Eats

Tiny Manchester bakery celebrates first one-star review that slated it for being too popular

'Sounds like someone isn't getting up early enough...'

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 22nd February 2024

A small independent bakery in Manchester has been hit with its first one-star review – from a customer who hasn’t actually eaten there.

Factory Bake, which is a collaboration between Factory Coffee (home of Molly-Mae’s favourite coffee) and Wild Child Cakes, has taken the negative feedback very well though.

They wrote: “We’ve officially made it guys! Our first 1 star review!”

The lovely bakery on King Street West makes everything on site from scratch, with highlights (though they change often) including mini roast chicken focaccia bites and whiskey salted caramel brownies.

But the customer who has hit them with a one-star review was impressed by none of this – and also ate none of it.

They slammed Factory Bake for ‘never having anything decent available’ and said on their three visits there has only been two or three types of pastry behind the counter.

The reviewer also said that the bakes looked ‘as dry as the desert sand’ and said it could be renamed as ‘Pointless Baker’.

But in a post on Instagram Factory Bake has clarified that the reason they ‘never have anything available’ is because they are consistently selling out, which is the ‘best thing ever’.

Factory Bake in Manchester has responded to its first one-star review
Factory Bake in Manchester has responded to its first one-star review
The reviewer slammed Factory Bake for 'never having anything decent available'
The reviewer slammed Factory Bake for ‘never having anything decent available’
Credit: The Manc Group

They also wrote: “We do hope in the future for other amazing businesses you visit, you at least try their goods before reviewing.”

One person commented: “The fact I had the exact opposite problem in that there was TOO much to choose from?! How on Earth can I just buy one thing when it all looks so delicious.”

Someone else wrote: “Sounds like someone isn’t getting up early enough…”

And another said: “Yes! One less customer to fight for the goodies.”

Factory Bake shared on Instagram this week: “We’ve officially made it guys! Our first 1 star review!

“And to the customer in question all we can say is unfortunately we can’t apologise for selling out cause as a new little bakery this is the best thing ever!

“Though we do hope in the future for other amazing businesses you visit, you at least try their goods before reviewing. Cause our baker has a deep hatred for anything dry, which is why she usually slices up everything even when it’s still hot.”

The one-star review said: “They could also rename it as pointless baker.

“I went there three times, and they never had anything decent available. Just 2-3 types of pastries that looked as dry as desert sand. Caffé Nero’s pastries look more inviting than theirs…and also has a better choice.

“There won’t be a fourth visit for sure.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

Indian street food spot serving foot-long naan wraps announces closure

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Rola Wala has announced its closure in Manchester

A lunchtime takeaway spot known for its foot-long naan wraps has announced its closure in Manchester.

Rola Wala, which only opened 18 months ago in the heart of Deansgate, said it’s ‘walking away proud’ from its venture in the city.

Rola Wala is a hugely popular lunch spot in Leeds and chose Manchester for its second location last November.

On the menu are filling rice bowls, curries and wraps, as well as build-your-own naan rolls filled with authentically spiced Indian fillings.

The brand was founded by Mark Wright (no, not that one) as a street food stall in London and quickly expanded.

But its Manchester location is soon to be no more, closing for good at the end of this year.

They wrote: “Manchester, it’s been real. We’re walking away proud — and already working on what’s next.

Rola Wala has announced its closure in Manchester
Rola Wala has announced its closure in Manchester
Rola Wala has announced its closure in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

“Something that fits who we are, and where we’re going. Thank you for the love, the queues, and the fire.

“This isn’t goodbye. It’s just the start of something new.”

They added that the Leeds Rola Wala is open and trading as normal.

They finished their statement with: “Manchester – Closing Friday 27th @11pm – See you in store for one last Rola this week xxx”

One person commented on the Rola Wala post on Instagram: “Nooooo. I only got to try recently. Devastated as it was so good.”

