KNEAD: A Year in Review
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on a year of growth, creativity, and challenges. From managing the daily rhythms of six bustling bakeries to navigating the demands of expanding our team and offering new experiences to our customers, it’s been a year full of lessons and achievements. Every challenge has pushed us to innovate, refine our craft, and stay true to our commitment to artisan quality and community.
6 Bakeries and Counting…
This year, we were thrilled to open two new locations, bringing KNEAD to six bakeries across the Cotswolds and Oxford. Our Tewkesbury bakery brings artisan breads, pastries, and festive favourites to the Cotswolds Designer Outlet, making it easy for shoppers to grab something delicious on the go. In Oxford, our City Bakery & Café has become a hub for coffee lovers and anyone after freshly baked artisan treats. Both new bakeries reflect our dedication to quality, community, and creating spaces where people can enjoy the very best from our ovens.
A Year of Awards and Recognition
2025 has also been a year of recognition for our passion and craft. We were honoured at the Great Taste Awards, the UK’s most prestigious food awards, with our Tiramisu Tart and Cinnamon Bun each receiving 2 stars, and our Stollen gaining 1 star. KNEAD was also voted Best Bakery in the Cotswolds by the Cotswolds Life Food & Drink Awards, and our Oxford City Bakery was named Best Bakery in Oxfordshire at the National Bakery Awards 2025. These accolades are a testament to our team’s dedication and the support of our wonderful customers.
Celebrating Our Supper Clubs
2025 was a fantastic year for our Supper Clubs at Elkstone, where we brought the KNEAD experience to the table in a whole new way. From Italian nights filled with fresh pasta and classic flavours to lively Tapas evenings showcasing small plates made with artisan care, every event sold out – and it was an absolute pleasure to see our guests enjoying themselves, laughing, and savouring every bite. These evenings aren’t just about food; they’re about creating memorable experiences, connecting people over a shared love of great cooking, and bringing a touch of Michelin-inspired attention to detail to each dish. The joy and excitement in the room reminded us why we love what we do, and inspired us to plan even more immersive culinary events for the year ahead. We’re thrilled to announce that new Supper Clubs for 2026 are now being released – we can’t wait to welcome both returning guests and new friends to share more unforgettable nights of food, laughter, and community.
Looking ahead to 2026
As we look to the new year, our focus remains on growth, community, and continued excellence in everything we do. We can’t wait to welcome more customers, try out new recipes, and explore even more ways to bring the joy of artisan baking to the Cotswolds and beyond. To all our customers, friends, and team members – thank you for being part of the KNEAD journey this year. Here’s to a 2026 filled with delicious bakes, shared moments, and plenty of inspiration from the oven!
