The KAMPUS neighbourhood is one of the best examples of redevelopment in central Manchester. A tiny pocket of streets that were once home to the Aytoun Street campus of Manchester Metropolitan University, hence the new name, it almost seemed inconceivable that this could become a home for so many thriving food and drink businesses, and provide space for hundreds of households, without feeling over crowded and under pressure. Exploring the finished product makes it clear that planners got plenty right. As did Pollen, one of the city’s most treasured bakeries, when it decided to open up a site in the area.
If you’ve lived in town longer than about five minutes chances are Pollen is a familiar name. Bakers extraordinaire, the team first set up their pitch in an archway under Piccadilly railway station in 2016, and the operation has since risen (ahem) into a bonafide powerhouse of the city’s food and drink scene, proving the quality of its offering by serving fresh produce to a huge and incredibly loyal customer base direct, and supplying many of the city’s top eateries with breads, cakes and more. A runaway success story, to say the least, those who have dined at spots like Hawksmoor, El Gato Negro and Flawd will already be familiar with this exceptional produce, even if they don’t realise it.
Everything on the menu uses top drawer ingredients, from pastries and cakes to the famous breads, muffins and croissants, and everything is made fresh daily. There’s also a great dine-in menu available, with breakfast, brunch and lunch classics such as eggs Benedict, eggs Royale, and bacon breakfast buns on offer. As for drinks, this is the home of single origin coffee from Hasbean, along with regular guest beans to keep things varied. Loose leaf tea fans will also be in their element, and Pollen makes an impressive range of seltzers, all produced on site. Open between 8AM and 4PM Wednesday to Friday, and 9AM-4PM on Saturdays and Sundays, if you’ve not already paid a visit we implore you to make amends at the earliest convenience.
