God. I never thought I'd be writing this kind of article again. Another local gem bites the dust, and this one hurts particularly bad because I've spent countless Saturday mornings nursing hangovers in their Pollard Yard spot.
Loaf MCR—that unapologetically pink bakery that brightened Manchester's culinary scene since 2020—is shutting down for good after tomorrow (April 30th). And I'm genuinely gutted about it.
From Pandemic Dream to Financial Nightmare
Remember 2020? When we were all making sourdough and panic-buying toilet paper? While most of us were just trying to survive lockdown without losing our minds, Aiden Ryan and his partner were busy creating something beautiful—a little bakery project that originally aimed to raise money for teh NHS.
What started in a shipping container (I still remember queuing outside in freezing rain for those croissants) expanded into three locations across Greater Manchester. Their pink walls and retro vibes made them instantly recognizable. My sister once described it as "if Wes Anderson designed a bakery but let Barbie pick the color scheme." Spot on.
The Brutal Truth Behind Those Pink Walls
But behind all that cheerful pink? A financial bloodbath.
Aiden didn't sugarcoat it when he announced the closure on social media. "It was fun, bold, unapologetically pink and full of love. But behind the scenes, it's been a really tough year – and I want to be honest about that."
The brutal reality? Promised funding vanished at the last minute. Payments delayed. Costs skyrocketing. Arrears piling up like dirty dishes on a Sunday night. And on top of all that business stress, Aiden mentioned facing huge personal challenges.
Listen. Running a small business in 2024 is like trying to swim upstream during a flash flood. While wearing concrete shoes. In January.
What We're Losing (Besides My Favorite Banana Split)
I spent £6.50 on their banana split back in February—probably the last one I'll ever have from them—and didn't even flinch at the price because it was that damn good. Their croissants had that perfect shatter when you bit into them. Not to mention the coffee that somehow always tasted better than what I make at home despite buying the same beans they use. (Is it me? It's probably me.)
But we're losing more than just good pastries.
When I visited their Northern Quarter location last autumn, I overheard a barista talking a nervous teenager through different coffee options with such patience. No eye-rolling, no sighs—just genuine kindness. That's the stuff you can't replicate.
The Community Responds... With Actual Feelings
The news hit the community hard. One regular commented: "So sorry to hear this Aiden, this is a loss that will definitely be hard to take. I only hoped I could've stopped by some more."
That last part hit me in the gut. How many times have we all thought "I should go there more often" about places we love, only to hear they're closing?
What really got me was a 17-year-old aspiring baker who wrote: "I'm 17 and just starting my own food business – what you built with Loaf is genuinely inspiring. Wishing you nothing but the best for whatever comes next."
I mean... ouch.
The Bakery Bloodbath Continues
Loaf isn't alone in this struggle. Just last month, Butter Wouldn't Melt in Cheshire closed down too. I actually interviewed their owner back in 2021, and she was so optimistic then. Told me they'd weathered the worst of the pandemic and were looking forward to "at least a decade" of serving the community.
That didn't age well.
So if you're reading this and there's a local bakery or cafe you love? Go there. Today. Buy something. Leave a tip. Take a friend. Because tomorrow they might be gone, and all you'll have left is regrets and cravings that can never be satisfied.
I'll be at Loaf tomorrow morning for one last coffee and whatever pastry I can get my hands on before they're gone forever. Maybe I'll see you there. We can raise our cups to what was once a pink-hued dream that made Manchester just a little bit sweeter.
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