The wait is finally over for Manchester’s sweet-toothed food lovers — and this time, it’s deliciously overproofed. London’s beloved artisan bakery and baking school, Bread Ahead, has announced the launch of its first-ever Northern pop-up, arriving exclusively at Harvey Nichols Manchester from Monday 3rd November.
This exciting collaboration will see the iconic Borough Market bakery bring its cult-status doughnuts to the North West for the very first time — and yes, there will be free doughnuts.
Bread Ahead isn’t just any bakery; it’s a social sensation. Known for their hands-on approach to baking and engaging online community, the team at Bread Ahead often ask followers where they should pop up next. The answer this time was loud and clear — Manchester.
Matthew Jones, founder of Bread Ahead, said:
“We’ve long wanted to branch out regionally, and this felt like the perfect way to do it. Baking and education are so important to us, so we’re really excited to bring our doughnuts to the people of Manchester and thrilled to be working with Harvey Nichols. We hope this is just the first of many visits to Manchester – there’s so much more to come!”
Founded in the heart of Borough Market, Bread Ahead has grown from a small artisan bakery into an internationally recognised brand, famous not only for its delectable baked goods but also its London baking school, which welcomes thousands of enthusiasts each year.
The Manchester pop-up promises to be a celebration of indulgence. Bread Ahead will bring its full range of irresistible doughnuts, filled to perfection and crafted by hand each morning. Expect all the signature favourites — Vanilla, Jam, Chocolate, Sea Salted Caramel, and Pistachio — alongside the bakery’s most talked-about creation, the Crème Brûlée doughnut, which has achieved near-legendary status in London with over 5,000 sold daily.
For those with a taste for the seasonal, the line-up will also include special editions such as Pumpkin Crème Brûlée and S’mores, plus fruity favourites like Lemon Curd, Coconut, and Blackcurrant Cheesecake.
Each doughnut is a labour of love, known for its pillowy texture and generous filling — the kind of bake that makes people queue around the block.
To celebrate the launch, Bread Ahead is giving Mancunians a seriously sweet welcome. Across their first two opening days, the team will give away 1,000 free doughnuts — 500 each day, starting from 10am on Monday 3rd November and again on Tuesday 4th November.
The giveaway will take place inside Harvey Nichols Manchester, where Bread Ahead’s pop-up will be located on the ground floor. It’s strictly one per person, while stocks last — so early risers might just get their hands on the most talked-about doughnut in Britain.
“Rise and shine, Manchester,” the Bread Ahead team teased. “Just follow your nose and claim a doughnut on the house — it’s our way of saying hello, one glorious bite at a time.”
For Harvey Nichols Manchester, this partnership is set to be one of the tastiest collaborations of the year.
Gavin Hudson, General Manager at Harvey Nichols Manchester, said:
“Bread Ahead is a true institution in Borough Market, so when Matthew and the team got in touch, we knew that their offer would definitely resonate with our customers. We’re excited to be bringing their full selection of doughnut flavours to the city, and we are sure that their trademark Crème Brûlée doughnut will become a firm favourite here too.”
The Bread Ahead pop-up will run for three months, giving Mancunians ample time to indulge in the bakery’s handmade creations. Shoppers can find the stand on the ground floor of Harvey Nichols, where the scent of freshly baked dough and caramelised sugar is sure to be irresistible.
Bread Ahead’s arrival in Manchester is more than just a pop-up — it’s a culinary moment. For years, foodies across the North have followed the bakery’s Instagram-worthy bakes from afar, hoping for the chance to try them without a London trip. Now, with this exclusive collaboration, that dream has finally risen to reality.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a first-time taster, the message is simple: follow the scent of freshly baked happiness. Because when it comes to doughnuts, Bread Ahead truly leads the way.
