Key Points
- Layr, a new specialist business in Ancoats, Manchester, focuses solely on tiramisu, offering three flavours: classic, matcha, and pistachio.
- The tiramisu hatch opens on Thursday, 29 January 2026, serving individually portioned, freshly-made, alcohol-free, Halal desserts.
- Classic tiramisu features sponge soaked in espresso, layered with vanilla mascarpone and cocoa dust.
- Matcha tiramisu uses sponge soaked in matcha instead of coffee.
- Pistachio tiramisu includes pistachio mascarpone, nuts, and pistachio sauce.
- Located on Radium Street in Ancoats, the hatch operates in a building known as an incubator for sweet treats.
- The same building previously launched The Flat Baker, which started in a corner unit before expanding to its own bakery and cafe.
- Layr neighbours Baby Mayhem, famous for extravagant doughnuts topped with ice cream ‘spaghetti’.
- Opening hours: 5pm to 10pm on Thursdays and Fridays; 4pm to 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Ancoats (Manchester Mirror) 27 January 2026 – A tiny tiramisu hatch named Layr is set to open on Radium Street in Ancoats this week, specialising in just one dessert done exceptionally well. Launching on Thursday, 29 January 2026, the hatch will offer three distinct alcohol-free, Halal tiramisu flavours in individual portions, marking the latest addition to Ancoats’ burgeoning dessert scene. This venture arrives amid a wave of sweet treat innovators in the area, housed in a building renowned for nurturing such businesses.
What is Layr Bringing to Ancoats’ Dessert Scene?
Layr represents a hyper-focused approach to dessert innovation, selling exclusively tiramisu with meticulous attention to quality and dietary inclusivity. As reported by the team at The Manc, Layr’s menu kicks off with a classic tiramisu, where sponge is soaked in espresso, layered with vanilla mascarpone, and finished with cocoa dust. This traditional iteration ensures broad appeal while adhering to alcohol-free and Halal standards, making it accessible to a diverse Manchester clientele.
Complementing the classic is Layr’s innovative matcha tiramisu, substituting coffee with matcha for a vibrant, earthy twist on the Italian staple. The pistachio variant rounds out the trio, featuring pistachio mascarpone, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of pistachio sauce for a nutty, indulgent finish. These flavours are crafted fresh daily, emphasising Layr’s commitment to excellence in a single product line.
The hatch’s intimate setup on Radium Street underscores its ‘tiny’ moniker, promising a quick, no-frills experience for dessert lovers. Opening hours are tailored for evening treats: from 5pm until 10pm on Thursdays and Fridays, extending to 4pm until 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays. This schedule aligns perfectly with post-dinner cravings in the vibrant Ancoats neighbourhood.
Why is Radium Street Becoming a Dessert Incubator?
Radium Street in Ancoats has emerged as a hotspot for dessert entrepreneurs, with Layr’s arrival cementing its reputation. As detailed in coverage by The Manc, the building housing Layr is perhaps most famous for launching The Flat Baker, which began operations from a modest corner unit. The Flat Baker’s viral success led to rapid growth, prompting a relocation down the road to a full-fledged bakery and cafe.
Neighbouring Layr is Baby Mayhem, another standout in the local scene, renowned for its extravagant doughnuts. Baby Mayhem’s offerings include bakes topped with ice cream ‘spaghetti’, drawing crowds with their playful, over-the-top presentations. This clustering of dessert specialists creates a symbiotic ecosystem, where foot traffic from one spot boosts others.
As reported by The Manc, Layr’s entry continues this trend, transforming the building into a de facto incubator for sweet treats. The proximity fosters collaboration and competition, elevating Ancoats’ profile as Manchester’s go-to destination for innovative desserts. Local food enthusiasts anticipate Layr contributing to this momentum with its specialised tiramisu focus.
When and How Will Layr Open to the Public?
Layr’s grand opening is scheduled for Thursday, 29 January 2026, aligning with the end of January’s quieter period to build anticipation. The hatch will serve desserts in individual portions, ideal for on-the-go indulgence or sharing among friends. All items are freshly prepared, alcohol-free, and Halal-certified, broadening appeal in Manchester’s multicultural fabric.
Operational from evening hours, the schedule caters to after-work and weekend crowds: 5pm-10pm Thursday-Friday, and 4pm-10pm Saturday-Sunday. This limited window heightens exclusivity, encouraging prompt visits. As per The Manc’s reporting, no reservations are mentioned, suggesting a first-come, first-served model typical of hatches.
What Makes Layr’s Tiramisu Unique?
Layr’s tiramisu stands out through its flavour innovation and strict dietary compliance. The classic version stays true to roots with espresso-soaked sponge, vanilla mascarpone layers, and cocoa dusting, but omits alcohol entirely. The matcha adaptation swaps coffee for matcha infusion, offering a green tea-infused freshness that appeals to health-conscious palates.
The pistachio Layr elevates with pistachio mascarpone, nuts for crunch, and sauce for richness, diverging from standard recipes. As highlighted by The Manc, these are not mass-produced; each is handmade, ensuring premium texture and taste. This one-product mastery echoes successful niche ventures like those nearby.
Who is Behind Layr and What’s Their Vision?
While specific founder names are not detailed in initial reports, Layr positions itself as a new business mastering tiramisu. The Manc describes it as “a new business that is selling just one thing, and doing that one thing really well,” implying a passionate team prioritising quality over variety. This laser focus mirrors global trends in specialist food hatches.
Layr’s Halal and alcohol-free emphasis reflects Manchester’s diverse demographics, particularly in Ancoats. By situating on Radium Street, the team leverages existing dessert buzz from The Flat Baker and Baby Mayhem.
How Does Layr Fit into Ancoats’ Food Evolution?
Ancoats has transformed from industrial heritage to a culinary hub, with desserts leading the charge. The Flat Baker’s journey from hatch to full cafe exemplifies scalable success, as noted by The Manc. Baby Mayhem’s doughnut extravagance adds whimsy, creating a varied sweet tooth paradise.
Layr’s arrival intensifies this evolution, potentially spawning more niches. Radium Street’s incubator status draws entrepreneurs seeking low-overhead starts. For residents and visitors, it means more options within walking distance.
What Should Customers Expect on Opening Day?
Expect queues given Ancoats‘ dessert hype, with three flavours ready from 5pm. Individual portions suit solo treats or groups. Freshness is paramount, with Halal assurance prominent. The Manc’s preview suggests a warm welcome to this tiramisu haven.
Broader Impact on Manchester’s Dessert Landscape
Layr exemplifies Manchester’s innovative food scene, where hatches thrive on specialisation. By 2026, Ancoats solidifies as dessert central, boosting local economy. Similar spots may follow, enriching evenings.
