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.
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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’.
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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’.
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.”
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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.”
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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.
His post has generated a fair bit of reaction already, with one person replying: “Ridiculous advice! Loss of a table for 4 ! Empty tables for 2! Over ordered and over staffed, this stupidly from someone who should know better must corrected. Every customer counts in this day and age.”
Someone else wrote: “The amount of people booking 2 venues this year and cancelling is on the increase too!! We are now taking deposits for groups over 6 to try and eliminate this! When space is an issue booking more than you need is not fair on the venues!!”
Another commented: “A table of 3 is actually sat on a table for four. So you’re denying the business of 50% of its potential turnover. Do not do this.”
Sacha Lord – Night Time Economy Adviser to Greater Manchester.
CREDIT – Darren Robinson Photography
Petit Paris, a charming deli and wine bar in Manchester, announces sudden closure
Daisy Jackson
Petit Paris, a lovely little wine bar and deli in the heart of Manchester, has announced its shock closure.
The cosy spot on King Street shared the news ‘with big sadness’ over the weekend, writing: “Petit Paris, c’est fini”.
The French deli was loved for its incredible selection of wines, as well as its huge cheese boards and sandwiches you could order.
In summer, it had plenty of seating outside on the beautiful cobbled King Street where you could sit and people-watch with a glass of rose in hand.
Petit Paris wrote in a statement shared on Instagram: “Brexit and current climate for independent businesses didn’t encourage us to continue the adventure.”
The local business is still up for a Manchester Food and Drink Award, where it’s nominated for Food and Drink Retailer of the Year.
Petit Paris’s full statement reads: “Petit Paris c’est fini….
Inside the Petit Paris French deli in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupPetit Paris in Manchester was a prime people-watching spot. Credit: The Manc GroupOysters and wine at Petit Paris. Credit: The Manc Group
“It is with big sadness that we have to announce the closure of our lovely deli in Manchester. It’s been 2 incredible years and we our grateful for all the support our customer showed us and our amazing staff that worked hard everyday!
“Thank you to all local social media that provide us great visibility and put us with the best in town.
“Brexit and current climate for independent businesses didn’t encourage us to continue the adventure.
“If you want to support one more time go on and vote for us at the Manchester food & drink festival for 2024.
“Please keep supporting small independent businesses! Merci.”