A local bakery has been recognised in the 2023 National Bakery Awards this week.

Last night, Wednesday 12 July, Hambleton Bakery was announced as the County Winner at the country-wide award ceremony.

The team shared the news on social media: "Well, we might not have bagged the big regional prize tonight, but county winners we are! Congratulations team Hambleton Bakery. We couldn’t do it without all your hard work, dedication, skill and enthusiasm."

Hambleton Bakery picked up the regional award at the National Bakery Awards this week. Image credit: Hambleton Bakery.

Hambleton Bakery was founded in Rutland in 2008 by Julian Carter and Tim Hart.

Julian's successful career; started in the family Bakery in Liverpool, he then joined the RAF as a chef and later cooked for three years for John Major, when he was Prime Minister in Downing Street and Chequers. He joined the brigade at Hambleton Hall, cooking Michelin starred meals and quickly rising to become second chef, where he remained for some 9 years.

Julian is an enthusiast and generous teacher sharing his knowledge with employees, customers and all that will listen.

Meanwhile Tim is a Rutland based entrepreneur who founded Hambleton Hall (1980) Harts Restaurant (1997) Harts Hotel (2003) and Hambleton Bakery (2008).

Hambleton Hall, Rutland. Image credit: Google Maps / screenshot.

The duo's bakery is supplied by a network of producers from across the country, as well as a significant number from the East Midland region.

The success of the product led to the opening of six shops and more than 150 wholesale accounts. The product range was gradually expanded to include cakes and savouries which share our bread philosophy. The best ingredients, no additives and traditional recipes.

A landmark moment came in 2012 when the Bakery was the outright winner of the ITV programme "Britain's Best Bakery" to choose the country's best small bakery.

Today, Hambleton Bakery has grown to supply six Hambleton Bakery shops, Hambleton Hall, Harts Nottingham, many farm shops and delis across the surrounding counties as well as restaurants, gastro pubs and artisan cafes.

In the latest triumph for the team have opened a new store in Rothley, Leicestershire, which joins their stores in Oakham, Exton Stamford and other local locations.

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