Everyone in Manchester seems to be getting Barbie fever at the moment, but one bakery has really pulled the pink goodness out of the bag with its limited edition Barbie-inspired treats.
Little Dessert Shop, which has two sites in Manchester in Chorlton and Cheetham Hill, describes itself as the UK’s most viral dessert shop – and after seeing what they’ve put together for their Dollicious collection, we can see why.
Highlights include the Glam Cake, which is comprised of layers of heavenly vanilla sponge, topped with a whimsical bubblegum frosting, and adorned with a sprinkling of hundreds and thousands alongside a mesmerising white chocolate drip.
There is also a soft pink Bliss Milkshake, made using Bubblegum gelato, strawberry sauce and cream, plus perfectly pink scoops of Bubblegum ice cream, and Dream Bites – perfectly crafted gelato bites encased in a smooth, blush pink chocolate coating.
But the main draw, for us at least, has to be the Dollicious shoe – a 6″ hot pink stiletto made from chocolate, topped with luscious strawberry chocolate sauce, and elegantly paired with a handful of plump, fresh strawberries.
Paying homage to the iconic Barbie style that has got so many excited during Margot Robbie’s pink carpet press tour, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the upcoming film release than devouring a lifesize pink chocolate shoe – can you?
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Image: Little Dessert Shop
Image: Little Dessert Shop
Whilst locals to Manchester can pop in and enjoy the Dollicious collection in house, some of it is also available to order for delivery through the Little Dessert Shop website. However, it is worth noting that the Dollicious shoe is only available to eat in at selected stores.
It’s worth looking at the full menu, too, because whilst these items are only available for a short time there’s plenty more we’d eat again and again – including gelato burgers, chocolate Cinderella slippers and a host of indulgent loaded waffles and crepes.
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
Insomnia Cookies is giving away FREE cookies to anyone with these two names
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s late-night sweet treat spot Insomnia Cookies is dishing out freebies this week… but there’s a catch.
You have to be called one of two specific names to get one.
With the long bank holiday weekend upon us, those in-the-know will also have noticed that this Sunday isn’t just Easter Sunday, it also happens to be 4/20… and that means Insomnia Cookies is back with its ‘blazing’ £4.20 deal, giving you the chance to bag a box of four warm cookies while saving nearly £7 at the same time.
But even better still, if you happen to have either the first or middle name ‘Mary’ or ‘Jane’, then you can also get yourself a warm tasty cookie for free.
To mark both 4/20, and celebrate the launch of its newest strain of mouthwatering cookie, the Mary Jane, anyone called Mary or Jane can pop into either of Insomnia Cookies’ two Manchester city centre sites – Cross Street and University Green – show their valid ID with their name on, and walk alway with a cookie free of charge.
If you want to try the new Mary Jane cookie, then this limited-edition special is made up of a cookies n cream dough base, packed with rainbow sprinkles.
The freebie deal has been running all week, and you have up until 3am on Monday 21 April to take advantage of it.
Customers will be limited to one free cookie per day.
Insomnia Cookies is giving away free cookies to anyone with these two names / Credit: Insomnia Cookies UK
If you aren’t lucky enough to be called one of those two names though, then thankfully you can still make some great savings on a classic four-pack of cookies over the spring bank holiday weekend, and for every four-pack sold, £1 will be donated to Groundwork – a charity helping make Manchester greener for nature and for local people.
“We’re calling for Marys and Janes to join us to live the high life with free cookies all week,” commented Millie Ralston, Head of Marketing at Insomnia Cookies.
Georgina Pellant -
20th July 2023 
