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The 12 Must-Try Dessert Shops in Manchester
Manchester’s desert scene is as rich and diverse as the city itself, serving up sweet treats that can satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. If you’ve got the sweet tooth just like us, then you’ll be glad to know that the city has turned dessert into an art form!
In this guide, we’ll take you on a sugar-coated journey through the crème de la crème of Manchester’s dessert shops. We’ve done the leg work so all you need to do is indulge. Let’s go!
Trof – Northern Quarter
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Website: Trof
Address: 8 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1EU, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 833 3197
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Tue: 10AM-12AM
- Wed-Thu: 10AM-1AM
- Fri: 10AM-3AM
- Sat: 9AM-3AM
- Sun: 10AM-12AM
Trof Isn’t just a spot in the Northern Quarter; it’s an institution. This ‘dandyish den of opulence’, as they call it, is all about leather seats, wooden décor, and a vibe that’s as cosy as it gets.
Whether you’re after a hearty breakfast, a smashing burger, or a Sunday lunch, they’ve got your back. And when it comes to drinks, from a smooth soya latte to a refreshing old fashioned lemonade or a cheeky beer, you’re spoilt for choice.
But let’s talk desserts – they’re a hidden gem here, offering a blend of classic comforts with a creative twist. With club nights, quiz nights, and open mic nights, it’s the perfect place to linger from day to night.
| Pro tip: Dive into their dessert menu after dinner; it’s the perfect encore to their burgers. |
My Cookie Dough
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Website: My Cookie Dough
Address: UMC05 The Orient Intu, The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8EH, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 747 4483
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-8PM
For those who believe in love at first bite, My Cookie Dough in the Arndale Centre is your next crush. Specialising in warm, gooey cookie dough that’s baked to perfection and served with a scoop of ice cream, this place is a dream come true for dough lovers.
The smell alone is worth the visit, enveloping you in a warm hug of chocolatey, buttery goodness. The menu is adventurous, offering classic favourites and unique combinations that surprise and delight.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on their seasonal specials, they’re always something special. |
Loaf MCR
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Website: Loaf MCR
Address: Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom (Check website for exact location)
Contact details: +44 7961 156011
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 7:30AM-4PM
- Sat 10AM-5PM
- Sun 11AM-5PM
What began as a charitable bake-off to support the NHS quickly escalated into supplying the crème de la crème of department stores like Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.
Fast forward a bit, and they’ve opened their flagship store on Oxford Road, where they dish out gigantic loaf cakes smothered in every delicious topping you can think of – from fruity and chocolate icings to wafers, biscuits, and sweets.
Walking into Loaf, you’re hit with a wave of nostalgia thanks to its amazing retro decor. It’s like stepping into a cake lover’s dream, with a side of good deeds.
| Pro tip: Get ready to have your cake and eat it too, and maybe snap a pic for the ‘gram – these loaves are as photogenic as they are delicious. |
Home Sweet Home
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Website: Home Sweet Home
Address: 49-51 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HW, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 244 9424
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-6PM
Home Sweet Home boastS the best coffee in the area – and with baristas trained to perfection and beans roasted and ground on the spot, we’re inclined to agree. But if coffee ain’t your bag, there’s tea, and milkshakes that’ll make you weak at the knees (the Oreo and PB&J are unreal).
The food here is the comfort you didn’t know you needed, from the Texan Skillet breakfast to the chilli dogs and mac ‘n’ cheese that’ll have you plotting your next visit before you’ve even left.
And the desserts? They’re like a sugar-coated dream, with cakes that sparkle with sweets on top. Not to mention, the doughnut pudding, cookie skillet, and snickers waffles are out of this world.
| Pro tip: Bring a sweet tooth and maybe someone to share with – these portions don’t mess about. |
Bisous Bisous
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Website: Bisous Bisous
Address: 663 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6RA, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 445 7669
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-5PM
Bisous Bisous is more than just a patisserie; it’s a love letter to French baking, penned by Alex Moreau and Kirsty McAlpine.
These two took their passion for primo grub and top-notch baking, and turned it into Didsbury’s go-to for the most authentic French pastries this side of the Channel.
Their philosophy? Keep it traditional, make it by hand, and never settle for less than the best. Every day, their shop bursts with fresh viennoiserie, patisserie, macarons, biscuits, and cakes, all shouting “oui” to quality and flavour.
| Pro tip: Swing by for their freshly made goodies daily – it’s like having Paris on your doorstep. |
Oak Street Cafe
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Website: Oak Street Cafe
Address: 17 Oak St, Manchester M4 5JD, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 832 6256
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-5PM
Oak Street Cafe offers a tranquil haven with a bright, airy vibe that’s perfect for anyone from older gents and ladies to the young ‘uns looking for a chill spot.
