La Chouquette Didsbury

Since opening in Didsbury, this tiny artisan bakery has built a loyal following – especially for its golden sponge madeleines, perfectly laminated croissants (including the moist, nutty almond ones), crisp baguettes, sourdough breads and a wide range of French patisserie and gâteaux. A big window at the front displays all the goods so you can choose before entering, but you’ll inevitably come away with a few glossy, hollow chouquettes (small choux pastry puffs sprinkled with pearl sugar). They serve good coffee too. There's a sibling in Poynton with a few seats outside, and an unassuming takeaway outlet called Piqniq (sandwiches, pastries and salads, but no bread) on School Lane, Didsbury. Expect long queues on Saturday and Sunday mornings.