I t's that time of year again! The Great British Bake Off has graced our screens for the 13th year running and still captures the heart of many Brits across the nation. Since finding a new home on Channel 4, with a whopping 5 million people tuning in to watch the final in 2022.

However, the country’s love of baking and bakeries goes beyond watching it on TV, despite rising costs across the supply chain and the cost-of-living crisis, the bakery market has proved to be resilient. The coffee, bakery-led and sandwich channel appears to be outperforming the whole of the UK eating out market, totalling £10.5bn in 2022.

As of 2022, there were around 76,000 people working within the bakery industry, with 2,540 small companies all offering a wide variety of delicious baked goods. In a market saturated with biscuits, bread and Bakewell tarts, it can often be difficult to know where you should try some of these classics!

So, on your next short UK break , make sure that you get your baked-goods-fix from a visit to one of these fantastic bakeries!

Ashers, Nairn

Top Product: Butteries

What They Offer: Passed down through the generations, Ashers Bakery in Nairn has been producing freshly baked goods for 141 years. Over the course of these years, the bakery has picked up a number of accolades, including Scottish Baker of the Year in 2014 and the Best Newcomer to Exporting award at the Highland Business Awards for their boozy delights, whisky cakes and liqueur cakes. When visiting Nairn, no trip would be complete without tucking into one of Ashers Bakery scotch pies, for which they have won a gold award at the 15^th World Scotch Pie Championships.

“For something different try our ‘butteries’, a northeast of Scotland delicacy, also known as rowies, or Aberdeen rolls. Originally made to feed fishermen whilst at sea, they provoke a lot of debate and attracted interest from the late, great Terry Wogan who failed to understand their finer points… Toasted with marmalade or scrambled eggs or simply with butter. They are one of our bestselling online products to natives of the northeast who can’t get these in the rest of the UK!”

Mademoiselle Macaron, Edinburgh

Top Product: Salted Caramel Macaron

What They Offer: The delicate flavours of French baking can sometimes be too challenging for you to attempt at home, meaning that a visit to a patisserie is a real treat. However, Mademoiselle Macaron in Edinburgh was one of the few brave enough to attempt recreating her favourite sweet treat after a visit to French macaron specialists Ladurée.

“We are a macaron only bakery meaning we can focus our whole undivided attention on making the best French macarons in the UK, and who knows, even France! We are special in that I learned how to make French macarons while living in Paris so it’s a real French recipe with a Scottish twist. We believe in bringing every Mademoiselle and Monsieur a moment of luxury, we aren’t just about the product, it’s about the whole experience and offering you a little bite of indulgence.”

“Our salted caramel macaron has won two Great Taste Awards and is definitely one of our best flavours, but I advise people who are a bit more adventurous to go for our Scottish Whammy macaron which is made with good old Irn Bru. It’s a very Scottish flavour but still very popular!“

Mimi’s Bakehouse, Edinburgh

Top Product: Beforenoon Tea

What They Offer: “ Mimi’s Bakehouse is a thirtreen-year-old family-owned business based in Edinburgh with branches in Leith, Corstorphine and the Old Town,” Ashley from the bakery shares with us. Comprised of three shops, an online bakery, wedding cake services and pop-up shops, there is no shortage of opportunities for you to get to sample one of their delicious treats!

“We are the proud holder of Craft Baker of the Year 2015 and 2016 and Bakery Cafe of the Year 2017 and 2018. As a family business, we are so proud to be baking and cooking everything from scratch from our amazing range of cakes and scones to our savoury sausage rolls, bread, tarts and more. Whilst our motto ‘It’s all about the cake’ is something we continue to strive for we are proud to have so many elements to our business which we continue to push forward every day. Mimi’s words spoken right at the beginning ring true as we want customers to feel hugged as they walk in the door and a part of our big extended family.”

Tantrum Doughnuts, Glasgow

Top Product: Freshly Handcrafted Doughnuts

What They Offer: For doughnut enthusiasts, Tantrum Doughnuts in Glasgow is a must-visit destination. With three locations across the city, they are known for their brioche-based doughnuts made from scratch, including their fillings, toppings, and glazes. The result? An explosion of flavors that will leave your taste buds in sheer delight.

Among their signature offerings is the Creme Brulee-filled doughnut, featuring a smooth Madagascar vanilla custard, a crisp, crunchy burnt top, and a hint of nostalgia. For a unique twist, try their brioche ring with a pistachio glaze, a swirl of hibiscus, and sprinkled with Iranian candied pistachios.

