The first American biscuit shop in the United Kingdom has opened its doors in Manchester, sparking debate among food enthusiasts over whether the treats are simply scones by another name. Cardinal Rule, an American biscuit business, launched at Northern Monk Refectory MCR in Manchester's Northern Quarter in March 2024.
Owners Gab and Dustin, originally from Virginia, introduced their venture on TikTok on 30 August, explaining their motivation. Gab said: 'The love of biscuits comes from growing up in Virginia. We both actually grew up in Virginia and it's a really big part of southern cuisine.'
During their first visit to Manchester in 2018, they found it a 'really cool city' but noticed a lack of American biscuits. Dustin added: 'One of the delightful things about being in the UK is every day we serve people who've never had a biscuit before.'
An American biscuit is similar to a scone but has a flaky texture and savoury flavour, often paired with fried chicken, gravy or eggs. Dustin explained that many customers are drawn in by the fried chicken and then try their first biscuit, often realising it is 'totally different'.
The TikTok introduction has amassed over two million views and thousands of comments. Critics have argued that American biscuits are just scones, but others have defended the distinction, noting differences in texture and taste. One commenter said: 'A good biscuit is light, flaky and has a savoury taste. Scones are denser, crumble more like a cake and have a sweeter profile.'
