Cornish Bakery, the independent, founder-driven company first started in Mevagissey, Cornwall, opened the doors to its new Witney bakery on 21st August, transforming a distinctive Grade II listed building in the heart of Market Square into a its ‘big hearted bakery’ designed specifically for the town.
The company, which now has a collection of more than 80 bakeries across the UK, has created an entirely bespoke concept for the historic property at 11 Market Square, most recently occupied by Shoe Zone and dating back to the mid-18th century. Internally, the property seats up to 50 guests at any one time and more than 16 year-round local jobs have been created.
The interior has been designed to feel contemporary and refined while retaining a sense of warmth and character appropriate to its historic setting. Exposed brickwork and textured glass sits alongside warm grey concrete flooring, timber detailing, leather banquettes and carefully considered feature lighting.
The exterior has also been given a distinctive new identity, with the Market Square shopfront finished in a warm Golden Sand tone and large windows giving passers-by a view into the bakery and its wholesome displays. Artwork is by A-Side, with lighting by Studio Haran and Lin Lovekin, continuing Cornish Bakery’s approach of working with independent designers and makers to give each new bakery its own character.
Carrara marble counter tops showcase Cornish Bakery’s range of handcrafted products, including its award-winning pasties and sausage rolls, alongside daily crafted and baked viennoiserie, pastries and cakes.
Seasonal highlights include the Lemon Meringue Croissant, inspired by the classic dessert and filled with smooth cream cheese and rich yuzu cream; the indulgent Chocolate, Banana and Peanut Butter Pastry, inspired by Head of Proposition and Product Arnaud Kaziewicz’s MasterChef: The Professionals creation and the Orange and White Chocolate Chai Bun.
Cornish Bakery managing director, Mat Finch said: “We are beyond delighted to have opened our bespoke new community bakery in Witney. This marks an exciting investment in the high street, transforming a stunning, vacant property into a contemporary bakery destination for both locals and visitors. Visitors can expect fresh pastries, exceptional coffee, generous seating and kind smiles as we breathe new life into a Grade II listed building.”
Mat continued, “We’ve approached the building with real care, respecting its history while creating something confidently modern inside. Our ambition is always to create bakeries that feel relevant to the place they’re in rather than simply repeating the same design from town to town. We can’t wait to become part of Witney and welcome people through the doors.”
The Witney Bakery Manager is open from 8am – 6pm every day of the week.
