Much-loved bakers to close all sites for good

A beloved bakery chain founded to raise money for the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic will close all its sites.

Loaf MCR started off inside a shipping container on Pollard Yard, a co-working space in Manchester, selling about 50 cakes a week in 2021.

But some four years and three site openings later, the bakery’s founder announced today that they are closing up shop for good.

The final day the two Loaf MCR cafés – on Salford’s Affinity Living Riverview and Manchester’s Oxford Road – will be open is April 30.

This also applies to the company’s concession stand at the Trafford Centre Selfridge’s

‘I’ve made the incredibly tough decision to close Loaf MCR,’ Aidan Ryan said in a statement titled ‘end of an era’ shared on social media.

‘Loaf began in 2020 as a small lockdown idea to raise money for the NH – and somehow grew into a bold, pink cake business that lived in a shipping container, then cafés on Oxford St and even Selfridges!

‘It was more than I ever dreamed of. It was fun, bold, unapologetically pink – and full of heart.’

Aiden and his partner began the business in 2020, baking loaf cakes topped with Custard Creams, Jammie Dodgers, Biscoff Biscuits and pink wafers to raise money for the NHS Million.

By the following year, Aiden was selling sweet treats at local events for Selfridge’s and Pretty Little Thing – all while working a day job.

After opening its first branch in 2022, Loaf MCR quickly built a cult following among Manchester’s shutterbug food scene for its pink walls.

And a community hub, too. Loaf MCR has opened their doors every year on Christmas Day to people struggling with loneliness and homelessness.

‘But behind the scenes, it’s been a really hard year,’ Ryan added.

‘We lost essential funding, faced delayed payments and invoices, battled rising costs, and unexpected hits – including a supplier taking thousands from our account without permission. It led to cashflow issues we couldn’t recover from.’

Ryan said the battered business has been struggling to pay bills and even tips and pension contributions for staff.

‘It was a living nightmare and it weighed heavily on me,’ he said.

‘At the same time, I was facing big personal challenges, which led to a mental breakdown the middle of last year. I couldn’t function. And when your business needs you 24/7, everything starts falling fast.’

For Ryan, running the three Loaf MCRs was not all ‘Instagrammable moments’, but a lot of ‘stress, silence and sacrifice’.

‘Still, I’m proud. Of the joy we spread. Of the community we built. And of myself – for knowing when to stop and look after mine and my team’s health,’ he added.

‘To my loafly team: you were the heart of this. Thank you for everything. To our suppliers, landlords, partners, and customers – thank you for believing in Loaf.

‘Our final day is April 30. If you want one more mini loaf or just a goodbye hug, we’d loaf to see you.’

Instagram users said they’d be there. ‘We came last year for my birthday and adored it! We will be back all the way from Hull on Monday for one last loaf as it’s my birthday!’ wrote Charlotte Swann.

Charlotte added: ‘Sorry to hear this! Super little place and a loss to Manchester!’

Between the pandemic and the years-long cost-of-living crisis, several bakery chains, including Oddie’s, have been forced to shutter.

One in four British bakery businesses is now loss-making, analytic firm Plimsoll’s found, with two in 10 financially at risk.

With Loaf MCR’s closure in only weeks, Aiden says the future is uncertain.

‘As for what’s next… who knows?’ he said.

‘For now, we rest. Thank you for being part of our story. I’ll carry it with me, always.’

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