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Emz Cakes, Wrexham

Top Product: Traditional Welsh Cakes

What They Offer: Emz Cakes in Wrexham is a hidden gem that has been enchanting locals and visitors alike with its sweet creations. At the heart of their offerings are the traditional Welsh Cakes, small griddle-cooked treats packed with flavor. These perfectly baked cakes are a delightful mix of raisins, sultanas, and just a hint of spice, creating a taste of Wales in every bite. Emz Cakes also offers a range of beautifully decorated cupcakes and celebration cakes, making them a go-to spot for sweet indulgence in Wrexham and beyond.

Whether you're exploring the valleys of Wales or venturing through the charming towns of the UK, Emz Cakes and their Welsh Cakes are a must-try, providing a taste of Welsh tradition and culinary excellence that will leave you craving more.

Calon Lan Cakes, Cardiff

Top Product: The Bara Brith

What They Offer: Nestled in the vibrant capital city of Cardiff, Calon Lan Cakes is a beloved bakery known for its dedication to preserving Welsh baking traditions.

The star of their offerings is the renowned Bara Brith, a traditional Welsh fruit loaf that translates to ‘speckled bread’. This tea loaf is a symphony of flavours, combining plump dried fruits, mixed spice, and a moist, perfectly baked bread. It's a slice of Welsh heritage in every bite.

Calon Lan Cakes also showcases a delightful selection of Welsh cakes, scones, and other local treats, making it a cherished destination for those seeking authentic Welsh baked goods.

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Warrens Bakery, Cornwall

Top Product: Cornish Pasty

What they offer: Warrens Bakery , founded in 1860, is an institution in Cornwall, known for its iconic Cornish pasties. These savoury pies are a true taste of Cornwall, filled with tender meat, flavourful vegetables, and a golden, flaky crust.

While their pasties are legendary, Warrens Bakery also tempts customers with a delightful array of sweet treats, including mouthwatering cakes, scrumptious scones, and delectable cream teas, making them a go-to for a real taste of Cornwall.

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Bath Bun, Bath, Somerset

Top Product: The Classic Bath Bun

What They Offer: Nestled in the enchanting city of Bath, Bath Bun is a charming bakery that has earned its place as an iconic destination for both locals and tourists. While their namesake, the Classic Bath Bun, is undoubtedly the star of the show, Bath Bun offers much more than just a delectable bun.

The Classic Bath Bun is a masterpiece in its own right. These sweet, light buns are lovingly baked to perfection, boasting a golden exterior that glistens with sugar nibs, which add a delightful crunch to every bite.

But Bath Bun doesn't stop at these delectable buns. They provide a quintessential British teatime experience, offering an array of traditional English teas and coffees that pair harmoniously with their pastries.

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Albert Street Bakery, Eccles, Manchester

Top Product: Authentic Eccles Cakes

What They Offer: In the heart of Eccles, Manchester, Albert Street Bakery stands as a true treasure for those seeking the quintessential Eccles cake experience. As the only artisan bakery in Eccles that crafts and sells these iconic pastries, they hold a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

Albert Street Bakery's Eccles Cakes are a testament to tradition, with each one made with flaky pastry, a sumptuous blend of currants, sugar, and a touch of spice. They are a taste of local history and a beloved treat for all who venture through their doors.

If you find yourself in Eccles, Manchester, a visit to Albert Street Bakery is a must. Their Eccles Cakes are a cherished part of the community, and this artisan bakery ensures that the heritage of these delectable treats lives on.

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Dunn's Bakery, North London

Top Product: The Iconic Chelsea Buns

What They Offer: Nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Crouch End in London, Dunn's Bakery is a cherished establishment known for preserving British baking traditions. Their Chelsea Buns are legendary.

These plump, spiral-shaped pastries are generously filled with currants, brown sugar, and cinnamon, creating a sweet, sticky indulgence that captures the essence of British baking at its finest.

Dunn's Bakery has been an institution in London for over a century, and their commitment to crafting exceptional a variety of baked goods has made them a destination for locals and visitors alike.

When you're in London and craving an authentic taste of the city's baking heritage, Dunn's Bakery is the place to be. Their Chelsea Buns are a delightful reminder of a bygone era, offering a timeless treat that continues to enchant discerning palates.

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