Hobbs House Bakery

What Hobbs House Bakery does

Hobbs House Bakery is a fifth-generation, family-owned artisan bakery founded in 1920 by Thomas and Mabel Herbert in Down Ampney, now headquartered and producing in Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire. The company employs 101-250 staff and operates four retail shops (Bristol Gloucester Road, Chipping Sodbury, Nailsworth, Tetbury) selling fresh bread, cakes, pastries, and Extract Coffee. Its wholesale division supplies farm shops, restaurants, cafes, event caterers, and national accounts including Co-op, National Trust, and Gloucester Services through its own van fleet within a 50-mile radius and via national distributors (Bidfood, Creed, Holdsworth, West Country) across the UK. The technical foundation is traditional craft rather than automation: a continuously maintained 71-year-old sourdough starter culture, an overnight fermentation method dating to the 1920s, regenerative and organic flour sourcing within 10-15 miles of the bakery, and a ~150-SKU product catalogue spanning sourdough loaves, sandwich loaves, organic/regen lines, rolls, morning goods, cakes, and specialties.

The business monetises through three revenue streams: physical retail store sales (including the HHB Loyal points-based loyalty programme redeeming 500 points for a £5 voucher), direct-to-consumer e-commerce on Shopify delivering nationally via APC overnight (bread boxes, bake-at-home frozen pastries and pizza dough, baking equipment, branded merchandise, gift vouchers), and wholesale B2B (a dedicated Cybakeshop portal plus a sub-brand portfolio covering Sourdough, Sandwich Loaves, Organic & Regen, Rolls, Morning Goods, Cakes, and Speciality categories). Pricing is unit-based across all channels, with a 10% first-order email discount used as a top-of-funnel acquisition incentive.

Operationally, the company is led by George Herbert as Managing Director, retains full Herbert-family ownership with no external institutional capital, holds B Corp certification (first UK bakery, 2019; +13.4% at 2022 recertification), is Soil Association organic certified, and was awarded the King's Award for Sustainable Development in 2024, with community impact anchored by the 10-year Ifakara Bakery Project in Tanzania and weekly bread donations to FareShare and Family Food 4 Free. A stated £15M turnover target by 2030 and a recent Chipping Sodbury production capacity expansion signal an active growth phase built on craft, credentials, and channel breadth rather than technology differentiation.

Name

Hobbs House Bakery

Legal name

Hobbs House Bakery Ltd

Website

https://hobbshousebakery.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1920

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Hobbs House Bakery is a fifth-generation, family-owned UK artisan bakery producing handmade bread, cakes, and pastries through four South West retail shops, a national e-commerce store, and a wholesale network serving cafes, restaurants, farm shops, and national retailers via own fleet and foodservice distributors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Artisan Bakery Products

NAICS

Retail Bakeries (311811), Commercial Bakeries (311812), Bread and Bakery Product Manufacturing (31181)

SIC

Bakery Products (2050)

akta.pro primary industry

Retail Bakeries (Bread & Daily Bakery) (THAFAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Artisanal & Craft Bakeries (CRAHAGAA), Wholesale / Commercial Bakeries (B2B Supply) (THAFAFAF), Cake Shops & Custom Celebration Cakes (THAFAFAC), Specialty Dietary Bakeries (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Allergen-Friendly) (THAFAFAI)

Keywords

• Artisan bread bakery
• Handmade baked goods
• Wholesale bakery supply
• Sourdough bread
• Organic bakery products

Headquarters

HQ city

Bristol

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Retail Store Sales: Physical bakery shops in Bristol, Chipping Sodbury, Nailsworth, and Tetbury selling fresh bread, pastries, cakes, and coffee to consumers.
2. E-commerce / Direct-to-Consumer Online Shop: Online ordering through hobbshousebakery.co.uk for bread boxes, bake-at-home products, and baking equipment delivered nationally via APC overnight service.
3. Wholesale B2B Sales: Bread and confectionery supplied to farm shops, restaurants, cafes, event caterers, and national retailers. Fresh and frozen options available with dedicated online ordering portal.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Hobbs House Bakery produces and retails handmade artisan bread, pastries, cakes, and confectionery under the Herbert family's fifth-generation baking heritage (founded 1920). It sells through four retail shops in the South West of England, a direct-to-consumer e-commerce store shipping nationwide, a wholesale B2B division supplying restaurants, cafes, farm shops and national retailers, and a cookery school offering baking courses.

