Pollen Sourdough & Viennoiserie Bakery in Manchester

What an experience. Amazing pastry’s served at Pollen. Fresh pastry’s and classics. They serve specials and this time we had the pear vanilla cream danish. This was incredible. The coffee was really good. Served in cool cups. I would 100% recommend and is up there as one of the best in MCR

I've visited Pollen a few times and each time have left feeling, well, underwhelmed. There is no denying the quality of the bread and the other bakes, however the breakfast/lunch menu is disappointing. The chicken Caesar claims to be chicken breast, however it seems to be more like thigh meat, brown and grissly, the bacon sandwich, small, greasy and expensive and the coffees need to be larger if you're going to charge just short of £4. Pollen, I've tried to like you, but I am resolutely sure I will not return.

Fabulous coffee and great food , too much choice, would have eaten it all. Bought Sourdough too which is one of the best breads ever!

Brunch and bakery items feature strongly, it’s well worth the detour to find. If there’s a queue have patience the reward will soon be placed on the table once you’re inside. Modern trendy ideas and consistency seems to be the key here.

Need to send some feedback that the coffee wait for take away coffee at ancoats was very long at >20mins Sunday afternoon. Staff not very friendly when I questioned where our order was (politely). No apologies. Staff need to inform people who are having take aways that there is a long wait before they order. And efficiency needs to be looked into. We only wanted two takeaway coffees. Thanks

Went based on liking artisan bakeries and having lunch in Ancoats. Nice cafe and bakery with a good selection of pastries and sourdough bread. I bought a very tasty loaf but have to admit the crust is extremely difficult to cut through. Taste of bread is super

Is this the nicest Cafe ever? I could be wrong, but i’m sure there’s multiple Pollen’s in Manchester. If so, the one i’m on about was near the Gay Village. Regardless. The coffee, the baked goods, the service, the seating, the atmosphere, the aesthetic all 10/10. Would really recommend this place to anyone who needs to fill their coffee needs!

I’ve been to the majority of coffee of well known over hyped coffee/bakery places Sugar junction, dreadful Ezra and Gil, watery coffee, rude staff and bought in baked goods Takk, worst coffee ever tasted so watery and the baked goods heavy and stale, staff uninterested and dirty tables Another heart to feed, great coffee but now decided to be a wine bar ? Idle hands, hit and miss with both baked items and drinks. So I’ve been too the majority of places and eaten and tried most in the town. But Pollen far outweighs any others Cakes and baked goods fresh on the morning, so if you’re not early they’ll sell out. So no sitting there all week ! We shared a delicious blueberry muffin not like an ordinary shop version. It had a strudel crumble topping, with a teaspoon of crème on top. Slightly flatter with a delicate cinnamon taste, not disgustingly sweet. So soft and crumbly, absolutely delightful we didn’t want it to end. The other options of the egg custard with a thin pastry base, why so so many have it overly thick???? Basque cheesecake Vegan and GF options but they didn’t dominate the offering like so many do and not being vegan or GF I don’t like the taste of these. Again this is a personal preference The cappuccino’s where silky smooth and not bitter nor watery. Price point too was fair for the city centre. Many others like Costa and Starbucks charge more for the rubbish Why do people go there ?? Beggars belief Service was slow but it was morning and a busy 11am time when everyone seemingly descends on eateries. Overall will definitely visit again but next time on a weekday.

Unfortunately pollen really didn't live up to its reputation or reviews. I visited pollen with my daughter and her friend over the wkend, my daughter and her friend had a bacon and egg sandwich. They had asked for a hash brown to be added as an extra and was point blank told no, that's fine. When it arrived the bacon was possible about 60% fat and barely cooked, the egg and bread was nice though. I chose a grilled sandwich and was informed that there was a slight delay on mine, after about 20 mins the waitress came out and apologised but said it would be out soon after another 20 mins I asked where it was and was told possibly be 5 mins. After 53 minutes waiting for my grilled sandwich I went in and cancelled the order, they hadn't even started cooking it. Slightly annoying. This is such a shame because it should be fantastic, I'm not sure why they couldn't handle the amount of people there it wasn't so busy but at least they could be honest with people and not just keep them hanging on. I don't think we'll be returning

High price but pastries high quality. Coffee dreadful. Service poor with staff being disinterested. One barista was more concerned chatting with his female mate who was not staff. Don’t bother.

Amazing cakes and coffees! Worth a visi. Staff friendly especially Julia. See our photos. We had the pain au Chocolat and pistachio vegan with blueberry cake and an amazing light egg tart slice. Beautiful. Thanks Julia!

First time visiting here. Ordered 2 cold drinks. Was then stood patiently waiting and a member of staff barked at me and my daughter to “WAIT OUTSIDE”. He was very rude! I was not aware this was the process here! Will not return!

