Bucks &amp; Oxon

<p>As above, the Farm Deli in Winslow High Street is definitely worth a visit.</p>


<p>The Winslow Deli is just devine&#8230;.worth a Muddy visit.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s <em>Bake Off</em> season and boy are we ready for it this year &#8211; the reliability of great bakes, good humour, and wholesome TV-shaped joy can’t be beat &#8211; and now I’ve got a hankering for pastries and cakes with ‘a good crumb’. Here’s Muddy’s pick of the best bakeries in Bucks &amp; Oxon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://oliphantandpomeroy.co.uk">Oliphant’s</a>, Bicester</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1208" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Oliphants.jpg" alt="Oliphant’s Bakery Bicester" class="wp-image-150026" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Oliphants.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Oliphants-662x800.jpg 662w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Oliphants-828x1000.jpg 828w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Oliphants-331x400.jpg 331w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Oliphants-435x525.jpg 435w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This Bucks-based bakery scooped three Great Taste Awards this year for their brilliant cinnamon buns and croissants (including plant-based versions for the vegans among you). Try them for yourself at their pop-up bakery at Bicester Village &#8211; or order them online if you can’t wait until your next shopping trip. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.markscotswoldbakery.co.uk">Mark’s Cotswold Bakery</a>, Chipping Norton</h2>



<p>Self-taught Mark Woodgate whips up such a good sourdough that he’s got a whole host of awards to prove it &#8211; including the title of Best Bakery in Oxfordshire at this year’s National Bakery Awards. You can’t buy direct, but there’s a huge list of local stockists on the bakery’s website. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.gabriellasolney.co.uk">Gabriella’s Dolci &amp; Cucina</a>, Olney</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="807" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Gabriellas-Olney-1000x807.jpg" alt="Gabriella’s Dolci &amp; Cucina, Olney" class="wp-image-150047" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Gabriellas-Olney-1000x807.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Gabriellas-Olney-800x645.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Gabriellas-Olney-400x323.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Gabriellas-Olney-651x525.jpg 651w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Gabriellas-Olney.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Winner of Best Bakery in Buckinghamshire at the National Bakery Awards 2019, Gabriella’s is a triple-threat of bakery, deli and restaurant, all with a delicious Italian influence. Perfect whether you’re craving cichetti, cannoli or both. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barefoot-oxford"><a aria-label="Barefoot (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.instagram.com/barefootoxford/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barefoot</a>, Oxford</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s not hard to spot Barefoot in the cute bunting-strung North Parade in Jericho &#8211; there&#8217;s usually a queue outside. Whatever the wait, the bakes are 100% worth it. Lemon cheesecake cruffin anyone? White chocolate and raspberry doughnut? There&#8217;s also breads galore and decent coffee to take away. Weekend starts here&#8230; (or weekdays if you&#8217;re lucky enough to be close by).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proof-social-bakehouse-kennington"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.proofbakehouse.com" target="_blank">Proof Social Bakehouse</a>, Kennington</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1095" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/DSC0233.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-136795" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/DSC0233.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/DSC0233-731x800.jpg 731w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/DSC0233-913x1000.jpg 913w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/DSC0233-365x400.jpg 365w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/DSC0233-479x525.jpg 479w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Squirrelled away on an Oxford industrial estate, this cool collab between Oxford&#8217;s Tap Social Movement and Missing Bean Coffee Roasters is well worth the trip &#8211; especially as you can see them baking up a storm from the open-plan café. Expect sourdough, pastries, tray bake, deli and pantry items from local suppliers, and naturally Missing Bean coffee and Tap Social beer. It&#8217;s not just the pastries that will leave you warm and fuzzy &#8211; Proof also offers paid training and employment to people in prison and prison leavers. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-woodstock-s-artisan-bakery-stony-stratford"><a href="http://woodstocksbakery.co.uk">Woodstock&#8217;s Artisan Bakery</a>, Stony Stratford</h2>



<p>For an old fashioned bakery with the sort of charm you remember from your childhood, you could do a lot worse than turning up here. Expect traybakes, brownies, eccles cakes, flapjacks and tiny treats for the children such as gingerbread men. Speciality breads are produced for the weekend and traditional and continental breads line the shelves otherwise. Carby heaven.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quince-and-clover-great-tew"><a href="https://www.quinceandcloveratgreattew.co.uk">Quince and Clover,</a> Great Tew</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/03/QuinceandCloverDec2020web-8931-2.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-113069" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/03/QuinceandCloverDec2020web-8931-2.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/03/QuinceandCloverDec2020web-8931-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/03/QuinceandCloverDec2020web-8931-2-720x480.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/03/QuinceandCloverDec2020web-8931-2-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/03/QuinceandCloverDec2020web-8931-2-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Nestled in the idylls of Great Tew (in the former post office and village shop, no less), you know this artisan bakery and cafe is a good&#8217;un as it survived launching in March 2020 (*gulp*). Luckily, Quince and Clover&#8217;s freshly-based breakfast pastries, homemade cakes, savoury tarts, cookies and Cotswold Crunch loaves were a hit with a the locals, and it&#8217;s now a must-visit spot to get your lunchtime fix. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zanni-s-aylesbury"><a href="https://zannisbakery.wixsite.com/zannis">Zanni&#8217;s</a>, Aylesbury&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/zannis-bakery-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-108944" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/zannis-bakery-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/zannis-bakery--300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/zannis-bakery--667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/zannis-bakery--150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/zannis-bakery--700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you are a regular at food markets in Aylesbury Vale, chances are you’ve already snaffled some of Zanni&#8217;s baked goods out of a paper bag, while still trying to look glamorous despite icing sugar covering half your face. They’re regular fixtures on the market scene in Marlow, Haddenham, Little Gaddesdon, Winslow, Tring and of course, Aylesbury. We’re big fans of their Chelsea Buns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hamblin-bread-oxford"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Hamblin Bread, Oxford (opens in a new tab)" href="https://hamblinbread.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hamblin Bread</a>, Oxford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/Hamblin-bakery.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-136489"/></figure>



