Business Details
42 Years
experience
Handcrafted Artisan Bakes & Freshly Made Goods
Established in 1984 by Barry and Anthony Akins Family Bakers Family Bakers, our bakery combines traditional artisan methods with premium ingredients to create exceptional baked goods. The brothers honed their craft under their uncle Ernest Hossner at Hossners Bakery before launching their own venture. With support from their parents Thomas and Sylvia, they built a reputation for quality through direct sales and wholesale supply to regional hospitality businesses.Our team continues this legacy by blending classic techniques with global culinary influences while maintaining a commitment to apprentice training. We offer a diverse range including sourdough, specialty breads, pies, pastries, and celebration cakes, available through our South Shields shop and delivery service.
Services
Artisan Breads
Pies & Pastries
Celebration Cakes
Specialty Cookies
Wedding Cakes
Vegan Bakes
Wholemeal Products
Bakery Apprenticeships
Local Deliveries
Nationwide Shipments
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- Established in 1984 with generations of baking expertise
- Traditional artisan methods combined with modern techniques
- Comprehensive apprentice training programme since inception
- Supplies leading hotels and restaurants across the region
- Uses only premium quality ingredients for all products
What people say
Perfect crust texture
Consistent quality
Creative flavour combinations
Excellent delivery packaging
Generous portions
Services
Artisan Breads
Our artisan breads combine traditional methods with modern innovation. Using premium flour and natural fermentation processes, we create distinctive loaves like sourdough, multiseed, and chia bread. Each product undergoes careful proofing and baking to achieve perfect texture and flavour development, satisfying discerning customers seeking quality baked goods.
Pies & Pastries
Handmade pies and pastries feature quality ingredients in traditional and contemporary combinations. From classic steak and pork pies to innovative chicken Balti and cheese & potato pasties, each item is crafted with flaky pastry and carefully seasoned fillings. Our quiches offer lighter options with generous portions of quality ingredients.
Celebration Cakes
Specialist celebration cakes include traditional fruit cakes, modern chocolate creations, and decorated designs for occasions. Our bakers use time-tested recipes for fruit cakes and contemporary techniques for chocolate and sponge varieties. Decorative elements like marzipan and sugar paste allow for bespoke designs to suit individual celebrations.
Bakery Apprenticeships
Our structured apprenticeship programme develops skilled bakers through hands-on training. Apprentices learn traditional techniques alongside modern methods under experienced master bakers. The programme covers bread making, pastry production, and cake decoration while maintaining our quality standards and commitment to baking excellence.
Nationwide Delivery
Carefully packaged deliveries ensure product freshness across the UK. Orders placed Tuesday-Wednesday receive next-day service, while local deliveries operate Monday-Friday. Our system maintains product integrity during transit, with specific handling procedures for different baked goods to guarantee customers receive items in perfect condition.
People
Barry Akins
Co-Founder & Master Baker
Co-founder with over 40 years' experience, trained under Ernest Hossner. Teaches baking techniques nationally and oversees recipe development. Maintains quality standards while innovating new products for the modern market.
Anthony Akins
Co-Founder & Production Manager
Co-founder responsible for daily operations and production oversight. Ensures traditional methods are maintained across all products. Trained extensively in various bakeries before establishing the business in 1984 with his brother Barry.
Thomas Akins
Founding Supporter
Retired electrician who provided crucial support during establishment. His encouragement and practical help enabled the bakery's successful launch. Continues to offer guidance based on his experience supporting the business's growth.
Sylvia Akins
Founding Supporter
Matriarch who supported the bakery's creation through practical assistance and encouragement. Her organisational skills helped establish early business systems. Remains a valued advisor on customer relations and operational matters.
Dan Zahra
Qualified Apprentice
Recent apprentice programme graduate who mastered traditional techniques. Demonstrated exceptional skill in bread making and pastry production during training. Now contributes to daily operations while continuing professional development under senior bakers.
Questions
What makes your bread different from supermarket brands?
We use traditional baking methods with premium ingredients and natural fermentation processes, avoiding artificial additives. Each loaf is handmade with attention to texture and flavour development.
Do you offer gluten-free products?
While we don't currently have dedicated gluten-free lines, we offer naturally gluten-reduced options like our sourdough varieties that may suit some dietary requirements.
How do I order for nationwide delivery?
Place orders Tuesday-Wednesday via our website for next-day delivery. We use temperature-controlled packaging to maintain product freshness during transit across the UK.
Are your meat-filled pastries locally sourced?
We source meat from trusted regional suppliers meeting our quality standards. Fillings use traditional recipes with generous meat portions and complementary seasonings.
Can I collect orders outside regular hours?
Collections are available by arrangement outside standard opening times. Please contact us directly to discuss specific collection requirements and availability.
Do you cater for large events?
We provide bulk orders for events with 24-hour notice. Our range includes party-sized quiches, savoury bites, and celebration cakes suitable for various occasions.
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