My friend had a pistachio cheesecake that was unreal! We both had the mushrooms on toast with an egg and a side of Hollandaise they kindly let us add on. Staff were really sweet and I've never had such good food. I get Hollandaise wherever I can as its such a faff to make I don't bother at home and this was genuinely the best I've ever had. Definitely going to come back whenever I'm in Manchester!

It’s a shame that I have to write this review and give 3 stars as I visited Pollen in Kampus couple of weeks ago and was very much impressed with all the food however some of the dishes weren’t available as it was late afternoon so we decided to pay them another visit in Ancoats. When we walked in we were told there’s about 30mins wait which was fine so put our name down and went next door to grab a coffee and kill some time. Came back after 10-15mins with our take away coffees to sit at their completely empty outdoor area and wait till our table is ready. Quickly after, the host came over and said our table will be ready shortly but we can’t sit at the wet outdoor tables and we have to stand up while we wait 😂 I mean it would be one thing if people took the piss and got food/drink from elsewhere and had a picnic on your seating area but we were literally about to eat at your cafe so I really couldn’t fathom what the big deal was but he was insisting that we have to get up… I mean how silly is that?! We had to walk away after that appalling behaviour and probably never go back. Even if you’ve been told to police the people who sit at the table with food from anywhere other than Pollen, it’s good to have some bloody common sense!

We went to Pollen after seeing all the hype articles in local press and whilst it wasn’t terrible, it was not anything more than average at best. Our name was taken for a table waiting list when we went in - we were the only one on the list and were told to wait outside and the staff would call us in when there was a space, which apparently wouldn’t be long because we were next. We sat outside and watched two other parties go in and sit down at tables that had just been vacated, with no input from the staff. After about fifteen minutes, we went in to ask if we could occupy one of the newly free tables, which prompted the response from the team member who told us to wait outside “oh, are you still waiting for a table?”. This should have been our cue to go somewhere else but we stayed, to find out if the food redeemed everything. An espresso ordered was scorched and it was a poor coffee. The food didn’t arrive with sauces that had been ordered and paid for as an additional add on, and was very greasy in general. Poor espresso, greasy food, unengaged service; not bad and not good, just average.

My wife and I ate breakfast here today, it blew my socks off. The sour dough bread is used by The Bull and Bear restaurant we ate in the night before so we decided to go and get a loaf to take home. I had the mushrooms and the wife had the burnt butter eggs. It was by far the best breakfast I’ve had in many years for taste and quality. We got a few loafs, cookies and pastries to take away for later. The only issue was my coffee was served in a cup that was to hot hold and it didn’t have a handle, otherwise I absolutely cannot fault the place. I’d actually drive into Manchester from North Wales to get the bread again, in fact I will. If your in the city, make sure you give this place a go but get in early doors as it’s busy!

Great spot for a coffee and a bite to eat. Lovely location just next to the marina with plenty of boats and trees nearby. Cake and coffee were truly delicious - in fact, everything looked wonderful. I did wait a while for my order; however, I could tell that it was very busy and that there was an issue being resolved with the coffee machine, and so I was happy to wait. Overall definitely worth it if you don’t mind waiting a little while.

Queue way too long, waited 30mins to order, then another 40mins for the average bacon bun and then they ‘couldn’t’ find us. Then they got the order wrong and put bacon on a veggie option. Coffee is on the bitter side (Prefer a medium smooth blend). Would not go back. Does not have enough seating. Would rather go somewhere else for efficient service, better coffee and food.

Well this was recommended and didn’t disappoint. Pastry and cake were the best we have eaten outside of France and Vienna. The location is really nice next to the canal and long boats. We will be going here again definitely. Can’t recommend enough - 🤤

Had the breakfast bun - it was delicious, a lovely location along the canal too. I'll definitely go back. The staff were welcoming and accommodating considering we arrived right at open time.

Not sure whether this place is closed, but it’s certainly not open according to their opening times on the door. I was desperate enough to make my way there to buy some burnt black bread, but the place was firmly closed at 3pm.

What a find! Brilliant Bakery and cafe a bit of a walk away from the centre of Manchester, but worth every step. Great selection of cakes and pastries served in a wonderfully idyllic setting next to the canal. Magical

This cafe offers visitors a delightful experience in pleasant surroundings. On the day we visited the single waitress was very busy and looked overworked, there was an inordinate lengthy delay from sitting down to actually recieving our order. Far to long. The cake that accompanied...

The BEST baked goods in Manchester. There are so many options, be sure to get there early as the venue was so busy, I was queuing outside at 10 minutes past opening on a Saturday. That’s how good this place is. I had to get...

My husband and I have been wanting to visit for a long time after we tried some pollen bakery bread during a visit to ’The French’. Today we visited and we were worried we had hyped it up and would be disappointed, this was not...

