Following the news that GAIL’s bakery is planning to open a new bakery on King Street, local artisan bakery, Half Dozen Other, has announced it is to open its first customer-facing bakery and store in Manchester.
Half Dozen Other forms part of the Pot Kettle Black Group, which operates two sites across Manchester; one in Barton Arcade and the other in Angel Gardens. It specialises in ‘classic bakes with modern takes’, including both sweet and savoury croissants, impressive Danish pastries and flavoured focaccias.
The bakery has signed a 10-year lease with developer Far East Consortium (FEC) to become part of their major Victoria North regeneration programme. The 4,500 sq. ft premises at the Red Bank Arches will become home to the new independent bakery which will join a growing community of much-loved, local vendors in the Red Bank neighbourhood. Current tenants include renowned spatzle restaurant The Sparrows, Foundation Coffee House and Green Arches Brewery and Bar. More announcements are set to follow as part of FEC’s commercial strategy, FOUND, which is initially being delivered via sites in Red Bank including the Arches, Love Factory and more.
Under the FOUND brand, the developer is working with a range of partners to create a programme of immersive events and unique experiences across the 155 hectares of land that will become Victoria North. One of the largest urban renewal programmes in the UK, Victoria North will create 15,000 new homes over the next decade.
Jake Scott-Thrale, Asset Manager at FEC, said: “Half Dozen Other perfectly aligns with our approach of working with independent and entrepreneurial businesses to help people find and enjoy this emerging part of the city. Half Dozen Other has risen to fame on the brunch plates of Mancunians, so we’re excited to be working with them to expand their production capacity and moreover, bring their delicious bakes to local residents.
“It also marks an exciting next step in supporting a buzzing and social community as we bring forward the first developments within Victoria North, with numerous other businesses looking at the area as a potential new home too. It’s genuinely exciting to imagine how things will progress in the future as more residents and businesses move in and the community really takes shape.”
Mark Flanagan at Half Dozen Other, said: “We are really excited to open our doors at Red Bank. Due to the high demand for our wholesale baked goods and our desire to open our own retail bakehouse, this site is perfect for us.
“After being presented the vision by FEC for Red Bank and Victoria North, we knew it was something we had to be a part of. We’ll be serving up our standard breads, cakes and viennoiserie alongside our modern takes on classic bakes. All the while customers will be able to spectate on the mixing, rolling and shaping taking place at the Bakehouse.”
