This summer, Manchester sourdough specialist Pollen will open its second cafe in the city.
Featuringa unique ‘glass gallery’ wall, diners at the new eatery will be able to watch Pollen’s talented pastry chefs at work as they tuck into a seasonally-changing menu of breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes.
Adding to its already-popular waterside location at Cotton Field Wharf at Islington Marina, which first opened in 2018, the new cafe and kitchen at Kampus will serve a varied menu alongside pastries, cakes, speciality baked goods and its much-loved range of sourdough bread.
Located opposite Manchester’s Gay Village, it will move into the new city centre garden neighbourhood this June – opening its doors on Thursday 9.
Video: Pollen Bakery
As well as offering diners a front-row seat to all the kitchen action, the new cafe will also be significantly bigger than the Ancoats site.
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It will open from Wednesday to Sunday, with plenty of seating both indoors and out, with an al fresco area overlooking the green foliage of the Kampus garden, joining a growing foodie community that includes the likes of Cloudwater, Levanter, and Nell’s Pizza.
First launched in 2016, Pollen was one of the first bakeries in the city to offer up a range of sourdough and viennoiserie – regularly drawing huge early-morning queues as Mancs clamoured to get their hands on popular treats like cruffins and loaves of 28-hour sourdough.
Founded by Hannah Calvert and Chris Kelly, who both share a love of great bread bordering on a (healthy) obsession, over the years Pollen has become something of a stalwart of the city’s baking scene – leading the way for a number of other new openings in kind, such as Trove, Batard and Longbois.
Grilled cheese with Ogleshield, Cheddar, Fior de Latte and 24 Month Comté. Grilled with @pluckypickle Miso Kimchi and hot sauce or Nduja & Salami on Pollen’s 28 Hour Sour. Image / Pollen
Vegan pistachio and strawberry tart. / Image: Pollen
Lucky Charm Cruffin • Cereal Milk Crème Diplomat topped with Milk Clusters & a Lucky Charm. / Image: Pollen
After spending time in France, they were inspired by the general availability of top-class fresh bread and pastry products and how they form a part of daily culture.
So, after trying their hand at making artisan sourdough in their home kitchen using the San Franciscan approach to bread-making, they quickly became hooked and began baking for friends and colleagues.
Soon, they decided to take the plunge, expand the business and invest every penny they had into making a go of their own bakery.
“We had the passion, the drive and the eye for detail and quality to be able to bring something new, exciting and needed to the city centre” says Hannah.
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“We put our heart and souls into everything we do and are always pushing forward to give our customers and the city the best offering possible.”
The Pollen Bakery team, pictured at the 2021 Manchester Food and Drink Awards
Chris added: “Our second location in Kampus forms part of our evolution and growth. After drastically running out of space at our Ancoats bakery, the new location re-homes our pastry team in a dedicated pastry kitchen behind a glass gallery so you can see all the action taking place throughout the day and the masters at work.
“We will still serve the full range as usual at the Marina, but the new kitchen will allow us so much more creative freedom.
“With a bigger café space, we’re creating a brand new, modern, refined menu which will change with the seasons and showcasing the best produce available at the time.
“We’re working with some fantastic suppliers and can’t wait to show you a taste of what we’re working on.”
Pollen will join a raft of other like-minded independent businesses at Kampus, including new arrivals Madre’s Mexican Taqueria, Great North Pie Company, Beeswing Wine Bar, Cloudwater beer hall and a General Store.
Feature image – Pollen
News
Manchester security guard jailed for raping woman who asked him for help
Emily Sergeant
A local security guard has been jailed after raping and sexuality assaulting a woman who asked for his help.
Shazad Mughal, from the Crumpsall area of Manchester, has been jailed after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received a 999 call from the victim at 12:45am on Wednesday 10 August 2022, who said she had been sexually assaulted.
The victim had asked Mughal, who was working as a security guard, for directions to Manchester city centre after their tram had terminated earlier than expected.
The 48-year-old Mughal allowed the victim to use the toilet and then proceeded to sexually assault her in his security booth, before the victim managed to flee the scene and call the police, remaining hidden until an officer could locate them.
Mughal was sentenced last Friday (7 November 2025) to seven-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration.
Detective Constable Luke Miller, of GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said Mughal ‘abused his position of authority’.
“Mughal claimed that the victim was advancing onto them whilst in the security booth and that he did not want to have any sexual activity with the victim, which was completely untrue,” DC Miller explained in a statement following the sentencing.
“I commend the victim in this case for supporting our investigation, which has resulted in today’s sentence and sees justice served against Mughal, who will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars.
“Our officers will provide support, conduct thorough investigations, and take firm action against offenders.
“Your allegations will be taken seriously, and you will be treated with dignity and respect.”
Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101, or through the Live Chat function on their website – gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
First look at Albert Square as Manchester Christmas Markets return to their spiritual home
Thomas Melia
Manchester Christmas Markets are back and all our Christmas wishes have come true, as its spiritual home Albert Square joins in on the festivities for the first time in six years.
Grab a mulled wine, toast yourself a marshmallow and take a seat, because we’re going to take you on a quick tour of this brand-new offering.
You’ll be able to tick off your Christmas Markets wish list in one place, as Manchester has got all your usual favourites and so much more taking place right here outside of its iconic Town Hall.
As soon as you walk in you’re greeted by a huge sign spelling out the city’s iconic abbreviation ‘MCR’, just in case you forgot where you were, that also doubles as a nice photo opportunity.
Albert Square in Manchester city centre is getting into the Christmas spirit for the first time in six years / Credit: The Manc Group
As you walk into Albert Square there’s a mix of nostalgic wooden huts and brightly coloured modern street food vendor stations waiting to tempt you with all their tasty treats.
There’s no messing around at this Christmas hotspot because not even 10 feet after you enter, you can warm up with a glühwein and bratwurst, yes please.
Think you’re done sampling some festive feasts? Think again as there’s a marshmallow toasting station, a roasted chestnut cart and lots of huts are offering their own hot chocolate creations.
Local street food vendor Rita’s Reign has made her mark in Albert Square too, serving up her foodie feasts with a seasonal spin such as the ‘Festive Feast’ and ‘Christmas Crunch’ combo boxes.
Rita’s Reign is just one of many food vendors at Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group
As you keep making your way round there’s some lovely gifts and trinkets to browse including tree decorations, ornaments and some vibrant pieces of art.
There’s plenty of ways to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained with some carnival-themed games and stalls as well as a vintage carousel, if that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit what else will?
Of course, there’s even more food to mention like mini dutch pancakes, toasted sandwiches, French toast, the list is endless (Much like many of our Christmas lists).
And we couldn’t finish our visit without acknowledging the elephant in the room, also known as The Manchester Big Wheel, which is the perfect people-watching spot, but maybe hop on this ride before you try all the tasty treats mentioned above.
Georgina Pellant -
25th May 2022 
