Northants, Leics &amp; Rutland


<p><em>Bake Off</em> season is upon us and boy are we ready for it. The televisual equivalent of an open fire and hearty bowl of stew, it warms our cockles. I don’t know about you but when it’s back on the box, I’ve get a hankering for pastries and cakes with ‘a good crumb’, so here’s our pick of the best bakeries across Northants, Leics and Rutland.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northants">NORTHANTS</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honeywell-biscuit-co-elkington"><a href="https://honeywellbakes.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Honeywell Biscuit Co</a>., Elkington</h2>



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<p>From seasonal baking kits to beaut biscuits that come packaged up and delivered through the letterbox, we are big fans of Honeywell, as their stunning biccies, cakes and breads make gorgeous gifts either made up and ready to scoff, or as a fun kids activity. Plus they are always perfectly pretty.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eleven-long-buckby"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/eleven__lb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eleven</a>, Long Buckby</h2>



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<p>Run by bother and sister duo Ali and Libby, this newly re-branded patisserie and coffee shop started life as Born and Bread bakery and has just had the most gorgeous facelift and transformation. They&#8217;ve scaled back the bread side of the business, but you can still expect the world&#8217;s greatest cruffins, so please don;t panic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magee-street-bakery-northampton"><a href="https://mageestreetbakery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magee Street Bakery</a>, Northampton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/09/Magee-Street-Bakery-Northampton.jpeg" alt="Magee Street Bakery Northampton millionaires shortbread pastry" class="wp-image-42111" /></figure>



<p>&nbsp;Magee Street Bakery is a one stop brekkie shop for freshly baked goods. Egg and bacon rolls on homemade 24 hour fermented sourdough,<em>&nbsp;Pain du Magee</em>&nbsp;and locally roasted coffee from Carrara Coffee will see you right at this gorgeously cool neighbourhood gaff.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-butterwick-bakery"><a href="https://butterwickbakery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Butterwick Bakery</a></h2>



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<p>These guys are on the rise like someone added the whole tub of baking powder, with new cafés popping up all over the place (you can find them in Corby, Kettering, Market Harborough, Wellingborough, Northampton, Rugby, Rushden Lakes, MK, and Oakham. Phew), they’re fast becoming globally renowned for their glazed doughnuts but you can also order their spectacular celebration and wedding cakes as well as giant brownies, which are perfect for kids’ parties. Or maybe we just keep it for ourselves?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mill-house-tea-rooms-and-cakes-wootton"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/millhousetearooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mill House</a> Tea Rooms and cakes, Wootton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/09/mill-house-.jpeg" alt="lotus caramac show stopper celebration occasion cake Mill House Tea Rooms Wootton Great British Bake Off" class="wp-image-42086" /></figure>



<p>From show stopping occasion cakes and afternoon teas to die for, to serving the hoards at Holdenby House and pop-ups in the grounds of her home, creative powerhouse and owner of Mill House, Emily Armstrong, is the Queen of Cakes. “We don’t do dainty, we do slabs!” She proudly states. Everything is homemade, using seasonal produce as much as possible. Mmm. Cut me an extra slice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-lion-barn-shop-culworth"><a href="https://www.theredlionculworth.co.uk/barn-shop.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Lion Barn Shop</a>, Culworth</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/09/Red-lion-bakery-culworth.jpg" alt="homemade pie local bakery pie shop red lion barn shop vulworth northants" class="wp-image-35309" /></figure>



<p>The Red Lion pub in Culworth have long been lauded for their impressive pie crusts and, since opening The Barn shop during lockdown, their scrumptious pies, quiches and pastries are available whenever the fancy takes. Grab a pork pie, fig and goats cheese pie or sausage roll on the go, or stock up on sun blush tomato and red Leicester quiche for an easy supper. Not a soggy bottom in sight.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-good-loaf-northampton-and-kettering"><a href="https://thegoodloaf.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Good Loaf</a>, Northampton and Kettering</h2>



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<p>A dead cert for a Hollywood handshake, The Good Loaf is a bakery and social enterprise rolled into one heavenly cinnamon bun. Everything is made with locally sourced produce including flour from Heygates and oil from Farrington’s but that’s not all, they also provide disadvantaged women with employment opportunities to help break the cycle of poverty and offending using structured work placements and apprenticeships.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-little-bakery-of-happiness-wellingborough"><a href="https://www.thelittlebakeryofhappiness.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Little Bakery of Happiness</a>, Wellingborough</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/09/the-little-bakery-of-happiness-wellingborough.jpeg" alt="the little bakery of happiness wellingborough cake slice" class="wp-image-42107" /></figure>



<p>One for the gluten-free tribe, The Little Bakery of Happiness produces coeliac-safe goodies that actually taste good, from pies and sausage rolls to brownies and muffins. Started ten years ago after founder Vicky discovered she had coeliac disease, they’ve gone from strength to strength and boast a clutch of awards too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-copper-kitchen-roade"><a href="https://www.thecopperkitchen.co.uk/">The Copper Kitchen</a>, Roade</h2>



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<p>Want your treats delivered to your door? That’s a yes. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just fancy treating yourself to something a bit extra, The Copper Kitchen will deliver their cakes, canapés and vintage afternoon teas direct to your door and they do the most stunning celebration cakes. Deffo a hot contender for Star Baker.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rutland">RUTLAND</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fika-oakham-stamford"><a href="https://www.fikacafe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fika</a>, Oakham, Stamford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/09/fika-cafe-bakery.jpeg" alt="fika cafe bakery oakham stamford rutland woolfox northants" class="wp-image-42121" /></figure>



