Manchester-based Loaf MCR to close all sites after five years of trading

The founder of Manchester-based bakery Loaf MCR has confirmed he will be closing all three sites at the end of the month after a “really tough year”.

Loaf MCR started in 2020 as a lockdown project to raise money for the NHS in a shipping container at Pollard Yard but over the years grew into three cafes across Salford, Oxford Street, and Selfridge’s Manchester Trafford.

The bakery became famed for its “retro pink” interiors and handmade mini loaf cakes, as well as sweet treats such as Manchester tart, Solero, lemon meringue pie and chocolate Vimto with ice cream.

In a post on LinkedIn, founder Aiden Ryan revealed the business had been relying on critical funding “that fell through at the last minute” and had been facing cashflow challenges since May last year, which had led to delays in paying bills, including tips and pension contributions.

“At the same time, we were hit with severely delayed payments and invoices, ever rising costs, and mounting arrears. A supplier also took thousands from our account without permission, triggering a financial domino effect that was almost impossible to recover from,” he said.

Ryan had also experienced “a full mental break” as a result of several personal challenges.

“I’m not sharing all this for sympathy, I’m sharing it because I think it’s important to be honest about what running a business really looks like. It’s not just big wins and Instagrammable moments, sometimes it’s unrelenting stress, silence, self-doubt, and sacrifice,” he added.

In the same post, he thanked his team, suppliers, landlord, customers and friends and family for being part of Loaf’s journey over the years.

“As for what’s next? Who knows… For now we just need rest and time to breathe. Thank you for being part of our story. I’ll carry it with me, always,” he said.

Loaf MCR will close after its final day of trading on 30 April.