Best Bakery and Cake Shops in Norden

"What: With two locations – one in Barton Arcade and one in Spinningfields – this speciality coffee and brunch spot has proven it’s a popular choice for all occasions, whether it’s a quick coffee catch up, business meeting or lazy weekend brunch. Folk tend to come here for an exceptional brew served with a smile, but food oughtn’t be overlooked. Colourful plates of breakfast and brunch classics, from egg and avo on toast to fluffy French toast and corn fritters are just some of the tasty offerings Pot Kettle Black serves alongside a range of vegan and gluten-free options."

"Continuing a theme of Coffee Spots in glorious Victorian shopping arcades, I present Pot Kettle Black (PKB), which has been gracing Manchester’s coffee scene since the start of October 2014. The Barton Arcade, home of PKB, is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen and PKB takes its lead from there, with gorgeous external features and some of the most ornate and sumptuous window art there is. Stepping inside, PKB is one of the most beautifully-appointed coffee shops I’ve ever visited."

"PKB, which has two location’s across Manchester are a passionate bunch of coffee professionals. Armed with one of the best coffee machines alongside quality baristas they focus on producing some of the best espressos in town. Their Internationally inspired breakfast and lunch menu is vibrant, colourful, fresh, and healthy yet a little naughty if you like."

"My Cookie Dough has a seriously committed following, judging by the crowds at its Manchester Arndale stall (it recently opened another at the Trafford Centre too). Big dollops of dough are baked until warm and crispy, but still soft enough to dip into with a spoon, then loaded with various sauces and toppings. Indulgent flavours include red velvet and Nutella, white chocolate and raspberry, Oreo, fudge and honeycomb, Biscoff, and coconut chocolate."

"Taking the humble traybake to new heights, My Cookie Dough is among the best dessert shops in Manchester. Their Slutty Brownie stacks are a mouthwatering mess of chocolate brownie, crushed Oreos and their house cookie mix, served up as chunky slabs and coated in a hefty drizzle of Nutella. With locations at both the Trafford Centre and the Arndale, you won't have to travel far to get your hands on these bad boys."

"🍰 Seriously gooey hot cookie dough, with tons of topping options to choose from including Nutella, Biscoff, Red Velvet, Kinder and even Strawberry Cheesecake."

"Launched in 2019, Sarah's Yard is a fairly new name to the Urmston area but has gained a quick reputation for its selection of artisan and specialist foods. The shop and cafe bar sells everything from tapas to continental meats, savoury biscuits and bottled beer. Whether you want to book a table or pop in for a few bits and bobs, they’ve got you sorted."

"You’ll find that Pie & Ale is spread over two spacious rooms and a large outdoor area, meaning that there’s more than enough space to spread out and relax while enjoying a tasty craft beer. Make sure to order your perfectly-crafted specialty beer with one of their pies. They pair together perfectly."

"If the name wasn't a giveaway, this Manchester bar is famous for two things. Pie & Ale is situated in the Northern Quarter of this great city and combines a slick modern interior with traditional food and beer. Expect a selection from local micro-breweries paired with handmade pies."

"Night & Day Café has undoubtedly got an illustrious and iconic history in Manchester. First opening its doors on Oldham Street all the way back in 1991, Night & Day eventually began morphing from a humble cafe into a dual venue that doubled as a boisterous live music club, and is nowadays known as an important meeting place for all the city’s creatives."

"This cool and quirky music venue doubles up as a cafe-bar, serving food and alcohol. If supporting local music is your thing, bands and artists take to the stage most evenings. View this post on Instagram"

"Enjoy exquisite food and service at The Coach & Horses, based in the heart of the Ribble Valley. Pub classics include Lancashire cheese & onion pie, while main courses showcase the best in local meat and fish. Alternatively, feast on their classic Sunday lunch with the whole family."

"A Manchester-favourite for special occasions, Australasia – also known as ‘the one you enter via the glass triangle on the street’ – features a clean, minimal interior, that absolutely oozes chic vibes. The menu is just as wonderful, too, with extensive Australasian-inspired options varying from sushi, Robata grilled meats, Asian small plates and more. Cocktail-wise, it’s quite the field day – with endless Asian-inspired flavours to try out during your visit."

": With low lighting, deep booths, and its very own champagne snug, this is one of the most elegant restaurants in Dakota. Tuck into a refined menu of chateaubriand, steak frites and black pudding, kale and venison with blackberry, and short rib of beef. Did we mention that they even have suites upstairs?"

"This stylish subterranean restaurant in Spinningfields has long been a mecca for Manchester’s elite. Known for its splendid cocktails and sushi plates, this Valentine’s the restaurant will also have a special sharing dessert Valentine’s Bento Box for couples to split between them."

"Set in the iconic Midland Hotel, the cosy booths, stylish décor and relaxed atmosphere of The French by Simon Rogan makes for an opulent date night. Worthy of any special occasion, quality food is at the heart of this operation with meticulously crafted tasting menus. The French’s absent Michelin star is well documented, but the infamous missing star isn’t all bad - diners can experience Michelin standard food without the waiting lists and price tag."

"The flagship fine dining restaurant at The Midland Hotel is Manchester’s long-standing answer to Haute cuisine. Now under the Manchester-born chef Adam Reid, winner of the BBC’s prestigious Great British Menu, who has brought The French a new sense of youth. Despite the name, The French focuses on British food using local ingredients and native flavours such as Beef Dripping, Rhubarb and Lancashire cheese."

"Regularly lauded as a potential Michelin star winner, The French is a destination restaurant for all. Adam’s Great British Menu-winning dessert Golden Empire is a must-try, alongside four, six or nine course tasting menus. A treat for any fine dining enthusiasts, The French showcases everything that is great about northern produce and cooking."

"17/05/2021: It’s a box of fried onions placed at the bottom of the tray and then fries placed on top. Absolutely no difference between those and plain chips ordered for my son. No flavour what so ever"