In an age of Greggs, visiting an independent bakery may feel like a thing of the past. These south Essex bakeries are challenging that perception.
From multicoloured doughnuts to traditional farmhouse loaves, the bakeries on this list have something to offer every hungry shopper.
South Essex is home to a mouth-watering range of independent and local bakeries - to make your life easier, we’ve listed five of the area’s best:
With plenty of exposed brick chipboard tables, you can't get more trendy than Bake Essex.
Perfect for Instagram-ready cakes and sandwiches filled to bursting, Bake Essex has made a name for itself as one of the area's top independent bakeries.
Bake Essex's Facebook reviews are glowing.
Reviewer Matthew says: "I go to the Prittlewell store at least once a week. The staff are always friendly and the cakes are rotated regularly. The food is AMAZING and the price is SUPERB. I will always highly recommend Bake."
They go on to describe the bakery as the "best bakery in Southend!"
Grout's the Bakers (12 locations across south east Essex)
Grout's has been serving the people of Essex for over 70 years, and with 12 locations throughout the area, there's no denying the chain's status as a local treasure.
The baked goods at Grout's span a huge spectrum, and include cakes for special occasions and buffet-style platters.
Grout's has an 84 per cent recommendation rate on Facebook.
One user is particularly fond of the bakery's sandwich choices.
They said: “Chicken mayo rolls are an absolute favourite all year round, however their sausage rolls are always hot which is great for the winter with a cup of soup, a lovely winter warmer!”
Home Made Bakery (Leigh/Eastwood/Thorpe Bay)
Creating cakes of all variety, if you've got a special occasion on the horizon, you can't go wrong with Home Made Cakes.
The bakery's website displays a collection of it's most impressive creations, including cakes themed around Disney, Marvel and much more.
Home Made Bakery is rated 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor.
User Benny E said: "Went to the Home Made Bakery the other day for a sandwich and was served by a very pleasant and helpful member of staff.
"Every time I visit its always the same cheerful, nothing is too much attitude. Highly recommended."
Ravens Bakery (Ingatestone/Billericay)
You can enjoy savoury snacks and indulgent sugary delights at a Ravens Bakery. This local favourite is well-known for it's impeccably crafted cakes.
With shops in Ingatestone and Billericay, Ravens Bakery is also a fantastic choice for those seeking a light lunch.
Ravens Bakery is rated 4.0 stars on Tripadvisor.
User Patricia O said: “We enjoyed a freshly prepared lunchtime snack here - I had the quiche and salad which I thought was a nice light choice - the slice of warm quiche was more than generous and tea was full flavoured. Pleasant people and reasonable prices too. Recommended.”
The Garrison Bakery (Southend)
The goods at the Garrison Bakery are prepared overnight and fresh out of the oven at opening - you can't get much fresher than this Southend favourite.
With an immensely popular sandwich range, delicious coffee and a great atmosphere, the Garrison Bakery is a great choice for an indulgent treat.
The Garrison Bakery is rated 3.5 stars on Tripadvisor.
User Super95 said: “First time in Shoebury, lovely place. Happened across this bakery and everything looked fantastic. I chose the bread pudding and it was brilliant. The coffee was also very good. I’ll come again."
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