Business Details
42 Years
experience
Handcrafted Artisan Baked Goods Since 1984
Established in 1984 by Barry and Anthony Akins Family Bakers Family Bakers, we are a family-run bakery rooted in traditional artisan baking methods. Our founders, inspired by their uncle's legacy at Hossners Bakery, combine decades of expertise with premium ingredients to craft high-quality baked goods. We serve hotels, restaurants, and local customers across South Shields and beyond, offering both classic and contemporary products.Our commitment to excellence extends to training apprentices, ensuring the preservation of baking craftsmanship for future generations. With a physical shop and nationwide delivery options, we bring freshly baked artisan goods directly to our customers.
Services
Artisan Breads & Buns
Pies & Pasties
Cakes
Cookies
Nationwide Delivery
Local Collection
Apprentice Training
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in artisan baking
- We use traditional baking methods passed down through generations
- We offer nationwide delivery of freshly baked goods
- We train apprentice bakers to preserve baking craftsmanship
- We supply premium products to local hospitality businesses
Services
Artisan Breads
Our artisan breads combine traditional baking techniques with premium ingredients. Available in classic and specialty varieties like sourdough and multiseed, each loaf is baked fresh daily. Perfect for discerning customers seeking authentic bakery quality.
Pies & Pasties
Handcrafted pies and pasties feature quality fillings in flaky pastry cases. Options include traditional meat varieties and contemporary combinations like chicken Balti. Made fresh daily using time-tested recipes.
Celebration Cakes
From traditional fruit cakes to modern chocolate creations, our celebration cakes showcase baking expertise. Available in various sizes and decorations for special occasions. Includes seasonal specialties like Christmas cakes.
Nationwide Delivery
We offer nationwide delivery of frozen baked goods via next-day service on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Perfect for customers outside the local area seeking our signature products. Minimum order value applies.
Apprentice Training
Our apprenticeship program trains future bakers in traditional techniques. With decades of experience mentoring students, we ensure the continuation of artisan baking skills while maintaining industry standards.
People
Barry Akins
Co-Founder & Master Baker
With over 40 years in artisan baking, Barry combines traditional techniques with modern innovation. He previously taught baking at colleges and continues mentoring apprentices at the family business.
Anthony Akins
Co-Founder & Head Baker
Anthony brings decades of baking expertise from working in various bakeries. He focuses on maintaining quality standards and preserving traditional methods while developing new product lines for the business.
Dan Zahra
Qualified Apprentice Baker
Recently completed his bakery apprenticeship, Dan represents our commitment to training future bakers. He works across all product lines, learning traditional techniques from the founding team.
Questions
What delivery areas do you cover?
We deliver nationwide across the UK mainland with Tuesday/Wednesday next-day service, plus local South Tyneside deliveries Monday-Friday after 1pm.
What is the minimum order for delivery?
Our minimum online order is 12 items for UK mainland deliveries. Local South Tyneside deliveries require 24-hour notice but have no minimum quantity.
Do you offer collection options?
Yes, you can collect orders at our South Shields bakery during opening hours or by arrangement for other times.
Are your products suitable for special diets?
We offer vegan options and clearly label allergens. For specific dietary requirements, please contact us directly to discuss available options.
How fresh are your baked goods?
All products are baked fresh daily. We recommend consuming breads and pastries on the day of purchase for optimal freshness, though freezing extends shelf life.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Maria Kajda
Aug 31, 2021
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A lovely little bakery. We had a peach melba, millionaires shortbread and ginger cake slice. All were absolutely delicious and I can't wait to try more from here.
Christopher Hall
Aug 22, 2021
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Got a fresh loaf and some jam from here .......absolutly delicious jam and bread, simple things in life are always the best
Robert Lewins
Jul 22, 2021
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Lovely little artisan bakers fantastic choice of cakes pies and bread but a special mention for the steak and kidney pies.
Julie McAlpine
May 14, 2021
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I’ve got to say, I do love everything in this shop, but my fave is defo the Russian cake, best by far, so glad I popped in today, Yummy!!
Paridhi Singh
Mar 07, 2021
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Beautiful breads, spreads and pasties, lovely staff and plenty of choices (vegan friendly). Cannot recommend Akins breads enough. Every time we visit Shields, we do our best to get some freshly prepared breads to take back with us. Such a novelty to have a lovely bakery still in your town. Would wholly recommend!
Stephen Millen
Jan 15, 2021
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First visit the other day , how naughty were we. Went wild and tried their sourdough cheese & onion, little disappointed as the cheese & onion was only on the top and not mixed into the bread the flavour was there but could have been better. Couldn't make my mind up as to which savouries to get so got one of each Large mince pie, pork pie, Cornish pie and a cheese & onion all of which were really good and tasty. Would definitely make another visit Covid-19 allowing.
