'See you in the next chapter': Much-loved Greater Manchester bakery makes huge announcement
The bakery first opened inside an Ancoats flat during the pandemic
The owners of a popular Manchester bakery have told customers they've been 'keeping a secret' as they shared a big update on their future.
The Flat Baker in Ancoats has become a go-to spot for pastry lovers over the last few years, with queues down the street from their small bakery hatch on Radium Street.
They've become known for their Brazilian-inspired bakes and hit products including pistachio-filled croissants.
Five years on since establishing the business in a Flat in Manchester, owners Deborah Brandao and her partner Matt have confirmed they're opening a brand new bakery and café space.
The unit they'll be expanding into is the building next door to their bakery hatch.
Sharing the news on Instagram last night, they wrote: "Not us crying with this announcement. What else can we say rather than THANK YOU ALL FOR THE FOREVER SUPPORT.
"See you in the next chapter of this humble bakery. Opening this summer."
The couple's post was accompanied by a series of pictures explaining how they went about securing the bigger space for the bakery.
The first picture showed a picture of the corner unit on Radium Street and how close it is to the hatch.
"This corner of Ancoats will never be the same again, because it will be our NEW BAKERY cafe & Brunch," the wrote.
"We have been dreaming with it for years. We almost closed a deal with another 2 locations in the past few years, but it didn't work out.
"We were about to leave the plan of the new shop aside...we were frustrated of how things were not working the way we planned it to, but everything happens for a reason!
"Who knew the building next door was just awaiting for us...this 2 storey building has just the right space for our baking operations...a sitting area and a space to serve brunch and hot food.
"We may also have space for small events, functions."
The pair also reassured customers that the hatch will remain and allow them to serve more people in a more efficient way.
"Don't worry, we won't let our tiny hatch go, we will keep both locations," they added.
"This will allow us a faster service, avoid the waiting times and long queues.
"For now we just want to share this great achievement. Growing a small business when you se many other places shutting is such a challenge.
"But if you never stop dreaming and work hard for it, the sky is the limit. We can't wait for the next chapter to come. Matt & Deb."
The couple, originally from Brazil, turned their tiny Ancoats flat into a makeshift bakery during the pandemic, whipping up baked goods inspired by home for friends and neighbours.
Realising they had quite the knack for it though, they decided to leave their jobs in the film industry behind and open their own bakery on Radium Street.
Since then they've built up a strong following and even had some rather A-list clientele pop by - a list that includes but doesn’t end with Britain’s Got Talent judges, Man V Food star Adam Richman and Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes.
The update on the bakery's expansion into a café was met by a lot of excitement from the Flat Baker's customers too.
One wrote: "Congratulations guys. Best bakery in MCR."
Another added: "I accidentally liked this twice. So exciting. Congratulations."
The bakery has not confirmed an opening date but will no doubt keep pastry fans updated via social media.
