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Overview

Trove was once one of Manchester’s best-known artisanal bakeries, celebrated for its organic sourdough, seasonal pastries, and stylish Scandinavian-inspired cafés. Unfortunately, it closed all its branches in mid-2024 after going into liquidation.

Legacy

Though no longer open, Trove’s influence on Manchester’s food culture is undeniable. Many of today’s bakers and café owners were inspired by its approach to sustainable, high-quality baking.

Read Also: Top 5 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Manchester for a Perfect Dining Experience

Final Thoughts

Manchester’s artisanal bakeries showcase the city’s diversity and passion for food. From Pollen’s award-winning sourdough to Long Boi’s community spirit, Companio’s honest bread, and Bisous Bisous’ French finesse, the city offers something for every taste.

Although Trove has closed, its impact remains part of Manchester’s baking heritage. The current bakery scene continues to thrive, making Manchester one of the UK’s most exciting destinations for bread and pastry lovers in 2025.

FAQs About Artisanal Bakeries in Manchester

1. What is the most famous bakery in Manchester?
Pollen Bakery is the most well-known bakery in Manchester. People love it for its sourdough bread and tasty pastries.

2. Is there a bakery in Manchester that sells French cakes and pastries?
Yes. Bisous Bisous in Didsbury is known for French treats like macarons, croissants, and fancy cakes.

3. Which bakery makes the best sourdough bread in Manchester?
Both Pollen Bakery and Companio Bakery are very popular for their sourdough bread.

4. Why did Trove Bakery close?
Trove was once a very popular bakery, but it closed in 2024 because the business ran out of money.

5. Do these bakeries have food for vegetarians or people with special diets?
Yes, most bakeries have vegetarian choices. Some also offer vegan or gluten-free items, but not all, so it’s good to check first.

6. Which bakery in Manchester is a hidden gem?
Long Boi’s Bakehouse in Levenshulme is a small but loved bakery. People really like their croissants and cinnamon rolls.