Pollen Bakery

If you’ve lived in Manchester longer than about five minutes chances are Pollen is a familiar name. Bakers extraordinaire, the team first set up their pitch in an archway under Piccadilly railway station in 2016, and the operation has since risen (ahem) into a bonafide powerhouse of the city’s food scene, proving the quality of its offering by serving fresh produce to a huge and incredibly loyal customer base direct, and supplying many of the city’s top eateries with breads, cakes and more. 

A runaway success story, those who have dined at spots like Hawksmoor, El Gato Negro and Flawd will already be familiar with Pollen’s exceptional produce, even if they don’t realise it. The company’s Ancoats site is its most famous, having played a part in helping the area develop as a hospitality hotspot. Recognisable by the queues that often form here on busy weekend mornings, it’s a one-stop shop for almost anything dough-related. Pastries, cakes, breads, and muffins are, of course, all made daily, and there’s also a great dine-in menu available. Those opting to take a table can choose from breakfast, brunch and lunch classics, such as eggs benedict, eggs royale, and bacon breakfast buns. 

Everything on the menu uses top drawer ingredients, and things are kept seasonal where possible. As for drinks, this is the home of single origin coffee from Hasbean, along with regular guest beans here to keep things nice and varied. Loose leaf tea fans will also be in their element, and Pollen makes an impressive range of seltzers, all produced on site. Open between 8AM and 4PM Wednesday to Friday, and 9AM-4PM on Saturdays and Sundays, if you’ve not already paid a visit we implore you to make amends at the earliest convenience.