Meet the man launching a new cake cafe – and you can help

'I started Loaf with nothing, but we’ve grown through community' says founder Aiden, who is looking to launch his own cafe via crowdfunding

Loaf Mcr launched in the first lockdown, when founder Aiden Ryan started baking from home whilst on furlough to raise money for the NHS.

He raised £1000 in just one month.

When restrictions lifted, Aiden was ready to hang up the apron and get back to his management job at fashion brand Belstaff, when NQ café powerhouse Ezra and Gil got in touch asking if Loaf would supply their cafe with cakes on a weekly basis.

“At first I was going to politely decline (as I didn’t know where to start!) but there was an overwhelming feeling of ‘it’s meant to be’ – as cheesy as that sounds,” says Aiden.

“So, I said yes, and I haven’t stopped baking since.”

Since then, Loaf has supplied 10 cafes across Manchester and beyond, including Feel Good Club, Hampton and Vouis, Propeller Coffee, Cocoa Cobana, Makers Quarter and more, and has baked over 2000 cakes for customers across Greater Manchester.

Now, Aiden has got the opportunity to launch Loaf Mcr’s first cafe in the St James Building on Oxford Road (where Patisserie Valerie once was) – but they need help to get up and running.

“Of course, we have the usual options of investment and bank loans but we’re keen on the idea of Kickstarter and involving you – our customers,” says Aiden, who has put together a series of rewards that match what you pledge (and then some) – so if you spend £5, £10, £500, you get exactly that back or more when they open through products or experiences.

“I started Loaf with nothing, but we’ve grown through community – and so it only felt right for our next step to be crowdfunding.

“There’s been a fantastic response to the brand and the growth in just a year has been phenomenal.

“I think it’s time that we gave Manchester it’s very own Loaf Mcr destination.

“Honestly, it would mean everything to me to have my own cafe.

“I’ve dreamed of having my own brand, something that I could share with the world and invite people in to enjoy.

“I’ve worked tirelessly since COVID began towards this goal and I’m hoping we can get it over the line before 9th January.

“It would be the best Christmas present ever!”

Loaf Mcr are hoping to raise £45,000 by Sunday 9th January. You can find out more and pledge your support here.

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For the love of Manchester...

Manchester is a successful city, but there are many people that suffer. The I Love MCR Foundation helps raise vital funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people and communities across Greater Manchester – and we can’t do it without your help. So please donate or fundraise what you can because investing in your local community to help it thrive can be a massively rewarding experience. Thank you in advance!