BOLTON is home to the best two bakeries in Greater Manchester – according to TripAdvisor users.

The review website lists Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe and Carrs Pasties as the two most popular in the region.

The news will surely come as no surprise to the many who continue to flock to the two Bolton institutions, who between them, have been serving the town for more than 200 years.

Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe first opened in Churchgate back in 1898, and has been in the same family ever since.

Marie Walsh currently owns the shop and its reputation appears to be as strong as ever, with one TripAdvisor user commenting:

“I have been coming here since I was brought with my mother a long, long time ago. It has never changed and shouldn't. I am sure every Boltonian has had pasties from here and should be a must visit place for anyone coming the town.”

Another added: “Having been born and brought up in Bolton, the Pasty Shop has been a favourite of mine since a child, I remember in my late teens a Friday night pub crawl wasn't complete without a couple of pasties (the shop opened in the evenings then).

“I have not lived in Bolton for forty years but every time I return to visit family I have to stock up on my favourite food. I have travelled the world and have yet to find a pie or pasty that comes anywhere near the taste and quality of these.”

Meanwhile, Carrs' Manchester Road shop has some staunch supporters of its own, with one enthusiastic reviewer commenting:

“By far the greatest pasties in the world! Sounds like an over exaggeration and maybe I've not tried the pasties of France and Senegal yet but I have no doubt Carrs will blow theirs out of the water.”

After opening its first shop back in 1938, Carrs has gone from strength to strength and now has four stores across the town.

Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans is among the famous names who have extolled the virtues of the Bolton bakery in the past, and he has even asked Carrs to cater events at his pub in Surrey on several occasions.

The 10 best bakeries in Greater Manchester according to TripAdvisor reviews:

1. Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe - Bolton

2. Carrs Pasties - Bolton

3. Bradley's Bakery - Ashton

4. Siop Shop - Manchester

5. Archer's Bakers & Confectioners Ltd - Marple

6. The Airyfairy Cake Company - Stockport

7. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts - Manchester

8. Jandol Baklava Pastries - Manchester

9. Hey Little Cupcake! - Manchester

10. Waterfall Tea Room & Gifts - Littleborough

Do you agree that Bolton has the best bakeries in Greater Manchester? Let us know in the comments section below.