6 of Our Favourite Bakeries in the North of England and Scotland

Thursday 19th August 2021
Love the smell of fresh bread? Or maybe breakfast pastries are your guilty pleasure? As if we needed another excuse to devour delicious baked goods, you’ll be pleased to know that in September we’ve got both Sourdough September (all month) AND National Hot Cross Bun Day on the 11th!



To help you mark these two mouth-watering celebrations, we’ve taken on the very hard job of putting together a list of some of our favourite independent bakeries from across our network. Get the low-down on where to find luscious treats below…
  1. Twelve Triangles, Edinburgh

    Address: 90 Brunswick Street, EH7 5HU; 148 Duke Street EH6 8HU; or 22-24 Easter Road EH7 5RG

    Edinburgh is no stranger to wonderful cafés and bakeries serving up all kinds of scrumptious treats. One such independent business – which handily has multiple venues across the city – is Twelve Triangles.

    Their specialty is slow fermented sourdoughs which are all made by hand and contain zero additives. And each loaf is made from flour that’s milled locally at Mungoswells Millers.

    Twelve Triangles also sell a delectable range of sweet and savoury pastries, including lots of options for vegans. Why not pick up a flaky almond croissant or a pistachio and cardamom knot next time you’re in the city? We promise you won’t be disappointed.

  2. Baltic Bakehouse, Liverpool

    Address: 48 Bridgewater Street L1 0AY or 97 Allerton Road, L18 2DD



    A locally-run business in Liverpool that’s well-known for its sourdough is the Baltic Bakehouse. In fact, the bakery’s most popular loaf, the Baltic Wild, is so good that it’s even won awards!

    You’ll also find a whole range of sweet treats – including filled donuts and hot cross buns – plus moreish sandwich options made from the bakery’s signature sourdough. There’s never any scrimping when it comes to the fillings, either!

    Baltic Bakehouse gets extremely popular, so it’s best to head to its venues in the Baltic Triangle or Allerton early to avoid missing out. If you can’t make it in the morning, simply pre-order online and pick up your goodies at a time that suits you.

  3. Pollen Bakery, Manchester

    Address: 8 New Union Street, M4 6FQ

    If you’re craving sourdough in Manchester, Pollen Bakery is the place to go. It’s located in Cotton Field Wharf in the heart of trendy New Islington and is your one-stop-shop for bread, buns and classic pastries.

    Pollen’s signature 28 hour bread is a white sourdough loaf that’s ideal for toasting or sandwiches. You’ll also discover a rye and seeded version, plus a yummy collection of sweet treats. Buttery croissants, spiced cinnamon morning buns and cruffins in a rotating choice of flavours are all up for grabs and make it well worth the trip.

  4. FAB Bakery, Newcastle

    Address: 36 Fenham Hall Drive, NE4 9UU



    FAB Bakery has only been around for a few years, but it’s fast becoming one of the best places to visit in Newcastle for bread fans.

    Opened by a Kazakhstani local who was disappointed by the city’s lack of homemade bread, it now sells amazing loaves to local restaurants as well as in its very own independent bakery on Fenham Hall Drive.

    FAB’s offering varies from sourdough loaves and artisan breads to classic pastries and wonderful cinnamon buns. If you’re heading to the bakery over the weekend, you might also spot a few vegan options too. It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday and queues are always expected!

  5. Berry’s Bakery, Preston

    Address: 209 New Hall Lane, PR1 5XB

    Searching for a traditional, family-run bakery that’s managed to perfect its recipes over decades of practice? Berry’s Bakery ticks all the boxes.

    You’ll find three branches of this local Preston bakery in the city and surrounding area, and they all pack a punch with their huge range of baked goods. As well as various breads, you’ll be able to pick up delicious pasties and pies which are rumoured to be some of the best in the North West.

    Berry’s also caters to those with a sweet tooth thanks to its traditional cakes and buns. Why not indulge in a decadent cream cake, a rich chocolate eclair or something suitably seasonal like a hot cross bun?

  6. Bluebird Bakery, York
    Address: 2 Little Shambles, YO1 7LY

    Conveniently tucked away in the stunning Shambles, Bluebird Bakery makes the ideal pitstop when exploring historic York.

    The small yet very popular bakery has been around for a few years and is proud to be part of the “Real Bread” scheme which recognises venues for their authentic bread-making practices.

    It’s not just handcrafted sourdough that you can look forward to at Bluebird, though. Crispy ciabatta, rosemary focaccia and bloomers infused with herbs and olives are also on the menu. You could take your pick of several scrumptious savoury pastries too, including the locally-loved Bengali Five-Spice Roll. And for dessert? Bluebird’s tastebud-tingling treats range from award-winning brownies to earl grey tea cakes.

    Top tip: there are Bluebird Bakery branches in Leeds and Malton as well if you’re heading to either.

If you’ve been tempted by these incredible independent bakeries, why not plan a day trip or weekend away to one of these fantastic spots in the North of England and Scotland? If you can, buy tickets in advance to book a seat and get ready to enjoy bakery heaven.
 

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