Imma the Bakery in Henley among best bakeries in Britain

Sharing the list, the publication said: “Across the country, small producers are reviving traditional techniques and turning everyday staples into something worth travelling for”.

It noted a recent rise in interest for bakeries, thanks to social media: “Pubs and alcohol consumption are on the decline, while bakery and coffee shop culture continue to soar.

“Social media is only fuelling the trend.”

A bakery in Oxfordshire, Imma the Bakery, has been highlighted as an “unexpected bakery with cheffy creations”, and it’s under a 40-minute drive from Oxford.

Why Oxfordshire bakery is among the best in Britain – what makes it so great

The bakery’s owner, Tona Erreguin, is said to bring “culinary flair and creativity” to the establishment, perhaps thanks to her past experience in running a restaurant in Mexico.

The Telegraph says: “The Van Alloys Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Henley isn’t the most glamorous destination, but this unusual location makes Imma even more of a revelation.

“Owner Tona Erreguin’s previous ventures include two philosophy PhDs and running a fine-dining restaurant in Mexico.

“Preferring the title “head chef” to “baker”, she brings culinary flair and creativity to Imma’s goods (the orange curd and meringue pastry, finished with a scalding-hot blast from an iron, is just one example of her anarchic food alchemy).

“But Imma also does the classics very well.

“Its Oxford Country Loaf, with a beautiful leafy illustration scored into its crust, was declared the best sourdough in the country at the Britain’s Best Loaf 2024 competition (Imma added three more gold medals to its haul the following year).

“Most Lycra-clad visitors swing by after a cycle ride and get their goods to go, but if you’re enjoying a slower morning, there are seats to perch on and coffee made from locally roasted beans.”

Customers say Imma the Bakery deserves the awards it gets

A customer described the bakery as deserving of the awards it has won, sharing on Google Reviews, where it has an almost-perfect 4.9 rating from 209 reviews: “Love the food, love the atmosphere, a baker’s dream to work in a place like that, I believe!

“The awards are so well deserved!”

Someone else asked the bakery to continue making the Oxford Country bread: “Best sourdough in the area, and probably in the UK.

“Excellent customer service and a perfect stop when you’re out walking the dog.

“One thing I love is that they’re constantly renewing their pastry selection changing things acording to the seasons and often using local ingredients, so there is always something new to try.

“But please, never stop making the Oxford country bread!”

Similarly, on Tripadvisor, customers have been impressed with what Imma the Bakery has to offer.

A customer shared what their experience was like around Christmas time: “Beautiful bakery set in an unusual location.

“The bread is to die for, and a perfect stop for pastries and coffee.

“Christmas was really fun with a tree decked in croissants and a general awesome Christmas spirit.

“Queues are usual but completely worth it.”

Someone else said: “So glad to have discovered this place on our doorstep.

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“The bread is honestly the best I have ever tasted and there is a huge selection of sweet and savoury pastries to choose from as well as toasties for lunch.

“The coffee is good and the staff are warm and chatty.

“I love watching the baking going on in the background.”

You can find the bakery at Unit 51, Van Alloys Industrial Estate, Busgrove Lane, Stoke Row, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 5QW.

Have you bought anything from Imma the Bakery? Tell us your favourite items in the comments below.