Whitworth LockeCivic QuarterManchester

My Global Studio: Logging on from Locke with Aiden Ryan.

We spent the day in Manchester, working alongside Aiden Ryan, the founder of Loaf, home to some of Manchester’s best cakes and a regular at Whitworth Locke.

From velvet sofas to the airy conservatory, Whitworth Locke is full of cosy nooks to get your head down. Whether that's solo, meeting clients or with your furry friend. Grab a coffee from our friends at Foundation Coffee House and find your place for the day. Our spaces are for you to make your own.

We caught up with Aiden Ryan, founder of Loaf, one of the city’s premier bakeries for cakes and pastries. Aiden is a regular at Whitworth Locke, using the space to get some work done, meet with clients or just chat with our House Hosts. Since Aiden started visiting us in 2022, it's fair to say the team have consumed just a few of his signature Loaf specialties.

During the pandemic, Aiden made it his mission to raise as much money as he could for the NHS. Having always been a lover of cake and coffee (who isn’t), Aiden started Loaf.

“I had no idea what it would turn out to be, but I haven't stopped since. Within 3 months, we were supplying 13 different cafés in Manchester and by 2022 we'd opened two sites in the city centre and started supplying Selfridges at the Trafford Centre. We've got plans to keep growing, of course, but for now it's all about creating Loafly experiences for people - we love it.”

What does your morning routine look like?

I sign onto WhatsApp and message the team with a 'morning message'. I always like to check in and get the day going on a positive note. I get ready within 30 minutes, and I'm out the door for the day. I'm the kind of person who can't stay in the house too long. Whilst on my way into town, I check my emails and start getting the wheels turning for the day. If I can grab a cheeky piece of toast with jam on my travels, I know it's going to be a good one.

Being a regular in Whitworth Locke’s co-working space, what is it that makes it a great place to work?

Whitworth Locke is like a second home to me. The space is super versatile and beautiful to work from. There are so many different areas to enjoy with great lighting, loads of power sockets and amenities. For me though, it's the people that make it one of the best places to work in town. I've been coming here since 2022 and most of the staff are still the same. I probably spend too much time talking to them instead of doing my actual work, but I can't help it - they're so nice.

What does a working day look like for you?

My role has gone from customer facing to very much office-based, spending two-thirds of my day on my laptop. I do regular drop-ins to each store, but for the most part I spend time in co-work spaces in the city centre, such as Whitworth Locke. I can easily spend 6 - 8 hours using the space, it's just so nice and cosy! I tell everyone about it, it's obsessive.

What’s your 3 favourite bakeries in Manchester? (alongside Loaf...)

Gooey

(Because their jam doughnut us unparalleled).

Bisous Bisous

(Because they've been making my family's birthdays special since they opened).

Siop Shop

(Because they're effortlessly cool and creative).

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