Award-winning KNEAD Bakery opens bright new High Street store in Oxford

Oxford’s High Street has a fresh new aroma wafting through it as KNEAD Bakery Oxford opens. The Gloucestershire-born bakery has brought its award-winning pastries, expertly brewed coffee, and warm hospitality to one of the busiest and most iconic streets in the city.

The new site, which takes over the former Hobbs womenswear store, marks KNEAD Bakery’s first location in Oxfordshire – and its fourth permanent site overall.

Occupying a prime 2,368 sq ft unit, the Oxford venue was chosen to capitalise on the High Street’s strong footfall, offering locals, students and tourists the chance to enjoy exceptional baked goods and drinks in a bright, welcoming setting.

The space has been fully refurbished, featuring a clean, modern aesthetic and a bright shopfront that draws people in from the pavement. With 28 covers available for dine-in customers – and the potential to increase – it’s more spacious than expected, making it ideal for both quick stops and relaxed brunches.

There’s also a spacious kitchen and food prep area, with a separate zone for washing and cleaning – all thoughtfully laid out to support the bakery’s commitment to quality and efficiency. Downstairs, a dedicated staff area provides employees with a private space to relax during breaks, reinforcing KNEAD Bakery’s strong focus on staff wellbeing.

KNEAD Bakery was founded in 2020 by chefs John Hawes and Kris Biggs, who met while working together at a five-star, two-Michelin-starred hotel. Their mission was to bring fine-dining precision and a passion for pastry to the high street, building a business around the values of tradition, seasonality and care.

Speaking about the Oxford opening, co-owner Kris Biggs said: “This is an exciting opening for us as it marks our fourth permanent site and a first for Oxfordshire. We’re excited to bring our award-winning handmade pastries, and unrivalled fresh baked breads to Oxford from our new enviable shopfront on the High Street.”

In an industry often defined by high turnover and pressure, it was refreshing to hear about a business that genuinely invests in its people. Both Anita, the front-of-house manager, and Sam, a team member who recently returned to the company, spoke warmly about the supportive culture at KNEAD.

Everything at KNEAD Bakery Oxford is made by hand and with care. Signature items include their Great Taste award-winning Pecan & Maple Danish, Almond Croissants, Taste of the West Lemon Meringue Pie, and the wonderfully fluffy yet crisp Sea Salt & Rosemary Focaccia. The sausage rolls, with their golden layers and savoury depth, are a must-try for any first-time visitor.

On the drinks side, coffee is taken just as seriously. Beans are sourced from Extract Coffee Roasters in Bristol, and the menu includes all the café favourites, made to an exceptional standard. Whether you’re after a rich espresso or a creamy flat white, you can expect a cup that pairs perfectly with a pastry.

Behind the counter is a generous coffee-making area equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including an advanced milk frother to ensure every cup is smooth, hot, and perfectly finished.

For those after something sweet to take home – or send as a gift – KNEAD’s Brownies, Blondies, and Flapjacks are available to buy in-store or online through KNEAD by Post, the bakery’s postal service that delivers handmade treats nationwide.

The launch of KNEAD Bakery Oxford is just the latest chapter in the brand’s impressive growth. From its base in Gloucestershire, KNEAD has expanded steadily without losing sight of its values. Its Elkstone site is now home to seasonal supper clubs featuring themed evenings such as Tapas Night or Summer BBQs – relaxed, community-focused events that showcase the creativity of the kitchen team.

Meanwhile, the bakery’s KNEAD on Wheels concept continues to bring fresh baguettes, salads, and sweet treats to local businesses and villages – a clever way of reaching new customers while staying connected to their roots.

KNEAD’s excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed: the bakery has been featured in La Liste’s World’s Best Pastry Shops, included in The Times’ Top 49 Bakeries in the UK, and this year picked up the Best Café & Coffee Shop in Gloucestershire at the SOGlos Awards 2025.

With its successful Oxford opening and a loyal following in the South West, it’s clear that KNEAD Bakery is a brand on the rise. As more people discover the joy of their handmade pastries, thoughtful service and expertly brewed coffee, one thing’s for sure – more high streets across the UK will soon find themselves very much in need of KNEAD.