10 of the Best Bakeries to Visit this January
10 of the best local bakeries you'll want to know about
FAB Bakery
Fenham
This hidden gem in Newcastle may be small, but its flavours and innovation pack a punch. Shynara Bakisheva founded the bakery after finding a lack of quality bread options in the North, and the business has gone from strength to strength ever since. The bakery has become a firm favourite with locals and regularly has a queue of customers out of the door. Open Wednesday to Saturday, the bakery offers a range of goods including (of course) fresh loaves, croissants and cinnamon buns daily as well as a range of sweet and savoury specials on Fridays and Saturdays. A particular favourite is the almond pain au chocolat, which is wonderfully flaky and fresh. The bakery has also become known for its take on the viral croissant cubes, an especially indulgent treat which is great for splitting between two.
PureKnead
Whitley Bay & Newcastle
A must-visit on Whitley Bay’s Park View, PureKnead has gained a loyal local following and has expanded to Newcastle as well (with a shop on Dean Street). Their famous sourdoughs take 48 hours to make using traditional techniques and the bakery offer an extensive range of pastries, cakes and other savoury goods. The interior of the bakery is rustic and cosy, with great opportunities for people-watching with a warm drink and sweet treat. The bakery also has a fantastic selection of jams, pickles and packaged goods including granola, biscuits and spice mixes, perfect for taking a piece of PureKnead home with you.
The Running Fox
Felton, Longframlington, Shilbottle, Longhoughton
With four cafés dotted throughout Northumberland, The Running Fox is ideal for a pit stop during a day of countryside exploration. The original café-cum-bakery can be found in the quaint and quiet village of Felton, right next to the River Coquet. Arguably most famous for their afternoon teas, visitors can expect generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere. The other locations are just as welcoming and are conveniently dog friendly, great for if you’re stopping in after a long country walk.
Bakerman
Darlington
This not-for-profit bakery has become a favourite with the local Darlington community. Head baker Dan Booth has previously won the prestigious Best Loaf award at Britain’s Best Loaf competition and continues to build on his success at the bakery with a ‘guest loaf’ each week. Past loaves have included a parmesan and black pepper sourdough and a chilli, cheese and toasted sesame seed loaf. You can read more about the bakery here.
The Grateful Bread
Hexham
Take a break from wandering the historic streets of Hexham and head to this small but cosy bakery right in the town’s centre. The family-run bakery specialises in organic sourdough bread, but also sells extra produce including cultured butter, local honey and jam and coffee from Northumberland Coffee Co, perfect for making the ultimate morning toast and coffee. There is also a range of sweet treats to choose from including chocolate babka buns and cardamom buns.
Forge Bakehouse
Sheffield
When it comes to their bread, the team at Forge Bakehouse know that patience is essential so it makes sense that all of their sourdough and yeasted breads are fermented over multiple days for the best possible bake. The bakery has some favourites that are always available including their white peak, dark peak and sesame linseed and sunflower loaves, but also strives to keep things fresh with a menu that shifts throughout the week. For their pastries and cakes, the team use local markets for their fruit and make all fillings and jams in-house.
Botham’s of Whitby
Whitby & Sleights
This institution can trace its roots in the historic town of Whitby all the way back to 1865, when Elizabeth Botham sold her baked goods at the local market. The bakery has expanded since then and now has a number of stores across Whitby and the surrounding area. It has become famous for its traditional baked treats including Whitby lemon buns (which they have been making for more than 100 years), plum bread and ginger biscuits, as well as offering seasonal bakes like strawberry tarts, and Easter simnel cakes.
Bondgate Bakery
Otley
Starting with the recipes passed to him from his grandmother, founder Steve Taylor has made a name for this Otley-based bakery since its beginning in 1984. The team are determined to stick to traditional baking techniques and don’t use any additives, preservatives or mixes in their bread. As well as bread, the bakery offers a range of savoury and sweet goods to choose from including traybakes, slices, quiche and pasties.
Side Oven Bakery
Carr House Farm, Driffield
Established in 2003, this farm-based bakery is able to grow and mill the grain for its bread on-site. As well as baking bread and pastries, the bakery offers a range of homemade produce that have become firm favourites across the region. In particular, their honey-toasted granola has become a hit and the bakery now also makes muesli, preserves, cordials and juices made from their orchard. The farm is surrounded by stunning scenery which the family are careful to maintain by encouraging wildflowers, planting hedges and monitoring local bird populations.
Flour and Feast
Hull
Originally based in a unit in Hull’s Trinity Market, this bright and airy bakery is the best spot to gently ease into your day. Baking is done throughout the day, so you can guarantee that anything you try has been freshly made, and the bakery boasts an extensive range of sweet and savoury goods to choose from. As far as it can, the bakery relies on local businesses for its ingredients including fruit, vegetables and flour. It has also made efforts to be as eco-friendly as it can, using biodegradable packaging and ensuring that any excess food is given away when possible.