Product overview

Hobbs House Bakery is a fifth-generation family-run artisan bakery offering handmade bread, pastries, and confectionery. The product portfolio consists of a direct-to-consumer online shop selling Bread Boxes (customizable and pre-curated), a Bake At Home range (frozen pastries and sourdough pizza dough), Baking Equipment (professional-grade tools and accessories, sourdough starter, organic flour, branded books, and coffee), and Gift Vouchers. The business operates a separate Wholesale division supplying professional bakers, cafés, restaurants, and caterers across the South West and nationally through distributors. The Wholesale range is organized into sub-brands: Sourdough Range (including St Martin, Square St Martin, Organic Wild White, Organic Rye, Turmeric & Chilli, Large White, and Organic Seeded), Sandwich Loaves (Sherston overnight loaf, Everyday Harvest, Everyday White, GiFt Gluten Free, Pain De Campagne, Focaccia, Harvest Bloomer, White Bloomer, Six Seed Malted), Organic Range (Organic Wild White Sourdough, Organic 5 Seed Spelt, Organic Rye Sourdough, Organic Spelt, Organic Wholemeal, Organic Malted Oat, Wild Buns, Organic Seeded Wild White), Rolls (Smash Bun, Ultimate Burger Buns, Dinner Rolls, Harvest Rolls, English Muffins, Floury Baps, Ciabatta Roll, Baguette Paysan, Seeded Baguette), Morning Goods (All Butter Croissant, Cinnamon Buns, Granola Crunch Croissant, Pain Au Chocolat, Pain Aux Raisins, Fruit Scones, Cheese Scones, All Butter Scones, Spinach & Ricotta Slice, Tea Cakes), Cakes (The Wave Bar, Hiker's Bar, Bakewell, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Tiffin, Chocolate Orange Brownie, Lemon Drizzle, Banana Chocolate & Caramel, Banana Cake Untopped, Lardy Cake), and Speciality (Fig Loaf, Ciabatta Loaf, Frozen Pizza Dough, Quiche Base, Bath Buns, Gingerbread Man). The company also operates a loyalty programme (HHB Loyal) for retail customers. A standout product is the 71-year-old Sourdough Starter, used as the foundation for all sourdough breads and also sold to home bakers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bread Boxes (Build Your Own / Variety Bread Boxes) Customisable and pre-assembled boxes of freshly baked handmade bread sold direct-to-consumer via the online shop. Customers select specific loaves and quantities ranging from single loaves to multi-pack boxes. Bread is baked to order and delivered fresh on Wednesday or Friday slots via APC overnight service.
• Bake At Home Range A range of frozen pastries and sourdough pizza dough for customers to bake at home, including frozen croissants, cinnamon buns, and pizza bases, sold direct-to-consumer through the online shop.
• Baking Equipment & Accessories Professional-grade baking tools and accessories sold direct-to-consumer mirroring those used in the bakery, including bread tins, proving baskets, dough scrapers, the proprietary 71-year-old sourdough starter, organic flour, Extract roasted coffee beans, branded books, and HHB caps.
• Gift Vouchers Digital gift vouchers redeemable in the online shop for bread, cakes, baking equipment, and courses, available in denominations from £10 to £250 with a 12-month expiry from purchase.
• Cookery School Courses In-person baking courses run by Hobbs House Bakery's cookery school for individual consumers and groups, contacted via [email protected].
• Wholesale Sourdough Range B2B wholesale range of sourdough breads made with the bakery's 71-year-old sourdough starter, including St Martin Sourdough, Square St Martin, Organic Wild White, Organic Rye, Turmeric & Chilli, Large White Sourdough, and Organic Seeded Sourdough, supplied to restaurants, caterers, cafes, and farm shops.
• Wholesale Sandwich Loaves B2B wholesale range of artisan sliced breads designed for cafes and sandwich makers, including the Sherston overnight loaf, Everyday Harvest, Everyday White, GiFt Gluten Free, Pain De Campagne, Focaccia, Harvest Bloomer, White Bloomer, and Six Seed Malted.
• Wholesale Organic Range B2B wholesale range of organic breads certified by the Soil Association and made with flour from Shipton Mill, including Organic Wild White Sourdough, Organic 5 Seed Spelt, Organic Rye Sourdough, Organic Spelt, Organic Wholemeal, Organic Malted Oat, Wild Buns, and Organic Seeded Wild White.
• Wholesale Rolls B2B wholesale range of bread rolls for restaurants, events, and caterers, including Smash Bun, Ultimate Burger Buns, Dinner Rolls, Harvest Rolls, English Muffins, Floury Baps, Sourdough Ciabatta Roll, Baguette Paysan, and Seeded Baguette, with many made using regeneratively farmed flour.
• Wholesale Morning Goods B2B wholesale range of morning pastries and baked goods including All Butter Croissants, Cinnamon Buns, Granola Crunch Croissant, Pain Au Chocolat, Pain Aux Raisins, Fruit Scones, Cheese Scones, All Butter Scones, Spinach & Ricotta Slice, and Tea Cakes for cafes and food service.
• Wholesale Cakes B2B wholesale range of cakes made from scratch including The Wave Bar, Hiker's Bar, Bakewell, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Tiffin, Chocolate Orange Brownie, Lemon Drizzle, Banana Chocolate & Caramel, Banana Cake, and Lardy Cake.
• Wholesale Speciality B2B wholesale range of specialty products including Fig Loaf, Ciabatta Loaf, Frozen Pizza Dough (made with sourdough starter), Quiche Base, Bath Buns, and Gingerbread Man for cafes, restaurants, and caterers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Britain's Best White Loaf 2026 - Sherston loaf recognised as nation's best white bread
