The Flat Baker

This small Ancoats bakery has expanded from a hole in the wall (literally) to a vividly painted café where the mustard-yellow exterior matches the florid range of Brazilian-influenced pastries. At peak times, the place is rammed and the signature pistachio croissants sell out quickly. The wide selection veers towards a complex mash-up of super-sweet flavours that is much-favoured by local clientele: if in doubt, the motto seems to be add Nutella, Oreos, Kinder, blueberries, gooey chocolate swirls, whipped cream or sprinkles to the cruffins, cronuts and croissants. We can recommend the cornetto stuffed with crème patissiere, the mini-profiteroles filled with dulce de leche, and the popular Brazilian sausage rolls. Coffee is excellent.