Freshly baked bread, a wedge of fluffy Victorian sponge and jam-filled doughnuts - got your mouth watering yet? We pick nine bakeries you need to visit in the Cotswolds to quell those sugar cravings
1. Bakery on the Water, Bourton-on-the-Water
Nestled by the beautiful River Windrush in Bourton-on-Water, try and find a seat by the riverside while tucking into some delicious baked treats. The cosy interiors of the Bakery on the Water are perfect to warm up on a colder day.
It is a warm and friendly welcome at the family-run Bakery on the Water, with everything from morning pastries and freshly brewed coffee right through to straight-out-of-the-oven scones to accompany your afternoon tea. The bakery also offers a picnic to go – perfect for a sunny day by the river!
2. Hobbs House Bakery, various locations
Renowned in the Cotswolds for delicious sourdough loaves, Hobbs House Bakery also offers homemade cakes, pastries and tarts alongside its freshly baked bread. There’s plenty to choose from, and we hear the Portuguese tarts are to die for.
There are stores in Chipping Sodbury, Nailsworth, Tetbury and Malmesbury offering an extensive selection of mouthwatering baked goods, and if the hunger-inducing waft of freshly baked bread doesn’t tempt you, we don’t know what will! Hobbs House Bakery also scooped the Cotswold Life Food & Drink Award for 'Best Independent Retailer' this year!
3. Baker & Graze, Cheltenham
This popular bakery-cum-restaurant located in the heart of Cheltenham’s vibrant Suffolks offers hungry visitors hearty breakfast dishes along with an inventive menu of sumptuous dishes to enjoy in the evening.
It is clear a lot of passion goes into the creation of its treats; from sourcing new flavours, baking methods, and making their customers feel welcome. The bakery specialises in sourdough breads, pastries, sweet treats and savouries; and there’s nothing quite like sitting back, relaxing and immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere with a freshly brewed coffee and doughnut in hand.
Finalist in our Best Local Supplier/Producer at Cotswold Life Food & Drink Awards 2017, Nom Nom Cupcakery doesn’t just create delectable cupcakes, they create mini works of art. Each cupcake is baked fresh daily; light and fluffy in texture and beautifully decorated.
Cupcakes can be purchased from the cosy bakery in the gorgeous village of Brimscombe near Nailsworth, or ordered online for a special occasion. Flavours range from the more traditional to the slightly odd combinations; try a bacon and cheese, you won’t regret it!
5. Huffkins, various locations
A list of bakeries in the Cotswolds wouldn’t be complete without Huffkins, a bakery and tea rooms which has been serving hungry and thirsty patrons for over 100 years. The tea rooms can be found in Cheltenham, Witney, Stow-on-the-Wold, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the bakery where it all began, Burford.
Everything at the family-run business is freshly baked and crafted by hand, and locally sourced ingredients are used wherever possible. Dishes are delivered with genuine charm whether you’re tucking into a coffee and pastry in the morning or whiling away an afternoon enjoying an indulgent afternoon tea.
6. Walkers the Bakers, Stroud
Well-loved among locals and visitors alike, Walkers the Bakers sits in the heart of Stroud boasting an extensive selection of freshly baked treats. We’re impressed if you can walk past the window display without your mouth watering! There’s plenty to choose from including rich lardy cakes, sugary filled doughnuts, pretty cakes and fresh loaves of bread.
Pay a visit to The Café Above Walkers the Bakers, a twee tea room offering dishes cooked to order, from a hearty Full English, to a pot of tea accompanied by a jam and cream doughnut or a thick slice of homemade cake.
7. Jane’s Pantry, various locations throughout Gloucestershire
After first opening a sandwich bar in Gloucester in the 70s, Jane’s Pantry can now be found throughout the Gloucester city centre and surrounding areas. The family firm retains its traditional high standards, the use of quality ingredients and still bakes all produce daily.
Enjoy the friendly, warm welcome Jane’s Pantry is known for and sample a doorstop sandwich comprising of freshly baked bread or a tasty, well-filled savoury. An ice bun, doughnut or cake is worth saving room for too!
8. Cacao Bean, Moreton-in-Marsh
A charming café nestled in Moreton-in-Marsh, Cacao Bean is a haven for sweet tooths. Expect mini cakes, tarts, mousse cakes, gateaux, chocolates and truffles, alongside a wide selection of seasonal cakes inspired by other cultures including owner Silke’s native Germany. Take a seat with a freshly baked sweet treat alongside a fair-trade tea or barista coffee and watch the world go by.
Cacao Bean specialises in individually designed and beautifully decorated wedding and celebration cakes for those after a sweet treat for a special occasion.
9. Halls Quality Bakers, various locations
With shops in Cirencester, Nailsworth, Stroud and Tetbury, Halls Quality Bakers was originally established over 100 years ago to deliver freshly baked loaves of bread to homes in Minchinhampton and the neighbouring villages.
Nowadays customers can enjoy a host of delicious cakes, tarts and slices alongside the renowned and delicious loaves of bread. Chocolate lovers will enjoy sampling the decadent Chocolate tops and the tasty Tiffin slices.