The menu is a testament to comfort food done right, with sandwiches, pizzas, soups, and stews that’ll satisfy whether you’re after a snack or a feast. And let’s not forget the cakes – homemade and perfectly paired with their superb coffee.
Situated amongst the studios of Manchester’s most talented artists, it’s the perfect place to lose a few hours.
| Pro tip: Don’t rush off – have a wander around the Craft Centre after your cake and coffee. It’s a proper treat. |
Sugar Junction
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Website: Sugar Junction
Address: Tib Street, Manchester, M4 1NB, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 839 1444
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-5PM
With over 25 different teas on the menu, from the robust English Breakfast to the delicate and visually stunning flowering teas, and even their unique ‘Northern Quarter’ blend, Sugar Junction is a tea lover’s paradise.
But it’s not all about tea; their coffee selection is meticulously sourced, offering seasonal blends that are a cut above your standard fare. Cake enthusiasts will be in heaven with a wide selection of options, including some of the best vegan and dairy-free treats in town.
For those after the quintessential afternoon tea experience complete with scones, cream, jam, a variety of cakes, and a glass of Prosecco, Sugar Junction stands out as a representation of traditional British hospitality.
| Pro tip: Dressing up a bit can make the experience even more special, so don’t shy away from donning your best vintage attire to match the ambiance. |
Cocoa Cabana Ancoats
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Website: Cocoa Cabana Ancoats
Address: 7 Murray Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6HS, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 236 4784
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-10PM
Cocoa Cabana Ancoats is a chocolate aficionado’s dream, nestled in the heart of one of Manchester’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. It’s a unique combination of a chocolatier, tearoom, and cocktail bar, offering something for everyone at any time of day.
The place is also available for private hire, making it an ideal location for celebrating special occasions like weddings, baby showers, and parties. Their artisan chocolates and cakes are not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate, showcasing the craft of fine chocolate making.
The hot chocolates here are legendary, offering a decadent escape into sweetness, and when paired with their innovative cocktail menu, it creates an unforgettable experience.
| Pro tip: When you visit Cocoa Cabana, make sure to ask about their cocktail specials. Pairing chocolate with the right drink can elevate your tasting experience to new heights. |
Nexus Art Cafe
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Website: Nexus Art Cafe
Address: 2 Dale Street, Manchester, M1 1JW, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 236 0100
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-6PM
Nexus Art Cafe is Manchester’s underground cultural hotspot, offering more than just a place to enjoy a good cup of coffee and homemade cake. As a non-profit cafe, it doubles as an exhibition space for local emerging artists, providing a platform for creativity and community.
Inside, you’re greeted by a cosy, eclectic space filled with comfy mismatched chairs, a bookcase for those looking to dive into a good read, and a cabinet showcasing locally handmade crafts perfect for taking a piece of Manchester home with you.
The menu features hearty, homemade dishes, from sandwiches and jacket potatoes to soups and daily specials, all substantial in portion and quality. The cake and coffee offerings are both delicious and reasonably priced, ensuring you can indulge without breaking the bank.
| Pro tip: Their craft cabinet is a treasure trove of unique gifts, so spare some time to explore it—perfect for finding that special ‘made in Manchester’ souvenir. |
Fig + Sparrow
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Website: Fig + Sparrow
Address: 20 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JN, UK
Contact details: +44 161 228 1843
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 8AM-7PM
- Sat – Sun 9AM-6PM
Tucked away behind a well cute boutique gift shop, Fig + Sparrow’s a proper hidden gem in the Northern Quarter, fast becoming the go-to for locals. It’s where shopping and chilling blend together perfectly.
Pop in for a brew and you’ll feel like you’ve landed in a snug spot in Amsterdam or Paris, not just Manchester.
The place is decked out with a cool tiled bar, mugs in all sorts of colours, and these cute little stools, offering up top-notch healthy bites, some classic cold drinks, and home-baked cakes that’ll make you smile, all served by lovely folks in vintage aprons.
| Pro tip: After enjoying their coffee, consider purchasing some to take home, along with a beautiful mug from their collection. It’s a perfect way to remember your visit and enjoy a taste of Fig + Sparrow at home. |
TAKK MCR
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Website: TAKK MCR
Address: 6 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF, United Kingdom
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 8AM-5PM
- Sat – Sun 9AM-5PM
TAKK MCR’s got this Icelandic vibe going on that’s proper taken the Northern Quarter by storm. It’s like a haven for anyone mad about their coffee or into the creative scene.
They’ve got a belting menu that changes daily, packed with fresh sarnies, salads, cakes, and even some special choc from Iceland.
More than just your average café, TAKK’s like the Northern Quarter’s living room for creatives, hosting everything from chilled work sessions to some pretty intimate gigs with ace acoustics.
| Pro tip: Engage with the staff about their coffee selections or any special requests you have; their accommodating nature ensures you get precisely what you’re looking for. |
