Bradwall Bakehouse has been a big hit since it first began baking sourdough loaves, breads and buns three years ago in the village hall
In a huge transformation, Bradwall Bakehouse, nestled in an old village hall near the M6, has emerged as a popular artisan cafe and is thrilling drivers and locals stopping off for a drink and a treat to enjoy. Starting out just three years ago, the Cheshire firm began its journey baking sourdough loaves, breads and buns and now proudly supplies to over 25 businesses in the North West of England.
The baking experts at Bradwall have taken over the remainder of their Sandbach hall to unveil an inviting café equipped with plentiful seating inside and out.
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From Tuesdays through Saturdays, the doors of The Breadhouse swing open, welcoming patrons to either snatch up baked delights to go or relax on-site amidst the scenic surrounds.
Bakehouse founder Fiona Barlow shared her enthusiasm about the fresh expansion, affirming that their commitment to handcrafted, storied bread remains unwavering.
Fiona expressed: “We’ve always prided ourselves on crafting authentic, handmade bread that tells a story, and The Breadhouse will allow us to offer our produce and refreshments to the community in a friendly and welcoming setting.”
She adds: “This is an exciting next step in our business, and it’s essential to us that, as we grow, we continue to stay true to our roots and the values that our customers love.”
Not content with just their renowned sourdough and farmhouse loaf offerings, the skilled bakers have introduced a tempting array of confections – expect to find cinnamon buns and a sweet lemon and blueberry rendition of their celebrated focaccia.
They’ve kicked off with a pledge to use locally-sourced and natural ingredients, in line with their own traditional baking methods that shun additives or preservatives in their bread. So don’t anticipate seeing trendy breakfasts like avocado on toast on the menu – as they clarify “avocados aren’t grown locally”.
What you can look forward to is artisan bread boards where you can choose local cheeses from Sandbach’s renowned independent grocers Godfrey C. Williams and sons, while fresh produce and chutneys are locally-sourced too.
The former village hall has been revamped for its new purpose – boasting a scandi-chic theme inside, with plenty of cosy corners to sit in, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Meanwhile, the village hall’s old stage has been converted into a stylish adults-only seating area nestled at the back.
On a sunny day, you can sit outside and take in the stunning views of wildflower meadows and a wood. The new café has already been creating a stir among bread enthusiasts.
And it’s poised to be a favourite pit stop for walkers and cyclists, given its location on a country lane in the tiny village which is just a mile out of Sandbach in Cheshire, just off Junction 17 of the M6 motorway.
Fiona, 51, said: “The reaction since we announced the news has been so nice. We have around 80 people coming well out of their way to come here every week to buy our breads, so we thought well why not make a place where they can come and sit here on a Saturday afternoon in the green fields too.
“We called it The Breadhouse because we wanted it to be about the bread, and for people to feel at home here.”
Fiona Barlow has transformed the local community’s daily bread with The Breadhouse – offering over 2,500 loaves a week from the village hall kitchen turned artisan bakery.
Sit back and savour the taste with artisan coffees and speciality teas, or bask in the refreshing zest of a freshly squeezed orange juice and other chilled beverages.
Bakehouse’s Bradwall breads have garnered a legion of admirers throughout the north west, gracing shelves of farm shops like Hollies Farm Shop in Tarporley, The Lambing Shed in Knutsford, as well as featuring on menus of renowned pubs such as The Lion at Malpas and the Swan at Tarporley managed by Fiona’s spouse Woody Barlow.
Inspired by Woody’s lament about the scarcity of quality bread for his establishments, Fiona’s spark of an idea has flourished into a successful bakery acclaimed by discerning epicureans.
The couple, bolstered by the backing of their three adult offspring, have propelled the business forward in leaps and bounds.
Facing potential shutdown due to declining use and a shortage of volunteers, exacerbated by the pandemic, the village hall has been reborn under the Barlows’ custodianship as they converted it into a bakery haven by furnishing the former village hall kitchen with specialist equipment.
The renowned Foden’s Brass Band of Sandbach, previously rehearsing in the remaining space at the village hall, have now relocated to their original rehearsal venue in nearby Moston, following the plans for the Breadhouse.
The Breadhouse is now welcoming customers at Bradwall Village Hall, Bradwall Road, Bradwall, CW11 1RG from Tuesday to Friday between 10am and 3pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 4pm.
On Sundays, it remains closed, while on Mondays it opens exclusively for bread sales from 10am to noon. The venue boasts a large free car park outside, complete with electric charging points, and dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas.