In Bristol, you’re never far away from the scent of freshly baked bread or a counter chock-a-block with impressive cakes. Here are some of our favourite bakeries where you can satisfy any hankering for great bakes.

Papadeli

Based in Clifton, just off Whiteladies Road, Papadeli’s cake counter is legendary. Pay a visit and you’ll be greeted with sweet treats such as New York cheesecake, rocky road and spiced carrot cake, alongside an equally tempting selection of savoury food. 

While you’re there, raid the deli for everything from cheese and condiments to wine and beer, sourced from quality producers across the UK and Europe. Prepare to leave with more than you went in for.

A cake topped with a red sauce and raspberries - Credit Papadeli

Image - Papadeli

Ahh Toots

Formerly based in St Nicholas Market, today you’ll find Ahh Toots at the bottom of Christmas Steps. The cakery is run by two bakers known for their incredible decorating skills, resulting in cakes that are as amazing to look at as they are to eat. As well as grabbing cake on the go from here, you can order showstopping bespoke cakes for special occasions.

Cupcakes with purple flowers and green leaves - Credit Ahh Toots

Image - Ahh Toots

Pinkmans

Sour-dough-nuts are the star of the show at Pinkmans on Park Street. Their signature bake is super light and filled with scrummy flavours like chocolate pecan brownie. The team also whip up stand-out cakes, breads and pastries as well as breakfast and lunch dishes such as toasties and soup.

A sourdough donut with a raspberry on top - Credit Pinkmans

Image - Pinkmans 

Hart’s Bakery

One visit to Hart’s Bakery and you’ll find it hard to resist popping in anytime you’re passing through Temple Meads, where it’s located under one of the station arches. They’ve got an online shop too, so you can give yourself something to look forward to by ordering their delicious breads, pastries and savouries for collection later in the week.

Cinnamon rolls, Credit:Harts Bakery

Image - Hart's Bakery

The Bristol Loaf

After proving a hit with the people of Redfield, The Bristol Loaf opened a second branch of their bakery and café in Bedminster and a third at Bristol Beacon in the city centre. Swing by either branch for brilliant bakes and light bites including plenty of veggie options, all made using organic ingredients sourced as locally and ethically as possible.

Various cakes on a counter at The Bristol Loaf bakery in St George, East Bristol - credit The Bristol Loaf

Image - The Bristol Loaf

Farro

Even before opening the bakery in St Pauls, Farro’s breads and pastries were well loved by Bristol foodies, thanks to their regular appearances at local markets. Expect nothing less than expertly made, beautifully presented bakes, especially the flaky pastries which they specialise in.

Bread on wire racks at Farro - Credit Farro

Image - Farro 

Mark’s Bread

Locals in Bedminster will already know about Mark’s Bread, whether they’ve picked up a loaf themselves or have walked past the queue outside the North Street bakery. The original bakers behind this south Bristol institution hung up their aprons at the start of 2021 but their talented team have kept up the award-winning standards.

Bread on the counter at Mark's Bread - Credit Mark's Bread

Image - Mark's Bread

East Bristol Bakery

Watch the bakers work their magic at this open plan craft bakery on St Mark's Road in Easton, with a smaller outpost in Wapping Wharf on the harbourside. With a big focus on top quality local ingredients, their award-winning ‘real bread’ is about as far from a bog-standard supermarket loaf as you can get. The seasonally changing cake counter is a real treat too.

Bread on wooden shelves - Credit East Bristol Bakery

Image - East Bristol Bakery

Bakehouse

Tucked away in an inconspicious warehouse building in St Phillips, there's always a crowd both inside and out at Bakehouse, and with good reason! This bakery and coffee shop does a tasty range of cakes, bakes, snacks and sandwiches, perfect for packing a picnic if you're about to head out on a cycle ride along the nearby Bristol and Bath Railway Path.

A counter full of cakes - Credit Bakehouse
Image - Bakehouse

Joe’s Bakery

Joe’s Bakery on Gloucester Road is the oldest working bakery in the city, with a 150-year history. The current owners have been running it for more than 30 years and keep customers returning with their cracking mix of classic, artisan and craft bread and confectionery.

A tray of hot cross buns - Credit Joe's Bakery

Image - Joe's Bakery

Hobbs House Bakery

Family-run chain Hobbs House Bakery also goes way back, having started out in the 1920s in the Cotswolds. Their Bristol branch is on Gloucester Road where you can pick up their renowned sourdough bread, made with a 65-year-old starter, along with a host of other handmade treats.

A tray of assorted pastries - Credit Hobb's House bakery

Image - Hobbs House Bakery

Even more brilliant Bristol bakeries:

  • Mokoko in Wapping Wharf
  • Anna Cake Couture in Clifton
  • Bristanbul Turkish bakery on Gloucester Road
  • The Park Bakery in Bedminster
  • Deli @ Sandy Park in Brislington
  • Sotiris Greek Bakery on Park Row

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