Who loves pastry? The British certainly do.
But baked goods are popular in almost every cuisine, from the humble English sausage roll to sweet Japanese milk bread. There is something very appealing about walking into a shop and instantly being hit with the scent and the colour of food that's fresh out the oven.
Merseyside is not short on independent bakeries. Some are new and trendy, while others are traditional and comforting. Here are four excellent ones in the region for you to try next…
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Satterthwaites, Crosby
Satterthwaites – or 'Satties' has captured the hearts of so many people over the years, and truly is an institution.
Originally beginning in 1910 in Southport, the bakery stood strong for 102 years, opening seven branches across Sefton and was a huge part of people's lives, until it sadly closed in 2012. However, to the delight of the masses, the adored local name was revived by Sarah and Jon Wills in 2013, when they reopened the Crosby store.
They 'new' Satterthwaites has proved to be just as popular as the 'old', with it celebrating its 10th birthday earlier this year. Serving up all manner of treats, from their range of savoury pies – including their legendary pork pies, to their selection of sugary wonders, everything is freshly baked on the day.
Jon Wills told the ECHO, back in April: "Since I was very young I have been eating at Satterthwaites. Everything they made was with love from the food to its people and the customers love that.
"We have worked hard to keep the legacy of Satterthwaites going. I think it is a community hub, people come in and chat in the queue. All the bakers come out and chat with people."
Speaking about the produce, he said: "We have traditional products which people have loved for years, and also products which follow the trends and bring in new customers – for example our Bueno millionaires and Freddo cookies."
For Christmas, the team are making 13,000 mince pies along with Christmas truffle puddings, gingerbread trees and cake slabs.
Satterthwaites is a people-pleaser, and with its long life and lasting legacy, it's a prime example of what it means to 'stand the test of time'.
Address: 51 Coronation Road, Crosby, Liverpool L23 5RE
Bon Bon, City Centre
Family-run Chinese bakery, Bon Bon, on Berry Street has soared in popularity since opening in 2013, and was officially named best in Merseyside earlier this year.
Yards away from the city's magnificent Chinese Arch, Bon Bon serves up both sweet and savoury creations to their loyal following. All of their items are baked fresh daily and products range from their popular char sui buns to Chinese egg tarts.
Cheap and affordable, most of the bakery's goods sell out by the end of every day, and being in a busy area of town, the establishment is frequented by both locals and tourists.
Manager Janice Zhen, whose parents own Bon Bon, told the ECHO: "A lot of people and Chinese people know the pastries we have, but people from different backgrounds who don't know what we do and how our food tastes – I love it when they come in and try things.
"When we first opened, I was stood outside giving samples so people could try our food. We sell all sorts of things and we educate people on the traditional Cantonese, Hong Kong style of Chinese baking."
Smiling, she said: "I wish people would come in and not ask for sausage rolls like you get in Greggs or Sayers. I want them to come and try our traditional foods – it's a new kind of taste and new flavours."
The Chinese bakery was the first of its kind when it first opened in Liverpool, and has brought a new concept to the city which widens the range outside of the traditional British bakers we're all used to here.
Address: 38 Berry Street, Liverpool L1 4JQ
The Wild Loaf, Dingle
Originally opening in 2017, and previously based in the city centre, The Wild Loaf moved to its new home in the Dingle in 2022.
The bakery, which specialises in sourdough bread, is run by business partners Jessica Doyle and Emily Sandeman. It could be described as half bakehouse, half café, with a sit-in area which is always busy.
A popular place to grab lunch, their incredible sourdough focaccia sandwich is a must, containing mozzarella, pesto and tomato. You can also indulge in their grilled cheese sandwich or try a sweeter item with your tea/coffee.
Co-owner Emily told the ECHO: "Since opening we have gone from strength to strength. Our philosophy is good service, good produce and love.
"We are always trying to work more ethically and source our stuff locally. We are working more closely with farmers too..
"Everything is made with sourdough pastry and every week we change the counter with new items."
A stones throw away from Brunswick train station, being just outside of the city centre has not affected their popularity, with most of their stock selling out every day.
Address: 133 Sefton Street, Dingle, L8 4BX
Caz's Kitchen, Waterloo
If you love cake, nowhere makes it better than Caz's Kitchen on St Johns Road, Waterloo.
Having been open for almost 10 years, Caz's has established itself as an integral part of the thriving high street, with a regular customer base and a real community feel.
Caroline Hill – 'Caz' changes her recipes seasonally, relying on her personal allotment for many ingredients. She sells all kinds of treats, from classics like carrot cake, to decadent creations such as their Malteser blondies. Oh, and they also have a range of homemade preserves.
They will have an extensive Christmas selection, featuring everything from mince pies to Baileys chocolate torte. On December 13, from 5pm-8pm, Caz's will also be organising the annual St John's Road Christmas Party, with grottos, live music, mulled wine and mince pies, in an event to bring the community together over the festive season.
In Caz's words: “For me, it’s not about the money, it’s about the love, it’s about the lifestyle and adding to my community.”
Address: 47 St John's Rd, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 9QB
What's your favourite bakery in Merseyside? Let us know in the comments.
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