A bakery and bistro in Oldham has opened a drive-thru cakery service and we are absolutely desperate to go.
Wonderlust Bistro and Bakery on Library Lane first opened in February this year, leaving locals clamouring about its excellent bakes as theOldham Times reported it could ‘rival any Manchester bistro’.
The family-run eatery is headed up by baker Saarah Chowdhury, who runs the bakery and bistro alongside brother Mohammed and mum Shelley Rahman.
With an unmissable bright pink and purple exterior and a mouthwatering menu of cakes and other bakes, plus bistro dishes ranging from Korean corndogs to pancakes, roasts and loaded fries, it’s already become a huge hit – drawing in locals and foodie tourists alike.
The brightly coloured exterior of Wonderlust Bakery and Bistro has been painted by local artists. / Image: Wonderlust Bakery
Jammy Dodger cupcakes at Wonderlust Bakery. / Image: Wonderlust Bistro
The demand for their treats has become so high, in fact, that the team has recently launched its own car service so that visitors can easily pull up, place an order and have their goodies brought directly to them.
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Open from 5pm until midnight, this is definitely the place to go for a late-night treat with everything from. Jammy Dodger and Kinder Hippo cupcakes to Biscoff-stuffed cheesecake, milk cake, Snickers brownies and gooey Nutella-filled cookies on offer from the bakery.
Food from the bistro is also available to order as part of the evening car service, although it is worth noting that the team is currently running a temporarily limited menu and different opening times for Ramadan.
A Snickers brownie at Wonderlust Bakery. / Image: Wonderlust Bakery
Korean corndogs (classic beef and potato mozzarella) from Wonderlust Bistro. / Image: Wonderlust Bistro
During this period the bakery will open from 6pm-1am Wednesday to Sunday, before returning to their normal opening times from Friday 21 April.
The bistro, meanwhile, will open from 5pm – 12am Wednesday to Saturday during Ramadan serving a dinner menu of corndogs, pancakes and French toast, and from 12-9pm on Sundays serving brunch, roast and corndogs.
Those driving in for the car service are also asked to park in the bakery and bistro’s rear car park.
Sharing the news with its followers on Instagram, the Wonderlust team wrote: “Due to overwhelming demand, we are introducing our car service for Wonderlust Bistro & Wonderlust Bakery! You can place your order via 07531557354 for food, cakes & drinks.
“How to order:
“(Open from 5pm – 12am Wednesday- Saturday)
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“- Park in our car park “- Call 07531557354 “- Place your order and provide your reg plate “- Someone will bring your order out and we’ll take payment via cash & card”
Manchester cafe Idle Hands mobbed by huge swarm of bees who took over outdoor tables
Daisy Jackson
One of the Northern Quarter’s most popular cafes had an unusual issue on Saturday afternoon, when tens of thousands of bees paid a visit.
It seems the swarm of bees had got wind of Idle Hands’ legendary pies and took over one of the venue’s outdoor tables.
The cafe had to call in a local beekeeper after the busy insects rendered their outside space too risky for customers to use.
Incredible photos captured by local photographer Andrew Stuart and shared by the cafe show a jaw-dropping mass of the insects congregating beneath a table.
The cafe, on the corner of Dale Street and Tariff Street, was saved by the Manchester Honey Company, who humanely scooped them away to safety.
Idle Hands wrote on Instagram: “So, fun day at the shop today, with thousands of bees moving home and deciding to drop in on our shop and cluster under one of our tables (now forever to be known as the bee table) whilst on their journey.
“Massive thanks to @manchesterhoneycompany for coming and safely taking them away to a far more suitable home. And to @andrewstuart1 for capturing the event so well!”
They had previously posted on their stories: “Erm, anyone know what we do about this??? Swarm of thousands out of nowhere.”
Manchester Honey Company said: “This swarm landed @idlehandscoffee in Manchester and was collected by @manchesterhoneycompany. The bees were so friendly and calm and we were so well looked after by the friendly staff.
“The bees were collected from under a table and put in the hive. The queen was in the hive so the rest of the bees followed her in.”
The incident with Idle Hands is far from the first time that swarms of bees have caused disruption in the city centre.
Hit Christmas market stall opens permanently at Piccadilly Gardens
Georgina Pellant
Crunch Korean Gansig has become a must-try foodie stall at the Manchester Christma Markets, now it’s pulled up at Picadilly Gardens permanently.
The hit Korean hot dog stall has wowed visitors over the past few years with its cheese, potato and meat-filled creations.
Deep-fried in a crispy waffle coating and then lightly rolled in sugar, these sausages on a stick come drizzled in sweet ketchup and mustard.
Incredibly moreish if we do say so ourselves, since first making their appearance at the 2021 Manchester Christmas Markets they’ve consistently been ranked one of the event’s best food traders.
Now, thanks to a new permanent stall popping up where it all began for the team, Manc foodies can enjoy their hot meaty and cheesy Korean goodies all year long.
Popular flavour choices include all-cheese, all-sausage and half-and-half versions, with a vegetarian-friendly cheese-filled version wrapped in a potato waffle coating, and halal-friendly options that are made using separate batter and fryers.
This really is a hot dog stand that caters to everyone. With owners having previously said they would work on a vegan hot dog once they got their own permanent stand, we don’t expect the plant-powered gang will be left waiting too much longer.
Sharing the news to Instagram, the Crunch Korean Gansig team wrote: “Hey guys, we’ve got exciting news to share! We are launching a new market stall in the Piccadilly garden street food market from tomorrow.
“After two years of successful Christmas trading, we are ready to take on a new challenge, and love to serve our hotdogs to you guys again!
“So come on down to the market and say hi, we love to see you there! See you soon!”
Fans of the Korean hot dog stall have responded to the news with enthusiasm, flooding into the comments to share their excitement.
One person wrote: “So excited we will have to go!!”
Another person said: “Nooooo stop!!! I’m so happy I could cry”
Georgina Pellant -
12th April 2023 
