Misu Tiramisu, a dessert stall that drew queues of up to two hours at the 2024 Manchester Christmas Markets, has opened a permanent cafe in Stretford. Owners Aleem and Aishah transformed their pop-up success into a bricks-and-mortar location at The Mezzanine on King Street, responding to customer demand for their handcrafted tiramisu drawers.
From Market Sensation to Permanent Home
The brand launched at the Christmas Markets in November 2024, selling miniature tiramisu in pull-out boxes. Within hours of opening, the stall sold out. "By 2pm on that first Saturday we had sold out," Aleem recalled. The concept quickly went viral on Instagram and TikTok, leading to a three-month pop-up at The Arndale before the couple secured a permanent kitchen and cafe space in Stretford.
"We knew we needed our own space to make the tiramisu," Aleem said. "People were asking where can we buy the products, so we thought we would make it accessible to customers too." The cafe, which opened in early 2025, offers classic, pistachio, Biscoff, mango, and lemon tiramisu, along with specialty Italian coffee, pastries, and focaccia sandwiches.
Stretford's Regeneration Attracts New Businesses
The choice of Stretford aligns with Trafford Council's efforts to rejuvenate the area. King Street reopened in August 2025 as a modern high street, alongside Sir Tony Lloyd Square. Demolition of Stretford Mall began in June 2025, paving the way for a park, shops, and hundreds of new homes. A new food hub by GRUB was also approved last month.
"We realised Stretford were wanting something different for the area," Aleem said. "A lot of people have said to us 'isn't it a risk to come to Stretford', but eventually it will be busier. Right now there's not a lot going on but it's a very supportive community."
Tiramisu's Rich History and Global Appeal
Tiramisu, meaning "pick me up" in Italian, originated in the late 1960s or early 1970s at Le Beccherie restaurant in Treviso, Northern Italy. Chef Roberto Linguanotto and Alba Campeol modified a traditional egg yolk mixture by adding espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone, and cocoa. The dessert first appeared on the menu as 'Tiramesu' in 1972. However, neighboring Friuli-Venezia Giulia contests this claim, and local folklore suggests an earlier 19th-century origin in Treviso's pleasure houses, where it was served as an aphrodisiac.
Today, tiramisu is one of the world's most popular desserts, recognized in over 23 languages and celebrated annually on World Tiramisu Day. Misu Tiramisu's owners drew inspiration from a trip to Italy, spending a year perfecting their recipe. "The idea came from a trip to Italy where we tried tiramisu and we thought to ourselves that we could make it better," Aleem said.
What Sets Misu Tiramisu Apart
The brand's signature pull-out tray concept and modern branding have been key to its success. "People come to us because of how we display it, but they come back to us because they like the taste of it," Aleem explained. The cafe also offers smashable chocolate tubs of tiramisu and a savoury menu including pastries and freshly baked focaccia sandwiches.
Misu Tiramisu is located at Unit 6, The Mezzanine, 26 King Street, Stretford, Manchester, M32 8AE. The couple plans to expand the menu with additional lunch options as the business grows.
