News / Hobbs House Bakery
Centenary legacy of a family-run bakery with plans for expansion
The story begins in 1920 when the blacksmith Thomas Herbert tried his hand at baking after hanging up his leather apron as hard times set in.
Like many beginner enterprises, it did not rise up to the expectation but with some trial and error – and undiminished determination – Thomas mastered the art of baking and Hobbs House Bakery, albeit the early iteration of it, was born.
Fast forward 100 years, fifth generation bakers of the family business, are still going strong, with an evangelical zeal for baking that brought them overnight fame with the Channel 4 series Baker Brothers.
To mark its centenary and to meet the increasing customer demands, Hobbs House Bakery has revamped and expanded its Chipping Sodbury-based headquarters.
Metro mayor Dan Norris officially opened the newly revamped headquarters of Hobbs House Bakery in Chipping Sodbury – photo: WECA
The metro mayor of West of England Combined Authority (WECA), Dan Norris, officially opened the newly revamped headquarters where bread and pastries are baked every day.
On the new chapter of Hobbs House Bakery, managing director Anna Herbert said: “We are so excited to have grown our bakery in our home of Chipping Sodbury. As a sixth-generation family business we can bake more exceptional bread for our customers, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.”
The much-loved bakery group has stores on Gloucester Road, Nailsworth, Tetbury as well as High Street in Chipping Sodbury along with the baking headquarters at Hatters Lane.
Jenny Greenway, head of people and culture at Hobbs House Bakery has explained how the expansion will enable them to “serve even more hungry customers in the local community”. She also stressed that the move is great news for the company’s workforce, which has played a pivotal role in brand’s success.
Dan Norris trying his hand at baking after the opening of new HQ – photo: WECA
On the opening of the new headquarters metro mayor Dan Norris said: “I am pleased that thanks to this revamp, more locals will get to enjoy delicious bakes and cakes of the highest quality from this much-loved, family-owned West of England firm.
“And I’m all the more pleased that Hobbs House Bakery is rising to the occasion and understands the value of good jobs for their employees.”
Hobbs House Bakery have signed up to the WECA’s Good Employment Charter and offers a range of apprenticeships to local individuals.
Staff at Hobbs House Bakery branch on Gloucester Road spreading the Christmas joy – photo: Hobbs House Bakery
The bakery group takes pride in their motto “handmade bread for everyone” and donates 250 loaves each week to the local community. They have also partnered with several local charities such as FareShare and The Matthew Tree Project.
Main photo: Hobbs House Bakery
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