Everyone likes to think they know where the best places are in Bristol. Everyone’s especially got their own opinion on the best bakeries. But if you really want to know where the best spots are, you have to ask the best. In its search for the 49 best bakeries in Britain, The Times asked local chefs and bakers where they pick up their favourite artisan loaves and delicious pastries
There were three Bristol bakeries featured on the list, plus one more in Bath (all listed under the area of Avon – which we all know doesn’t actually exist, more on that here.) These four bakeries were chosen by Ben Martin. As the head baker at Wilson’s Bread Shop, we really think it should have also received a nod, but we guess it’s not very humble to pick yourself. So here are Ben’s picks for the best bakeries in Britain:
1. Farro
If you want high-quality, traditionally-made goods with a modern touch, Farro is the place to be. Opened in 2019, everything is baked in-house from scratch, with an ever-changing array of breads, pastries and cakes on display. The St Pauls bakery was also named among the best bakeries in the UK by the Financial Times earlier this year if you needed any more convincing.
What to get: Ben highlights the “incredible pasteis de nata and 10/10 soft-serve”, but we also have to suggest the canelés – which are worth visiting Farro’s for alone.
📍1 Brunswick Square, St Paul’s, Bristol BS2 8PE
2. Hart’s Bakery
Hidden in one of the arches below Temple Meads, we can’t catch a train without a quick visit to Hart’s Bakery first. Here you’ll find a range of artisan pastries, cakes and savouries, including a daily changing menu filled with sausage rolls, tarts and focaccia sandwiches. There are plenty of surprises hidden up its sleeve too, including anything from a bacon, egg, cheese and sausage croissant to a cookies and cream cheesecake.
What to get: In a city that is severely lacking in top-quality Cornish pasties, this is easily some of the city’s best. Ben is quick to sing about the “crème brûlée doughnut” he had too.
📍Arch 35 Lower Approach Rd, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6QS
3. Mark’s Bread
Mark’s Bread is a staple in Bedminster and Southville, and as the name suggests, bread is the real star. Using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods, you can get your hands on everything from white, rye and spelt sourdough, to bloomers, baguettes, and pizza dough. But Ben is keen to note that that “pastries here are unreal.” While you can also get your hands on sandwiches, pasties, soups and pizza slices for lunch.
What to get: For Ben, “the challah bread and sausage rolls are a must.” But pick up one of the sourdough loaves to get a true taste of what Mark’s Bread is about.
📍291 North St, Bristol BS3 1JP
4. Landrace
Heading over to the neighbourly city of Bath, Landrace also gets a nod among the best bakeries in Britain. You’ll find a wide variety of sourdough, with Landrace milling its own flour (now that’s impressive), as well as a range of tarts, pastries and cakes. Not content with being a bakery and a flour mill, Landrace also runs a restaurant upstairs – with a daily changing menu.
What to get: “These folks serve the best cardamom buns I have had outside
Sweden,” said Ben. While the wholemeal porridge loaf is also a must.
📍61A Walcot St, Bath BA1 5BN