Cult favourite indie Factory Bake has announced they are shutting their extension site in the city centre, stating that the closure was simply out of their control.
Sat just a stone’s throw away from their main coffee kiosk and serving window attached to clothing and tailor shop, Dooley and Rostron, Factory Bake was up there with one of the most popular places to pick up a sweet treat or a pastry in central Manchester.
Located on King Street West, just across the road from Spinningfields and the likes of Crazy Pedro’s, the bakery window would regularly entice Mancs walking past to nip in for one of their baked goods and, as owner Kendra Groves puts it, would sell out almost every day.
Groves, who you may also know as ‘Wild Child Cakes‘, posted a lengthy statement explaining the decision on their socials while assuring that although this site might be closing, the brand itself remains and will be bouncing back.
Speaking on behalf of the wider Factory team, Aussie-born baker Groves wrote: “With a heavy heart we announce the closing of our extension site Factory Bake.
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“A lot of roadblocks have led us to this decision, none of them being due to the utter popularity, customers and the fact we’ve been blessed enough to sell out almost every day! No, the reasons, unfortunately [have] been completely and utterly out of our control.”
But before you mourn too hard, you can breathe a sigh of relief in the knowledge that Kendra and co. full intend to reopen elsewhere, going on to state that “our hope and dream is to open up a location that can be more permanent for us” and will be setting up a Kickstarter campaign to help them do so.
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The aim is for the crowdfunder to help “raise the necessary funds”, adding, “It would mean the world to us if you are able to help us on this scary yet exciting endeavour… your amazing love and support, it means more than you’ll ever know.”
Details surrounding how and where to support the campaign are yet to be revealed but this deliciousness is simply too good not to back.
Most importantly of all, you’ll still be able to get your hands on plenty of Factory Bake goodness in the interim as they assured: “Fear not we are baking off-site and all the yummy baked treats you love so much will be available at Factory Coffee.”
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There really is a lot of love for this independent and passionately run local business and we’re so glad to hear that this closure of their extension site is more of a see you later than a goodbye, as the demand isn’t going anywhere.
In fact, it was only earlier this year that they went somewhat viral after a reviewer gave them one star for essentially being too busy – a comment that they were quick to toast.
Neighbourhood restaurant Colleen’s in Ramsbottom shuts down in blow for picturesque town
Daisy Jackson
Colleen’s, a charming family-run restaurant in Ramsbottom, has closed down with immediate effect.
The British Bridge Street restaurant was well-loved locally for its huge Sunday roasts and all-day menu filled with produce from around the North West.
But despite being such a staple on the main drag of this picturesque town, Colleen’s – named after the owner’s late grandmother – has confirmed that it’s had to close its doors.
In a statement shared online and signed by husband-and-wife team Thomas and Ellen Morgan, they wrote that the business ‘is just not sustainable for us anymore’, thanks to rising costs and a lack of government support.
The statement shared by Colleen’s also said they are ‘immensely proud to be able to achieve what we set out to do’.
They wrote: “We have sadly made the decision to close the doors to Colleens permanently. Our last day of trading was Sunday.
Colleen’s in Ramsbottom has announced its closure. Credit: The Manc Group
“This wasn’t an easy decision to come to and we could blame numerous things that have amounted to this decision. The cost of living crisis/lack of government support/increase in costs across our whole operation but simply put its just not sustainable for us anymore.
“Despite this and the struggles we have faced since opening we are immensely proud to be able to achieve what we set out to do. Providing a great work environment, championing local suppliers and serving great food & drinks.
“We have hosted Birthdays, Anniversaries, Baby Showers & Weddings (even our own!) as well as many other special events that we will forever remember and be thankfull that people put their trust in us to celebrate those milestones.
“We couldn’t have done any of this over the past few years without our incredibly hard working team & some wonderful customers who we are incredibly grateful for!
“Hopefully we will get to serve you again somewhere one day. Tom & Ellen xx”
Manchester bar to give away FREE Aperol Spritzes to gig-goers
Daisy Jackson
A bar in Manchester with one of the sunniest terraces in town is giving away free Aperol Spritzes this summer.
Society, a waterside food hall in the city centre, will be handing out 100 free helpings of the popular summer cocktail every night of the city’s outdoor gig series.
Throughout this year’s run of Sounds of the City shows at Castlefield Bowl, ticket-holders will be able to grab a free spritz before heading to their gig.
All you need to do is show your ticket at the bar in Society.
Gigs still to come include Jungle, Loyle Carner, Fatboy Slim, Tom Grennan, and more.
The deal is already live now, and will run until Sounds of the City wraps up on Saturday 13 July.
There are only 100 freebies each day of the two-week-long gig series, which you can savour sat out on Society’s waterside sun trap of a terrace.
Manchester bar Society to give away FREE Aperol Spritzes to Sounds of the City gig-goers. Credit: The Manc Group
The popular bar and street food hall has recently joined forces with local street artist Nick ‘Hammo’ Hamilton, revamping the terrace with colourful painted planters.
Inside the bar, there are five separate independent street food traders, plus 44 craft beer taps and a full menu of cocktails.
To claim your free Aperol Spritz from Society, just show your Sounds of the City ticket at the bar.
Danny Jones -
3rd July 2024 
