Lovingly Artisan bakery named best artisan bakery in the country in the 2025 Baker’s Dozen list. Reporter Dianne Bourne went to buy a bread haul for £30. (Image: MEN)
The revered bakery dubbed “UK’s best” is a hive of activity on a brisk Saturday morning at 10am.
Customers are already clamouring for the bakery’s prized croissants and sourdough loaves when Dianne Bourne took a trip along to the Lovingly Artisan counter in Altrincham Market to see what all the fuss was about.
At the time she arrived, there were only two pain au chocolate left, and the family in front reckoned they asked for them first.
She said: “I look at their kids’ hungry little faces, and I mean, what could I do? I begrudgingly concede pastry defeat.”
However, in a delightful turn of events, an elusive pastry revealed itself from beneath a saffron bun; Dianne got her pain au chocolat after all.
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Lovingly Artisan bakery named best artisan bakery in the country in the 2025 Baker’s Dozen (Image: MEN)
Her visit came the day after this celebrated establishment has just secured the title of the nation’s finest artisan bakery for the third consecutive year at the esteemed Bakers’ Dozen awards—no mere feat, as its judges are none other than culinary peers who are true connoisseurs of bread-making excellence.
Staff told her how their wares flew off the shelves “within hours”.
Sourdough enthusiasts can rejoice, however, as this specialty bread remains well-stocked and comes in an array of innovative varieties. There’s plenty to choose from too, Diane said: “I find myself enticed by the tempting choices—a dark chocolate and orange tin or possibly a spicy cheese and chilli boule beckon me.
“I opt for a timeless choice, selecting one of their gigantic sourdough tins, the priciest loaf available at £6.50, alongside a malted barley bloomer for £4. Each item proudly displays its award-winning status.”
The paper bags used to package the bread are miniature works of art, featuring the slogan “The truth is in the grain” accompanied by a cartoon hand grasping the grain, while the larger bags boldly declare “Sourdough power”.
Lovingly Artisan bakery (Image: MEN)
The bags further proclaim: “Born from a need to eat and enjoy real bread, we use natural ingredients to make and bake true bread the best it can be for people who share our love of real food. And we stand by our three commitments… Natural ingredients. Made with love. Shared with folk who care about what they eat.”
However, the dilemma lies in the fact that every item appears incredibly enticing, making it challenging to resist overindulging in carbohydrates. Diane ordered croissants (both plain and almond), a saffron bun, a scone, and some ciabatta buns.
Upon seeing someone else pick up a large, floppy focaccia, she felt compelled to follow suit. The counter also showcases an alluring array of products available for tasting, including a crunchy biscuit, sourdough bread paired with dipping oil, and a scone during her visit.
Additionally, the stall offers other artisanal goods like jams and oils. The bakery, founded by Aidan Monks and Catherine Connor over a decade ago in Cumbria, has built a loyal following.
The couple started their business by selling freshly-baked goods at Oxenholme Train Station, where passengers would “smell the bread and hunt them out”. They are passionate about “real breadmaking”, from the way the grain is grown to using heritage varieties from a local farmer.
Aidan has previously expressed his desire for people to put real bread “back at the centre of the table”. Previously, they had a separate bakery in Altrincham, but due to rising energy costs, they decided to consolidate all baking at their main Kendal bakery.
All products are baked fresh early in the morning before being transported to the market. For those who tend to over-order, the bread can be halved and frozen.
The paper bags from the bakery (Image: MEN)
After spending £30 on a bag of goodies, the first to enjoy them were Diane’s children, with the eldest particularly enjoying the focaccia and pain au chocolat.
She said: “I’m a big fan of a sourdough loaf, but I must admit my personal favourite (after an extensive search) always brings me back to Bradwall Bakehouse in Cheshire.
“The Lovingly Artisan tin was a bit light for my liking, but I absolutely adored the malted barley bloomer which was perfect for toasted sandwiches.
The bakery is popular (Image: MEN)
“Above all, I felt that you could truly sense the passion and dedication that the Lovingly Artisan team pour into everything they do here in Altrincham. From the stunning display of their goods on the stall, to those charming paper bags and of course the products inside.
“And I’d personally prefer to spend my hard-earned money here, rather than at a large chain like Greggs or Gail’s.”
Lovingly Artisan at Altrincham Market is currently open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7.30am to 4pm.
A selection of baked goods (Image: MEN)
But be warned, if you leave it too late in the day to visit, you might only find crumbs left.
What Diane bought:
Large sliced sourdough tin – £6.50,
Focaccia with tomato – £4.30
Malted barley bloomer – £4
Einkorn scone – £2.20
Pain au chocolat – £3
Almond croissant – £3
Croissant – £2.40
Cinnamon twist – £2.60
Ciabatta bun (x 2) – 60p.
TOTAL £29.20.