<p>This is the bakery for purists &#8211; all of the bread, buns, cakes and pizza are made with stone ground flour from organic wheat and rye, grown within 50 miles of the bakery. Check out the website to see what&#8217;s cooking for each day (it also now stocks local cheeses, cured meat and fish, fresh fruit and vegetables and natural, organic and biodynamic wines &#8211; talk about one-stop shop). </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Untitled-design-2021-09-20T135016.672.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-120861" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Untitled-design-2021-09-20T135016.672.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Untitled-design-2021-09-20T135016.672-360x240.jpeg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Untitled-design-2021-09-20T135016.672-720x480.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Untitled-design-2021-09-20T135016.672-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Untitled-design-2021-09-20T135016.672-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bakery-by-knife-and-fork-oxford"><a href="https://knifeandforkbakery.co.uk">The Bakery</a> by Knife and Fork, Oxford</h2>



<p>Are you gluten intolerant and of the mind gluten-free bread tastes like pap? Well, so was owner of Knife and Fork home restaurant and award-winning chef Tanya Young until she started experimenting and creating gluten-free bread recipes that deliver on both texture and taste. The Bakery now delivers UK-wide and offers gluten-free cakes, brownies and granola as well as standard and more elaborate (cinnamon, orange and sultana, for eg) bread loaves.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rex-bakery-little-chalfont-bucks"><a href="http://www.rexbakery.com">Rex Bakery</a>, Little Chalfont, Bucks</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Untitled-design-2021-09-20T134936.839.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-120862" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Untitled-design-2021-09-20T134936.839.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Untitled-design-2021-09-20T134936.839-360x240.jpeg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Untitled-design-2021-09-20T134936.839-720x480.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Untitled-design-2021-09-20T134936.839-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Untitled-design-2021-09-20T134936.839-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>These guys are serious about their bread. Multiple award-winners, the team hand make their loaves on site with quality ingredients, specialised know-how and a no-rush attitude. The results are pretty special, which is why they often sell out before their 2.30pm closing time. Fancy a pastry? Their almond croissants are normally demolished by 9am. If you&#8217;re pottering about in Berkshire, check out their bakery in <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Windsor (opens in a new tab)" href="https://rexbakery.com/why-windsor-visit-46-peascod-street-to-see/" target="_blank">Windsor</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gail-s-various-locations"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://gailsbread.co.uk" target="_blank">GAIL&#8217;s</a>, various locations </h2>



<p>Yes, we know it&#8217;s <em>technically</em> a chain &#8211; but there&#8217;s no doubt that GAIL&#8217;s serves up an excellent loaf, as well as tasty sandwiches, sweets and cakes (hello pistachio and raspberry bun!), all washed down with their signature in-house coffee, of course. Those based in Oxford should held to their Jericho or Summertown branches for a sourdough fix, while Bucks locals have Marlow and Beaconsfield cafes on their doorstep. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://oleandsteen.co.uk">Ole &amp; Steen</a>, Oxford</h2>



<p>Another chain that gets the tick of approval, Danish darlings Ole &amp; Steen opened the first Oxford branch in the Westgate at the end of 2021, and we’ve been scoffing down the award-winning chia rye bread ever since. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-orange-bakery-watlington"><a href="https://www.theorangebakery.org">The Orange Bakery</a>, Watlington</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1131" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Orange-Bakery.jpg" alt="The Orange Bakery Watlington" class="wp-image-150027" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Orange-Bakery.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Orange-Bakery-707x800.jpg 707w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Orange-Bakery-884x1000.jpg 884w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Orange-Bakery-354x400.jpg 354w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Orange-Bakery-464x525.jpg 464w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Father and daughter bakers, Alex and Kitty Tait, fill their new premises at High Street House Garage every Saturday from 10am with excellent loaves, pastries savoury and sweet and the famous cinnamon knots. Tip: Get there quick to avoid disappointment, as the shelves are practically picked clean by midday. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-darmon-deli-amersham"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/darmondeli/">Darmon Deli</a>, Amersham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="609" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/Darmon-deli-bakery-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-108942" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/Darmon-deli-bakery-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/Darmon-deli-bakery--300x183.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/Darmon-deli-bakery--720x438.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/Darmon-deli-bakery--150x91.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/Darmon-deli-bakery--862x525.jpg 862w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Darmon Deli offers worldwide cuisine with a French twist &#8211; and you know what that means… *sounds patisserie klaxon*. This week they’ve got tarte tartin on the menu along with lemon meringe. Dreamy. Plus, they offer takeaway and sit-in options although walking anywhere with that much cream and fruit in hand has got children&#8217;s TV pratfall written all over it.  </p>


Local bakeries we love, in honour of GBBO

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Local bakeries we love, in honour of GBBO ﻿

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Local bakeries we love, in honour of GBBO