Another said: “Always in awe of your dignity, Mark. Wishing you the best for the next steps forward.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

Highballer – Stockport’s new bar from the brains behind Cherry Jam

Danny Jones Danny Jones New Highballer bar Stockport opens

Stockport is riding a real wave of excitement right now, and aside from being dubbed ‘the new Berlin’ a couple of years back, it’s also enjoying a big bar boom right now: case and point, Highballer, which has just been opened by the blokes behind a familiar local name.

Given the experience behind this new venture, we have a feeling this one could finally stick for what has proved to be a tricky unit in the past.

Created by Neil Garner – the man behind charming indie bar champions, Cherry Jam – Highballer is another music-forward venue from a team with experience across both industries.

Looking to carry on where Amp, Dr Feelgood and even Remedy Bar left off before them, Highballer is the latest watering hole to appear inside 11 Market Place following a successful pop-up earlier this year.

No, it’s not the ‘Gary the Gorilla’, sorry – but it does give a nice little nod to Almost Famous. (Credit: Highballer)

With Amp closing at the start of the year, Garner saw the opportunity to step in turn the place into something familiar but new, promising more music, karaoke and bandaoke; a fresh new food menu, darts, pool and even the classic American lawn game, cornhole.

Having already opened earlier this month, toasting the arrival with a bonus Oasis reunion launch party on Friday, 20 June, the crowds are already starting to return. As for Garner, he brings an incredible pedigree to the new project.

A world champion flair bartender boasting 28 years in hospitality, he’s worked in over 100 countries, including time as a Las Vegas performer, not to mention holding a Guinness World Record and coming runner-up on Britain’s Got Talent as the founder-creator of entertainment act, ‘Barwizards’.

During his time down south, he also created the UK’s first adult playground called Roof East in London, which was ultimately sold a decade after winning Britain’s Best Outdoor Experience in 2024.

With his baby and the neighbouring bar Cherry Jam located literally just around the corner and down the brow, the reputation is already there, hence why it was busy from minute one.

new bar stockport market place
highballer sk
Highballer sitting pretty in the shadow of two famous Stockport landmarks. (Credit: Supplied)

Stockport town centre has plenty of new pub and bar openings, from the resurrection of the old White Lion this time last year and the recently debuted Underbank, to fellow newcomer Fitzpatrick’s (formerly Bask), so it’s nice to see yet another one added into the mix.

Before Highballer, Neil spent years behind the scenes at some of the UK’s biggest festivals, running the backstage bars in the mid-noughties for events like Reading and Leeds Festival, Glastonbury, Isle of Wight and even Coachella.

In terms of food, he also spent time living in Seoul, where he developed a serious love for Korean, meaning that their collab with Manc favourites BAB was a natural fit.

On the menu you’ll find:

  • Korean Fried Chicken – crispy and packed with flavour
  • Loaded Fries – choose between pulled pork or spicy grilled chicken
  • Cauliflower Bites – crispy and full of spice
  • Gochujang Mac n’ Cheese – creamy and with a kick
  • Korean Cheese Corndogs
  • Korean Grilled Cheese
highballer stockport food menu
highballer bab korean food
BAB MCR have come to Stockport to lend their talents to Highballer. (Credit: Supplied)

With ‘power hour’ karaoke sessions, Vimto mojitos named not just after the drink but the giant gorilla bouncer sat outside (great name), not to mention a big terrace to bring those beer garden vibes, they’ve got all the ingredients for an instant hit.

Oh, did we mention there are drink deals all week long? Well, there are. Cheers to that. Speaking to The Manc, Garner kept things short and sweet as he’s confident the product will do the talking, but admitted he’s “buzzing” to be opening another venue in the borough.

Balancing live music, entertainment, and hospitality is a tall order for anyone, but with the expertise behind this place, it stands as much of a fighting chance as everyone else.

It’s been a big couple of weeks for food and drink in Stockport.

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Featured Images — Highballer (supplied)

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