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Our story

A renowned wholesale bakery with a rich history and a fresh perspective

Serving the community for generations, we've built our reputation on traditional baking methods, quality ingredients, and a genuine passion for our craft.

Serving the community for generations

Welcome to The Cottage Bakery, a renowned wholesale bakery with a rich history and a fresh perspective. The bakery has been part of the Ampthill community for generations, a cherished local institution built on craft, quality, and care.

In April 2023, Simon and Judith Solway, with a deep appreciation of the baking industry, proudly took the reins of this cherished business.

Artisan baking tradition

For over 30 years, we have been crafting exceptional artisanal bread, cakes, and pastries using traditional methods and the finest ingredients. Our skilled bakers begin work long before sunrise every day, ensuring every loaf, pastry, and cake is freshly made and ready for our customers each morning.

Our sourdough is a labour of love: slow-fermented, hand-shaped, and baked to perfection. Every crust and crumb is the result of skill built over decades, from the careful sourcing of our flour to the precise timing of every bake. We use only the finest quality ingredients.

Beyond bread, our range spans freshly baked cakes, pastries, savouries, and seasonal specials, all made by hand in our Ampthill bakery. No mass production, no shortcuts; everything is crafted with the same care and attention that our customers have come to expect.

Our shops in Ampthill, Bedford, Kempston, and Flitwick are cherished places for those seeking a taste of authentic, homemade goodness: a warm loaf, a freshly iced cake, or a pastry straight from the oven.

We are always innovating, developing new recipes and ideas to meet the evolving tastes of our customers, while never compromising on the quality and craftsmanship that has always defined us.

Artisan sourdough bread

Catering for every occasion

We're more than just a bakery; we're part of the community celebrations and special moments that bring people together. For many years, we've proudly supplied local pubs, restaurants, and catering businesses.

Our freshly prepared buffets have been at the heart of many memorable occasions, from corporate meetings and birthday celebrations to wedding receptions, wakes, remembrance gatherings, and community events. Every platter is crafted with the same care and attention to quality that goes into everything we bake.

Explore our buffet options
Freshly prepared buffet platters

Quality you can trust

Since May 2014, The Cottage Bakery has achieved the prestigious SALSA accreditation, a testament to our commitment to maintaining the highest food safety and quality standards. Through meticulous documentation and rigorous adherence to established systems, we successfully passed the stringent SALSA inspection.

The Cottage Bakery Ampthill Ltd has been approved by SALSA.

View our SALSA certification

As proud advocates of our craft, The Cottage Bakery is honoured to be part of the respected Craft Bakers Association.

Our dedication to excellence has been recognised with the County Winner accolade at the Bakery Awards in 2024, 2023 and 2019.

We have also built trusted partnerships with many local businesses and welcome enquiries from businesses seeking our handcrafted products.

Our promise

We are dedicated to preserving the time-honoured traditions of this beloved establishment that have made The Cottage Bakery a local favourite. We will continue to deliver the same exceptional quality and service that has earned us the trust of our community.

Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we welcome your feedback and suggestions to help us continually improve.
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