A tiny bakery in Didsbury has just been named the best bakery at England’s Business Awards.
La Chouquette creates traditional French pastries, desserts and cakes using top-quality ingredients.
It first opened its doors on Wilmslow Road during lockdown, and quickly had people queueing down the street.
Its customers were so eager in the early days that La Chouquette had to expand into the unit next door so they could make even more sweet treats.
La Chouquette bakery in Didsbury. Credit: The Manc Group
La Chouquette bakery in Didsbury. Credit: The Manc Group
On their counters and in the baskets lining the windows, you’ll find everything from delicate viennoiseries to hearty savoury pies and tarts.
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La Chouquette’s almond croissants fly out of the doors, alongside freshly-baked baguettes and sourdough loaves.
The business was founded by Mairead Deignan and Florent Verove, both 26 and professional bakers.
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The pair say they’re ‘very excited’ to receive the accolade, and thanked their staff and customers for the unwavering support they’ve received.
Fresh bread at La Chouquette. Credit: The Manc Group
In a post on social media, they wrote: “We are very excited to announce that we won the GRAND FINAL at the England’s Business awards for Best Bakery!!
“After winning the regional awards in November 2021, we were entered into the final stage of the awards which were held last month in Manchester!
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“It has been such a journey since we opened in December 2020 and we could not have done any of this without our fabulous staff, our wholesale customers, our friends & family, and of course your support.
“Thank you all our customers who have been absolutely amazing and so loyal to us since we first opened and for all your votes that helped us win the regional awards in November and now the final this year!
“Also a huge thank you to @urbanbakersmcr and @slabbakery for supplying us with their delicious vegan and gluten free cakes!!
“We are very excited for the future of La Chouquette! This means so much to us x.”
Featured image: The Manc Group
Manchester
TfGM issues safety warning and advice for travelling on public transport during extreme heat wave – including ‘get off’
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has urged passengers to ‘stay safe’ when travelling as the city braces for an extreme heatwave this week.
As well as issuing some safety advice, TfGM has also warning that delays and disruption are possible across the network as temperatures climb as high as 36ºC on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Customers are being advised to carry water with them when travelling, and to wear light clothing.
Also included in the travel advice is to ‘get off’ public transport at the next stop if you feel unwell, to seek fresh air.
It’s also advised to allow more time for your journey and to check the latest information and advice before setting off.
And most importantly, passengers are asked to look out for each other, especially those who are vulnerable.
The Bee Network may experience disruption later this week as the overhead lines that power the trams and trains are often adversely affected by high temperatures.
TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, Fran Wilkinson, said: “Very high temperatures are forecast this week that can affect both people and the transport network.
“We will have staff out to help those who need it, and I would encourage customers to take a few simple steps to stay safe and comfortable while travelling, such as by carrying water, travelling at cooler times of the day and looking out for others.
“Due to the heat, there may be some disruption to Bee Network or local train services and I would encourage people to check for the latest information and advice before making their journey.”
TfGM advice for travelling in heatwave
Carry water and drink plenty of fluids
Avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day where possible
Wear light clothing and stay in the shade
If you feel unwell while travelling, get off at the next stop and seek fresh air
Plan your journey, check for the latest information and advice before setting off and allow extra time to make your journey
Look out for other passengers who may need help, especially those who are more vulnerable
Bee Network staff will be out across the network to help passengers, who can get the latest travel information and advice by checking the website or app.
Manchester’s ‘busiest’ road set to close for annual safety inspections this weekend
Emily Sergeant
The Mancunian Way is set to close for its annual safety inspections this weekend.
As Manchester City Council looks to ‘improve’ what is, by far, one of Manchester’s busiest and most-used roads, given the fact it is the main thoroughfare in and out of the city centre, it has been confirmed that a two-day closure of Mancunian Way is set to take place this weekend so that essential inspection works can be carried out.
With an estimated 15 million journeys taken along this road annually, the Council says it’s vital that inspections are conducted to keep traffic flowing.
Taking place over the weekend, both carriageways and their slip roads will be out of use from 6am on Saturday 27 June until 6am on Monday 29 June.
The closure will run from the Chester Road roundabout and Fairfield Street.
🚧 Mancunian Way Annual Maintenance
The Mancunian Way and its slip roads will be closed on 27–28 June for essential inspections and repairs.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 22, 2026
Fully signed diversions will be in place during this time for vehicles travelling in both directions, the Council has confirmed – with diversion routes planned for Trinity Way, Great Ancoats Street, Bridgewater Viaduct, Whitworth Street West, Whitworth Street, and Fairfield Street.
Of course, this does mean that some disruption to the public is expected, with anyone travelling in and out of the city centre told to plan their journeys ahead of time, however the Council has chosen for the closures to be overnight so that any disruption is kept to a low a level as possible.
“Because of the tens of thousands of vehicles we see use the Mancunian Way every day, ensuring its proper maintenance and upkeep is essential”, commented Councillor Mandie Shilton Godwin, who is the Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council.
“There will be a level of disruption which is why we’d urge people to plan their journeys ahead and find an alternative route which avoids the closure.
“Thank you to everyone ahead of your patience as we carry out these essential works.”
Daisy Jackson -
15th April 2022 