A friend recommended this bakery to me and we were not disappointed. The food was fresh and delicious and, contrary to some other reviews, the service time was acceptable. We received a warm welcome from staff and managed to find seats ok. It’s not a...

Oh My Days. French toast tiramisu was on a level with sex. Best pastries outside of France 😍 coffee also exceptional. GO

Probably the best place for brunch in Manchester. Definitely the best bread in Manchester I’m very well well qualified in making this judgement having eaten in pretty much every half decent spot in Manchester.

I'm actually astounded at the negative reviews on here and I don't usually do tripadvisor reviews but felt it necessary. I've visited Pollen on so many different occasions and I have yet to find a fault. The coffee is hasbean which is my all time...

Good breads but one of the serving staff was acting like she is working for prime minister, not a single greeting and face as sour as sourdough. I paid £2.60 for pan au chocolat which was very nice but for this price I expect a...

They have some terrific pastries and breads on offer here, all made on the premesis with care and talent. Very hipster bourgeoisie clientele and staff, so if you're into that vibe you'll love it otherwise you might feel its a bit pretencious. There is often...

As other reviews have pointed out, this place is busy and often there are queues on the weekend - for a very very good reason. Their bread, pastries, breakfasts and coffee are exceptional! Some of the best I've ever had. Particularly the 28 hour sourdough...

Loved it. Bread is delicious as is croissants and desserts. Had the Tira Misu French toast and was to die for. Absolutely delicious and will be back soon. Wish I could order online in advance and pick up an order to collect and take home....

Having seen the cakes and bakes on Instagram, I was looking forward to my visit. Had to ask a number of people for directions as there is no signage from the nearest street and there is a lot of new development going on in the...

Tried the hot mushroom breakfast/brunch dish. The mushrooms were very tasty but IMO were let down by the toast which was way too crisp/overdone . I shouldnt need a steak knife to eat mushrooms on toast. A nice soft white bread might be better to...

We cycled along the canal from Trafford, through the quieter city streets to New Islington and stumbled across this gem of a place. It is set next to the canal, plenty of spots to sit along the canal worked well for us as it was...

I so wanted to love this place Cycled a round trip of 30 miles on a sunny Sunday to treat myself to a cake and drink. Having long admired perfect Insta posts of it’s tasty baked goods, I’ve been itching to visit. Arrived around 11am...

food and coffee were nice, but they allowed customers to bring their dogs in, which seemed strange in not only a cafe but a place where food was being made from scratch..... one customers dog kept jumping up at me while I ate my food,...

By far the best bakery in town, if not the UK. I've lost count of the amount of times I've been back here, and I've never once been disappointed. The pastries and cakes are incredible and I can never choose just one! And the bread...

Visited with my husband, friend and baby. Poor customer service Greeting us at the entrance was a large Rottweiler not on a lead ! The owner was in the shop. I would have thought the staff could have politely asked the dog owner to secure...

I’ve been here a few times and the Coffee is always really nice, strong and smooth at the same time. The location is cute and the staff are nice. However, the “star” of the menu, i.e the pastries are very below average. The pastries look...

I first saw Pollen on social media - and decided to give it a go a few months ago. Been quite a few times since. So many times places on SM look amazing and the reality is almost always less so, having paid a creator...

If you want best bread in Manchester and best brunch then take a walk here. Fresh pastry, delicious eggs, good coffee and lovely staff. Can be busy weekends but queue moves quick. I love this place. Fresh, organic and made with love! Pretty perfect and...

First of all, I have to say that I love Pollen. I've loved it since it opened and began providing Manchester with the best bread and amazingly innovative pastries - to wit, the Cruffin. I live in Scotland, and even if I didn't visit family...

i actually found pollen today, i wasnt disappointed, what a lovely little place, the coffee was superb and the pastries lovely, i took some rye bread home and enjoyed it for lunch, cant wait to go again with some friends, the staff were all lovely

I got the opportunity to try one of Pollen's amazing vegan carrot cakes the other day. It was delicious and I would highly recommend it, there were also several other non-vegan and vegan cake options available. I would say that the downside was how busy...

If you want to eat good and organic, you must go to Pollen Bakery. It’s so wonderful and delicious food. The staff is so cute and friendly. I’m French and I know how are the good pain aux chocolats or croissants. I can tell that...

Visited with a friend for brunch. Had bought some pastry sometime ago when they were based near the station but it was my first time visiting the cafe. Got a hazelnut and choc pastry & my friend had salmon/ poached eggs on sourdough (I think!)....

The owners r a nasty bunch bad attitude no respect for the coustomers cakes were burnt staff don't know what they doing

A truly amazing pilgrimage. The savouries, pastries and coffee at this establishment are all A1! The staff are friendly and helpful, the customers chatty and interesting and even the visiting dogs are OK! I would urge them to bake more pain au raisin as they...

