Manchester lockdown loaf-cake business opens first cafe this weekend

A lockdown business making elaborate loaf cakes is set to open its first cafe this weekend, and is even planning its second location too. Loaf MCR, devised by Aiden Ryan, began as a baking project to raise money for the NHS during the pandemic.

But now it’s turned into a new career for the former shop assistant at the Belstaff shop on King Street. The new location, at the Affinity Living Riverview development in Salford will be throwing open its doors on Saturday and Sunday (May 14 and 15).

“It was a happy accident,” Aiden told the Manchester Evening News. “The beginning of COVID first lockdown, I was on furlough and I was raising money for the NHS and then I decided to put it out there on the Instagram and blew up, which was great.

“Whilst I was on furlough, I was battling keeping that full time job and then also trying to make this brand happen. And basically, I started as a wholesale company, and I was supplying up to 13 cafes within three months.”

Aiden, whose partner works for the NHS, made the loaf cakes, which are topped with favourites like Custard Creams, Jammie Dodgers, Biscoff biscuits and pink wafers (the now famous Pink Panther) from a shipping container on Pollard Yard in Ancoats. But soon he found himself supplying cafes, such as Ezra & Gil, as well as the likes of Harvey Nichols and Selfridges.

The range is also branching out into other bakes, including a brioche loaf and a croissant loaf. Meanwhile, the new cafe will also serve sandwiches, bagels, toasties and salads, as well as coffees and upscale pops.

As well as copious amounts of cake, this weekend's opening event at its Affinity Living will also feature DJ sets, cocktails by Ingoodco, a fashion pop-up from Cow Vintage, and a window art class from