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration16 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Shipton MillcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlour supplier for over 4 decades, located just 15 miles from the bakery. Produces flour with unsurpassed texture and flavour. Partnership founded on shared values of provenance, sustainability, and quality. Source of organic and specialty flours including stoneground varieties.
• Matthews Cotswold FlourcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner8th generation family-run mill supplying regenerative flour for all bakery rolls. Partnership enables farm visits to see regenerative farming practices. Key supplier for Wild Buns and Ultimate Burger Bun regeneratively farmed flour.
• John Prior (Local Farmer)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal farmer whose farm is located just 10 miles from the bakery. Provides wheat for Organic Wild White Sourdough made from Maris Widgeon grain. Part of 'know your farmer' commitment to sourcing from healthier soils.
• Ifakara Bakery ProjectflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner10-year partnership supporting children and communities in Tanzania through bread donations. Every GiFt Gluten Free loaf purchased results in a donation. Over 200,000 loaves and 1.6 million meals provided. 15,000 children fed and 1,000 expectant mothers supported.
• Soil AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongstanding partnership ensuring organic breads meet high certification standards. First organic loaf baked 40 years ago following customer's request for organic flour. Continued collaboration on organic and regenerative farming practices.
• Bako WesterncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIngredient supplier for cakes and pastries, relationship spanning over 20 years. Operates as a cooperative serving members and works to reduce environmental impact.
• EdmeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSupplier of malted wheat for Harvest Loaf and St Martin Sourdough for 7 years. Works to reduce environmental impact, hires local people and apprentices, and aims to source grain locally.
• Smart PackagingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSupplier of FSC-certified cardboard boxes for product packaging. Hyper-local business partnership for over 20 years ensuring sustainable packaging.
• Extract Coffee RoasterscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBristol-based coffee roaster supplying the exclusive HHB blend used in all shops for the past 10 years. Custom roasted beans available for purchase online (1kg for £28).
• BidfoodcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational wholesale food distributor enabling nationwide availability of Hobbs House Bakery products beyond direct delivery area.
• Creed FoodservicecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational wholesale food distributor covering the South West and beyond.
• Holdsworth FoodscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational wholesale food distributor enabling product reach across the UK.
• West CountrycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational wholesale food distributor supporting UK-wide distribution.
• Arthur DavidminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional food service distributor covering South West England.
• DoleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional food service distributor covering Bristol area.
• Bramleys WholesaleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional wholesale distributor covering Cotswolds area.
• Four Seasons FruiterersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional distributor covering Oxford and surrounding areas.
• Savona FoodserviceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional food service distributor covering the South of England.
• FareShareflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerFood charity partnership redistributing surplus bread to communities. Commitment to donate 200 loaves per week. 900kg food donated via FareShare in 2024. Part of circular economy approach ensuring no bread goes to landfill.
• Family Food 4 FreeflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity food initiative set up during COVID providing surplus food to those in need with no questions asked. Hobbs delivers bread twice weekly. Founded by Aimee and Daniel Waters.
• The Long Table / Feeding ChangeflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity interest company founded by Tom Herbert addressing food access and social connection. Partnership includes team members' families working with the initiative. Question: 'What if everyone in our community had access to great food and people to eat it with?'
• The Better Food CompanyflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerWholesale customer since 1999 facilitating bread donations to St Werburghs Foodbank. Partnership enables surplus bread redistribution to families and individuals facing food insecurity across Bristol. Shared commitment to local sourcing and real bread.
• Square Food FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBristol-based cooking education organisation teaching 'Story of Bread' in local schools. Hobbs financially supported the start of this project bringing baking to children. Foundation runs free and subsidised classes, recipe kit delivery, and food education programmes for 15+ years.
• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupplier of regenerative burger buns, pastries, cakes, and scones to Chelsea Flower Show for 4th consecutive year. Aligns with sustainability themes and investment in future generations through school gardening initiatives.

