Posted on September 05, 2024
The Cotswolds aren’t just rolling hills and honey-hued cottages. There’s a whole culinary world to explore of heavenly baked goods hiding in picturesque towns and little villages. Whether you’re a traveller just stopping in for a pastry or a local hunting for your new sourdough obsession, get ready to bookmark these gems.
Bakery on the Water
Bakery on the Water sits with its toes dipped in the River Windrush in one of the Cotswolds’ most popular villages, Bourton-on-the-Water. The aroma of fresh bread will lure you into the adorably designed space, offering everything from sourdough loaves to decadent sausage rolls. This bakery also has a sister store, Bakery on the hill, located in Burford. Both having a rich history, originating from a cake shop in 1928. They use traditional artisan methods and use locally sourced ingredients.
KNEAD
A Cirencester favourite, KNEAD was founded on a few key principles: tradition, quality, and seasonality by founders John and Kris, who worked together at a 5-star, 2 Michelin-starred hotel. They now bring their knowledge and expertise to the high street. KNEAD has an unassuming shopfront, but that’s because the true wonders are inside. Their famous sourdough takes dedication to taste; be prepared to get there early in the day as it always sells out. If you see their cruffins, buy them all—they’re a well-known and well-loved favourite of all who visit. They do lovely focaccia for a delicious lunchtime treat too.
La Boulangerie Artisan
Cheltenham is a large Cotswolds town filled with many treasures, but La Boulangerie Artisan has that small-bakery charm that hits a special spot. It’s the place to go for French-inspired pastries. Once you visit, you could be forgiven for assuming a little piece of Paris has been dropped into Cheltenham. Their almond croissants have gotten me out of bed on even the grumpiest of mornings, and their eclairs are works of art.
Lavender Bakehouse
Stroud has a great culinary scene, and Lavender Bakehouse is a highlight worth stopping at. You won’t find run-of-the-mill breads here. Lavender Bakehouse has an ever-changing seasonal menu that utilises many exciting plant-based recipes. You can find much more than just bakes here, though; you’ll be able to stop by for breakfast and brunch too. What feels like a special find will become one you return to again and again.
Huffkins
This Cotswolds staple has cosy tea rooms in Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold, and beyond. With roots dating back to 1890, Huffkins is a family-run bakery that prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, including flour from Matthews Cotswold Flour. While the sit-down afternoon tea experience is iconic, don’t underestimate the pure joy of grabbing a loaf of their fresh bread or one of their beautifully decorated cakes for a celebration. They focus on creating small-batch bakes with recipes passed down through generations, ensuring authenticity and quality in every bite.
Mark’s Cotswold Bakery
For a real taste of tradition, this bakery located on Heath Farm in Chipping Norton delivers the goods. It’s an unfussy bakery with seriously tasty bread, and that proper ‘local bakery’ smell. Known for its handmade approach, Mark’s Bakery uses flour from a local mill and is celebrated for its award-winning sourdough breads, available in local eateries and shops. You’ll find other classics such as tiger bread and crusty white loaves done to perfection. Mark's journey began with baking sourdough for family and friends, eventually leading to a professional bakery.
MOR
Inspired by a coffee and almond croissant, whilst sat in one of Copenhagen's many cafes. MOR was founded by David who was driven by his passion for baking and his love of the bold and flavourful to open MOR. Found in Chipping Norton, MOR specialises in sourdough, using a starter named "MOR" (meaning "mother" in Danish). They emphasise traditional techniques and seasonal, organic ingredients to craft their pastries and savoury offerings.
Otis & Belle
The company, which was named after the owners' children, now has three different bakeries you can visit, they can be found in: Moreton In Marsh, Stow On The Wold and Broadway. Offering a unique blend of artisan sourdough and patisserie. Known for their high-end viennoiserie, they use a 30-year-old sourdough starter named "The Professor" and focus on naturally leavened breads, all made with locally sourced flour.