The story
Founded in Manchester in 2016, Pollen launched with an unwavering dedication to artisanal bread before expanding to a second location dedicated entirely to pastry. The original Ancoats site remains home to the bread team, while the Kampus outpost opened in 2022 to serve the pastry division. This separation of duties allows each team to focus on their craft, producing everything from robust sourdough loaves to refined viennoiserie.
The Kampus café occupies a serene, putty-hued room that overlooks a lush courtyard garden, creating a calm environment for dining. The menu centres on brunch and lunch options that evolve throughout the year, such as barbecue mushrooms served on toast with celeriac and salsa verde. Another option is Jerusalem artichoke soup enriched with herb butter. The venue earned a Local Gem distinction in The Good Food Guide 2026, reflecting the strong appeal of its setting and food near Piccadilly station.
Pastries form the core of the offering at this branch, where the display features items made by the specialist pastry team. Highlights include a delicate matcha cheesecake alongside signature staples like Croissant Butter, a product that has built a loyal reputation since the bakery's early days. Bakers prepare goods in small weekly batches to guarantee freshness, ranging from salted pistachio shortbread to chocolate hazelnut crema. Customers can order these provisions through a pre-order webshop for collection or delivery.
Recognition
Location