A BAKERY is preparing to open its doors in Winchester city centre after months of work renovating the historic property.

The Winchester Bakery will open its first shop in the High Street on Wednesday at 7.30am. 

The business started as a wholesale business in 2020 - but after seeing demand for its artisan bread, it decided to branch out and open a shop in the unit formerly occupied by the West Cornwall Pasty Co, which closed in 2019.

READ MORE: Winchester Bakery set to move into former West Cornwall Pasty Company unit

After months of refurbishment of the Grade II listed building, the business will open its doors this week.

Hampshire Chronicle: The Winchester Bakery in High Street, Winchester. Lfet to right: Anita Husz, manager, Joe Fellows, director, David Shaw, executive chef, Jessica Beach, assistant manger

Joe Fellows, director The Winchester Bakery, said: '"As we have been setting up the shop, we have been delighted to hear how keen people are for us to open. We can’t wait to welcome everyone inside to taste as well as see what we have been up."

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Executive chef David Shaw said there is more than just bread on the menu. 

He said: "We have some luxurious salads with a real depth of flavour, upmarket pastries and of course our popular sourdough.

"It is all baked overnight and is fresh every day. 

"But my favourite dish on offer is the cauliflower salad, it's certainly one to try." 

Manager Anita Husz said: "We are in a really great location. People can immediately see what we have got on offer on our big counter. 

Hampshire Chronicle: The Winchester Bakery in High Street, Winchester

"Lots of people have already been looking and taking photos of our beautiful flowers out the front. 

"There is something for everyone here - we have gluten-free bread, vegan cakes as well as the usual sweet and savoury pastries, salads, and coffee, plus lots of cold drinks. Come and try us." 

As well as a takeaway counter downstairs selling sweet and savoury goods and coffee, it has a seating area upstairs.