Scale indicators18 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Gail's Artisan Bakery: UK chain of neighbourhood artisan bakeries producing handmade bread, pastries and cakes for retail and wholesale. Operates the same product-led, heritage-driven, multi-channel model as Hobbs House Bakery with similar sustainability and provenance positioning.
• Bread Ahead: London-rooted artisan bakery and baking school with retail shops, wholesale distribution and an online store selling bake-at-home kits. Directly comparable in combining handmade bread, teaching/education, DTC e-commerce and B2B supply.
• Bertinet Bakery: Bath-based artisan bakery founded by chef Richard Bertinet with a bakery school, retail site and wholesale line. Closest South West England geographic peer and near-identical product mix of handmade sourdough, sandwich loaves and teaching offerings.
• E5 Bakehouse: East London craft bakery specialising in sourdough and slow-fermentation breads sold via retail, farmers' markets and wholesale to cafés. Comparable as a small-batch, sourdough-anchored artisan bakery with direct and wholesale distribution.
• Paul UK: French-origin UK bakery chain offering artisan breads, viennoiserie and patisserie through retail shops and supply to foodservice. Overlaps Hobbs House on premium artisan bread, café/retail format and food-service wholesale.
• Lovingly Artisan Bakery: Independent UK artisan bakery producing organic sourdough and slow-fermented loaves for retail and wholesale. Closely comparable on craft positioning, organic sourcing, regenerative flour and direct/wholesale split.

Broad incumbents

• The Bread Factory: Large UK commercial bakery group producing artisan-style breads and morning goods for supermarket, food-service and wholesale customers. Comparable on the wholesale/B2B side as a broader incumbent serving national grocers alongside Hobbs House.

Regional players

• Cinnamon Square Bakery: Independent Reading-based artisan bakery with retail bakery, café and wholesale serving regional customers. Comparable product mix (artisan loaves, cakes, savoury items) but a different South East geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/HobbsHBakery
• Instagraminstagram.com/hobbshousebakery
• Xx.com/HobbsHouse

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hobbs House Bakery