Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Artisan Bakery in Wheatley
Cornfield Bakery is a family-run artisan bakery with a rich legacy spanning three generations. Established in 1972 by Derek Coleman in Wheatley, our bakery has grown while maintaining traditional baking methods and a commitment to quality. We specialise in handcrafted breads, including naturally fermented sourdough and artisan sandwich loaves, alongside pastries and lardy cakes made using time-honoured techniques. Our ingredients are sourced from trusted UK suppliers, including Cotswold Flour, ensuring freshness and sustainability.With two retail locations in Wheatley and Thame, we also supply wholesale to businesses across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Our passion for baking extends to education through hands-on bread-making courses, both in-person and online, designed for beginners and experienced bakers alike. We pride ourselves on community engagement, supporting local producers, and delivering baked goods that celebrate tradition and taste.
Services
Artisan Bread
Sourdough Loaves
Baking Courses
Wholesale Supply
Pastries & Cakes
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in artisan baking across three generations.
- Our bread uses traditional slow fermentation for enhanced flavour and digestion.
- We source ingredients exclusively from UK farmers and artisan suppliers.
- We offer hands-on baking courses for all skill levels, led by expert bakers.
- We supply fresh products daily to over 100 businesses across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Services
Artisan Bread
Our artisan breads are crafted using traditional slow fermentation methods to enhance flavour and nutrition. Each loaf is made with UK-sourced flour and natural ingredients, ensuring a wholesome product with improved digestibility. Perfect for discerning customers seeking quality and authenticity in every slice.
Sourdough Loaves
Naturally fermented sourdough loaves combine time-honoured techniques with modern health benefits. The extended fermentation process reduces gluten content while boosting nutrient absorption, resulting in a tangy, aromatic bread with a crisp crust and open crumb structure ideal for health-conscious consumers.
Baking Courses
Hands-on baking courses teach sourdough creation, starter maintenance, and traditional shaping techniques. Participants learn bread science and troubleshooting methods in a supportive environment, with ongoing guidance available post-course to ensure baking success at home.
Wholesale Supply
We supply fresh artisan breads, pastries, and cakes to cafes, restaurants, and retailers across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Our wholesale service ensures consistent quality and reliable delivery, supporting local businesses with premium baked goods made using traditional methods.
Pastries & Cakes
Handmade pastries and cakes feature seasonal ingredients and classic recipes. From lardy cakes to custom confections, our baked goods combine traditional techniques with contemporary flavours, offering indulgent options for retail customers and wholesale partners alike.
People
Derek Coleman
Founder
Derek Coleman established Cornfield Bakery in 1972, pioneering traditional artisan baking in Wheatley. His commitment to quality and community laid the foundation for three generations of baking excellence, creating a legacy that continues to thrive today.
Geoff Coleman
Former Owner
Geoff Coleman carried forward his father Derek's legacy, expanding the bakery's reach while maintaining its traditional values. After decades of dedicated service, he recently retired, passing the oven gloves to the third generation of Coleman bakers.
Joe Coleman
Third-Generation Baker
Joe Coleman represents the third generation of the Coleman baking family. Passionate about preserving traditional techniques, he leads in-person baking courses and oversees daily production, ensuring every product meets Cornfield Bakery's exacting standards for quality and authenticity.
Questions
What traditional baking methods do you use?
We use slow fermentation techniques that enhance flavour and nutrition. This process breaks down gluten and boosts nutrient absorption, creating more digestible, wholesome bread with a lower glycemic index.
Where do you source your ingredients?
We source flour from Cotswold Flour, the UK's leading artisan mill, and other ingredients from local UK farmers. This ensures freshness, supports regional agriculture, and maintains our commitment to sustainability.
Do you offer baking classes for beginners?
Yes, we provide hands-on bread-making courses for all skill levels, including sourdough techniques and bread science. Both in-person and online options are available with ongoing post-course support.
Can businesses order wholesale supplies?
We deliver fresh artisan breads, pastries, and cakes to cafes, restaurants, and retailers across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Contact our wholesale team for pricing and delivery details during office hours.
Are your products available year-round?
Our core range is available daily, with seasonal specialties offered throughout the year. Visit our Wheatley or Thame shops, or check with local stockists for current product availability.
What are your Easter opening times?
Wholesale orders require advance arrangements during Easter. Download our Easter opening times document from our website for specific delivery details, or contact our office for assistance.
