Liverpool bakery The Wild Loaf says 'it's an amazing accolade' to be named one of the best in UK

An independent Liverpool bakery named as one of the best in the UK says it’s “an amazing accolade.”

The Wild Loaf has just been included in The Good Food Guide’s Best Bakeries 2025.

Judges from the guide, which is a recognised go-to for foodies, travelled across the country in search of the top spots for loaves and pastries.

And The Wild Loaf, which is based on Sefton Street not far from Brunswick Station, impressed so much they made it onto the list.

Founder Jess Doyle, who runs the bakery with Emily Sandeman, says the news came as a complete surprise but one they’re thrilled with.

“We had no idea they were coming in or even afterwards that they’d been so it was a bit of a shocker when we received an email last week saying we’d been selected.

“They’ve obviously tried the product without us knowing and I think that means even more, to know we’re doing a good job all the time, it’s not like we were putting on a show for the judges or doing anything different.

“It is an amazing accolade because we go to these bakeries that we’re up against and alongside and they’re great.

“The Good Food Guide is so recognised, that’s why it’s not really sunk in yet that they’re naming us because it is quite incredible.

“We’re already on the guide’s map as a place to eat, and I think if you’re a foodie and you’re travelling that’s where you look for places to go, so now they’ve given us such a good review that’s even better.”

The Wild Loaf was praised by judges for its regularly changing display of cakes and pastries, with its cinnamon rolls particularly singled out as “excellent”.

Baked-on-site sourdough loaves – still the biggest seller – also earned a glowing review as well as its sourdough cheese toasties which were described as “a must”.

Hairy Bikers Si and Dave with Jess and Emily at The Wild Loaf — Jess and Emily at The Wild Loaf when they were visited by the Hairy Bikers Si and Dave.

Jess says it’s good to be representing Liverpool and its thriving independent food businesses.

“There are a lot of independent bakeries in the city at the moment and that’s the nicest thing to see. The population’s growing and people are appreciating food more, and it’s great that Liverpool has a diverse offering because that creates another reason for people to come here.

“It’s incredible the variety there is now and the number of small businesses there are opening, especially in this climate.

“We’ve got our solid customer base which is really nice, and it’s amazing to see how many new people come too. Especially because we’re slightly out of the way, people are making the journey and I always feel great pride that they’re leaving the city centre to come to us.

“Part of that is word of mouth, customers telling their friends and family about us, and some of it is from things like this listing, where we’re recognised nationally.

“People read about us, they log it in their minds and then they’ll come when they visit Liverpool because they’ve seen us mentioned.”

Jess says The Wild Loaf is still seeing the benefits of featuring on The Hairy Bikers Go West at the beginning of last year.

“The number of people who came from across the North West just to get that fruit loaf was staggering. We still get people coming in saying they saw it,” she adds.

“I think Liverpool’s changed so much in the last 10 years and now it’s getting to the point where people are respecting it for more things. They’re coming to explore the city and everything here and the independent food scene is a huge part of that.”