La Choquette

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before. Choquettes refers to a type of viennoiserie people don’t forget in a hurry. Take a small portion of slightly sweet choux pastry. Sprinkle it with pearl sugar. Serve and watch the reaction. So good they named one of South Manchester’s most beloved French-inspired bakeries after these sweet delights, even if you’re spending most of the weekend in and around the city centre La Choquette is well-worth seeking out by heading a few miles south. 

Better yet, with the Metrolink tram stop at Didsbury Village just 20 minutes or so from the heart of town, this upmarket suburb — littered with great eateries, traditional pubs, and fashionable wine bars — is reassuringly easy to reach and explore. 812a Wilmslow Road is right in the midst of this bustling district, within walking distance to those transport links, nearby West Didsbury (also packed with goodness to discover) and the treasured Fletcher Moss Gardens. A beloved green asset overflowing with botanical flora and surprising fauna. But that’s another story for another day. 

Onto La Choquette, and the concept is pretty simple. A combination of two Parisian staples, the boulangerie and pâtisserie, this place first opened doors in 2020 thanks to the ongoing efforts of a highly experienced team and the operation has now won a number of awards for the quality of its pastry produce. From classics you can find anywhere, but rarely this good, like pain au chocolat and croissants, to more eye-catching eclairs, tarts and meringues. It’s also a great shout for savouries, baking fresh brioche and sourdough baguettes for incredible sandwiches, beautiful sausage rolls and more. You’ll also find quality teas and coffees supplied by Stockport’s Worker Bee — another part of our city region you should get familiar with if and when there’s enough time.