<p>We are absolute superfans of this vibey brunch cafe and bakery mini chain, run by brother &amp; sister duo Tia &amp; Ivo, which is known for its great coffee, Swedish cinnamon buns and pastry. They only use fresh ingredients and make everything on site too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.lilyandhoneybakery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lily and Honey</a>, Oakham</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/09/lily-and-honey-oakham-rutalnd.jpeg" alt="lily and honey oakham rutalnd cupcakes muffins bakery cakes" class="wp-image-42124" /></figure>



<p>If you love eating and making cakes why not open your own bakery? That’s exactly what Nicolle &amp; Robert did in 2019 and went on to bag a win in the Great Taste Awards. They bake everything from scratch using free range eggs, and organic flour, from naturally leavened bread (obvs) to pastries, cakes and bakes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hambleton-bakery-rutland"><strong><a href="https://www.hambletonbakery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hambleton Bakery</a>, Rutland</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/leics/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2023/09/bakeries-leicestershire-rutland-hambleton-bakery.jpg" alt="bakery pastry" class="wp-image-45276" /></figure>



<p>We can’t forget the award-winning Hambleton Bakery. Run by Julian Carter, a 10th generation baker, he’s been baking bread for as long as he can remember and is serious about bread. He opened his first bakery in 2008 in Exton with Tim Hart (owner of Hambleton Hall). Fast forward and they now have six bakeries across the UK and hand make their loaves on site with quality ingredients, specialised know-how and a no-rush attitude.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.bainesbakery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baines Bakery</a>, Uppingham</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="983" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/baines-bakery-uppingham.jpeg" alt="Baines bakery uppingham" class="wp-image-50924" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/baines-bakery-uppingham.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/baines-bakery-uppingham-300x295.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/baines-bakery-uppingham-768x755.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There’s a lovely story behind this bakery; it’s been been passed down five generations of the Baines family and is still going strong. Tucked away in a pretty 17th century building in the market town of Uppingham, this small baker makes everything on site including bread, sandwiches, cakes and filled rolls. For lunch, how about their vegan filled rolls with homemade falafels followed by an iced ring doughnut?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leicestershire">LEICESTERSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.garagebakehouse.co.uk/">The Garage Bakehouse</a>, Market Harborough</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/leics/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2023/09/garage-bakehouse-bakery-leicestershire.jpg" alt="baked goodies" class="wp-image-45223" /></figure>



<p>Started almost 10 years ago in an empty garage space (hence the name) of Dan and Lauren’s grandfather, Donald. Fast forward and the bakery is a popular and much-loved part of the local community. They make and bake hundreds of loaves, thousands of pastries and countless other delicious treats each week. Go in for lunch and you could pick up a crispy báhn mì-inspired baguette stuffed with juicy pork belly and crackling, Brussels pâté, lime juice, fish sauce, coriander, ginger sriracha, rice vinegar-pickled carrot and cucumber (wowzer!) or choose from sandwiches, focaccia, mushroom, thyme and cheddar béchamel croissants, purple sprouting and stilton quiche, cinnamon buns – the options are endless.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="http://www.connorsbakery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connors Bakery</a>, Hinckley</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/Connors-bakery-hinckley.jpg" alt="Connors bakery hinckley" class="wp-image-50927" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/Connors-bakery-hinckley.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/Connors-bakery-hinckley-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/Connors-bakery-hinckley-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Baking bread since 1931, this tiny bakery started off when the then owner, Mrs Biddle converted her home into a small family-run bakery. Fast forward a few years and they’re still on the same site but now make everything from naturally leavened cheese and onion sourdough bread (pictured) to gluten-free bread, traditional cakes, sweet pastries and more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-tiny-baker-y-leicester"><strong><a href="https://thetinybakeryleicester.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tiny Baker</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thetinybakeryle2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">y</a>, Leicester</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/leics/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2023/09/bakeries-leicestershire-rutland-tb.jpg" alt="criossants" class="wp-image-45269" /></figure>



<p>Yes, it’s quite possibly the tiniest bakery you’ll ever step into, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in delicious bakes. The Clarendon Park Road bakery make everything from artisan bread and pastries to bespoke celebration cakes and they do the best sausage rolls for miles (but you have to get there quick as they sell-out fast) and their pastries are to die and check out these new honey bee croissants.&nbsp;Seriously, you could spend every lunch break here and still never tire of their treats!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="http://www.oliviasbakery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Olivia’s Coffee and Bakery</a>, Loughborough</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/leics/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2023/09/bakeries-leicestershire-rutland-1.jpg" alt="bakes" class="wp-image-45267" /></figure>



<p>So much more than just sourdough, this small ‘craft bakery’ make their bread from scratch every day. They’ve now also got an outlet in Outwoods Country Park in Charnwood – an ideal spot to grab something after a stroll through the woods. There’s tin loafs, rustic loafs, crusty sesame rolls and, of course, their popular Pullman loafs (a square-shaped, soft crust bread perfect for their sandwiches). I love the sound of their grilled Halloumi flatbread and for something sweet try the Crunchie cruffin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://theskylarkbakery.co.uk/"><strong>The Skylark Bakery</strong></a><strong>, Leicester</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/leics/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2023/09/skylark-bakery-leicestershire.jpg" alt="Raspberry, Rhubarb &amp; Custard Brioche
" class="wp-image-45231" /></figure>



<p>Tucked away on Clarendon Park Road, this buzzy cafè/bakery is a favourite with the locals. Aside from your morning cup of joe, there’s the allure of their homemade cakes and their brunch menu that’s served till 3pm. Kids will love their big ‘brioche buns’ filled with vanilla mascarpone cream and raspberry but if they’re too big for your liking, try the smaller – but just as delicious – raspberry, rhubarb and custard ones instead.</p>


Nice buns! Local bakeries we love, in honour of GBBO

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