The pastry from this place is out of this world. It’s so rich and filling but super tasty. I can honestly say once you’ve tried these crispy flakey things you won’t go back to store bought. The breads also seem lovely especially with the amount...

Nice coffee and staff, the food as well but sometimes felt like the choice was quite limited. Never really felt like staying too long but nice place to stop by for a coffee or tea

The Uber App said we had arrived , but the bakery was no where to be found. It turned out to be across a bridge next to the water,set back so as not to be seen from the road. Once there there is a great...

If you want the BEST bread in UK.....and artisan delicious cake with friendly service then this is place. I love coffee shops and sourdough bread and do not eat bread generally.......this place has small menu but the queue shows me that this place is doing...

A great bakery that has relocated from Piccadilly to Ancoats. Excellent cakes, coffee and breads. You can eat in or take away

We visited for a quick lunch. It’s a lovely place to enjoy some amazing bread and pastries. I had a Scandinavian style rye open sandwich which was delicious. Excellent flat white coffee to.

Came here for breakfast on a Sunday and it was amazing! I had the shakshuka with humus - which was to die for! Big shout to Sasha and Katie for going above and beyond to look after us

The croissant and pain au chocolat tasted exactly like the one at home . It’s definitely worth the money ! Even the caramelised apple mille feuille was a complete surprise, and a good one !!! Such a shame we had to wait 40 mn to...

The bread is the best I have found in Manchester, and up there in the "best ever" category (and I am a bread fiend!). Completely different to tasteless supermarket bread. The cakes and salads and sandwiches are also very good. When there are any left!...

For once hype is justified. This is a brilliant bakery with exceptional products. And lovely to see it in a proper home in Ancoats. The canalside position is very pleasant.

The cheapest sourdough loaf was £3.80. I would suggest a smaller one for £2, as that’s too much for one person. I was told by staff that baguettes aren’t baked on Sundays.

Amazing bread and good for brunch, go for the cooked vegetables, the cakes look fantastic too! Pity there’s no table outside.

We were so happy when our favourite bakery opened their new place, complete with good coffee and communal benches; perfect for enjoying a weekend breakfast. . We queued for a short time one Sunday and chose our usual Sourdough loaf and brownies to take home,...

Finally got to visit Pollen bakery in their new place at Cotton field wharf. Great coffee with options of almond & pat milk, exceptional salted caramel brownie and a lovely open seating area. Will be back to try their lunch options soon, as they looked...

Pollen Bakery recently moved into their new premises at Cotton Fields Wharf and now have a cafe area attached to the bakery, to serve and sell their lovely breads and cakes. There is no menu per se at the moment but they offer sandwiches, salads...

Was super excited that pollen opened a cafe on canal! So it was in my diary to visit the day of opening and relocation. For me I always are the bread to the cafes they provide to as buying a full load means too much...

Its rare to find a great bakery and when you do it just so happens its terrible to buy from - typical! I've eyed up Pollen for a year or so before I finally managed to get a chance to go. One thing that everyone...

Visited around 11.30am on a Saturday and queued about 30 minutes for a porridge oats loaf and 4 pastries (a pain au chocolat, blueberry bostock, almond croissant and a croffin). It was £14 for all of that. The bread wasn’t to my taste but the...

What a little gem!!! This bakery is tiny, and sells out fast, but my my what wonderful cakes, breads and patisseries they produce!! If you get there early, the choice will amaze you - highly recommend. PS, everything is good; the hardest bit is deciding...

Popped in here before Christmas as it’s just round the corner from my office and is often commented on. I bought a ‘24 hour sour dough’ which cost £3.40 (it’s a very large loaf) - I served this with crab and avocado and the bread...

I used to work in this part of town and when driving to work kept noticing people queuing outside a dodgy archway in a not very salubrious area behind Piccadilly station me being the nosey bugger that I am one morning decided to investigate and...

Amazing cinnamons. Probably the best pastries around, on par with Bisous Bisous. It's just a large doorway under the train bridge. Smells amazing

Heard great things about the bakery so was dying to go. I went a bit late in the day (1pm) and there wasn't much left but they were still doing croissants with chocolate icecream and caramel sauce. It was incredible! A huge size and for...

This is one of those places you simply don't forget for all the right reasons. It is the only one of its kind around and its produce and service will always differentiate it. Go at least once and 'taste the difference'.

We visit Pollen every week to stock up on a variety of baked goods. Their 28-hour sourdough in particular is amazing, as are their recent additions of Salted Caramel Brownies (vegan friendly). Their cruffins are that good, we'll also queue up for 45minutes on a...

Apart from the long wait great bread Baked locally and very fresh Some looks a little burnt but it's extremely tasty

My girlfriend and I have been going here every week for the past couple of months and I can honestly say it's my favourite bakery in Manchester. The croissants are crunchy and buttery; the loaves of bread are baked to perfection and the cruffins (their...