Manchester’s skies in the winter are usually grey.
The new steel-and-glass are glossy grey. The concrete modernist buildings are grimey grey. The stone buildings of Oxford Road can be grey.
And in the middle of all this is an explosion of pink. It’s home to Loaf Mcr, a bakery serving gorgeous cakes and popular coffee.
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There are three Loafs. One’s in Riverside, an apartment building on the Salford side of the Irwell. Another is in the Trafford Centre, and the most visible is on Oxford Street, more or less opposite Andy Burnham’s office.
Managing this branch is Alex Yates, who has lived in the city for nine years. He sees the hustle of offices, buses, and trams from his storefront — so what makes him tick?
Where’s your favourite hidden gem?
This and That, down the back of Trof, even if it’s not that hidden anymore. Everyone knows about it, but I can’t think of a better answer.
What’s your favourite view of the city or in the city?
My favourite view, I’d say, is when I’m coming back into Manchester on the train, and you come through the city — as you come into Piccadilly you can see the Etihad on the right, and the rest of the skyline on the left.
Where’s best to go for your dinner in town?
Bundobust is up there. Nell’s Pizza is a good one. I’d go for those two.
Where would you take someone to show them the real Manchester?
Canal Street, I live in Ancoats so I’d show them there, but I don’t know if it’s the ‘real side’ because it’s gentrified over the last few years. Castlefield is cool, and St Ann’s Square is one of my favourite areas too.
What are the five words or phrases that best describe the city?
Bustling, strong working class mentality, it’s a supportive place — Mancunians are supportive and welcoming of others, exciting, and opportunistic.
City or United?
Neither. Unfortunately I’m a Southampton fan. It’s not going very well.
Liam or Noel?
Liam. A proper rock ‘n’ roll star.
Your favourite city pub is…?
Pev is one of my favourites. Marble Arch, and the one I feel is most ‘Manchester’ is the Lower Turks Head on Shudehill. The first time I went in there it was a Sunday and they had the Northern Soul dancing on.
What’s the one change you'd make to Manchester if you could…
I’d try to change the state of homelessness, it’s quite sad. For any new people coming it can be scary, I certainly felt it — it’s a shock to see.
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