Companio Bakery — Restaurant in Manchester

Been going around to all the artesian bakeries around the uk trying their white sourdough (I feel like this is the foundation to know if a bakery is good) and this one came highly recommended.

I gave their white sourdough a 5.5/10 because although the dough had a good sour taste and was airy with lots of air bubbles, the loaf was quite flat and under proofed, the exterior was chewy over flaky (which I do prefer) and wasn’t crumbly, the dough was also tight and the taste was subtle. They also don’t have a slicing machine so therefore you get a whole loaf; although this is quite common as not everywhere has the facility to accommodate this (just a nice touch for the future). Overall, the venue was quaint - you can see into the kitchen and the staff were kind. Although the bread wasn’t a 10/10 it was still nice; and I want to state that I’m not complaining, just comparing it to other venues I have been to.

They also offer other breads, pastries, savoury foods like sandwiches, and coffees - when I was there they were making the most delicious looking pesto, mozzarella, tomato, focaccia sandwich and had so many divine looking bakes but was only there for a quick trip so unfortunately couldn’t stock up; however, I will return to give it another go trying something else. (This is...

Amazing Loaves one can find here. Add to that some amazing muffins and savoury Danishes ....what's not to love. Russell is an amazing baker passionate about his work. Take note of the days of the week they're open and drop in or catch him at Victoria station late afternoon. Lucky for the locals...worth a trip if coming in from a distance ...easy to park right in front of the door to pick up your choices. Card payment available too.

Update Since the new owners have taken over the same passion continues. And most importantly the fabulous taste is even better with much more variety of baked goodies than ever before. The sourdough and pastries still among the best and the focaccia and cakes are awesome . The sandwiches they occasionally make are great too. All in all one of the best bakeries not just in Manchester but I'm sure in the whole of England. Please keep up the passion and the customers will...

There’s an over abundance of great bakeries in Manchester; the place is disproportionately well serviced for sourdough and pastries

But Companio, hands down make the best croissant and bread in the city. The pastries are crisp, hold more butter than you would think possible, have a good balance with a slight sourness to them. The bread, especially the baguettes are spectacular

Recently tried a few bakes, which have all been ace - well made sponges; again with balanced flavour and good texture that don’t just rely on overly sweet filling for taste

Lunch sandwiches are also some of the best I’ve ever eaten (anywhere)

It was a real outlier when first opened and the area since has exploded, with a plethora of other (really great) bakery / coffee / pastry shops - but this place, quietly and with no fuss or fanfare,...