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If you live in London and love bakeries, you’re guaranteed to be able to find a good spot on almost any high street. Many big names have made their name in the capital, including Pret a Manger and Gail’s, and now have locations all across the nation. Now, Bread Ahead, founded in Borough Market in 2013, is following suit and opening a new bakery just outside the Big Smoke in Harpenden.
The new initiative will involve an owner-operator model (meaning that long-standing members of the team can transition into ownership roles with shares), and Bread Ahead has stated that it has designed the new venture to celebrate people who have put ‘time, talent and commitment’ into the business, and nurture experienced owners with ‘genuine roots in their local communities.’
Harpenden High Street will host the independent bakery in a 2,500sq ft space which will also house an all-day dining location. A baking school will be opening on the first floor and offering classes from January 2027, and the main space will be holding children’s activity sessions during the October half term.
Punters will be able to buy Bread Ahead's signature bread, pastries and beloved doughnuts, as well as tucking into brunch and lunch.
The Harpenden hub will be the independent bakery’s eighth UK location, joining London branches in King's Cross, South Kensington and Wembley. Bread Ahead also has bakeries in Dubai, the US, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and the Philippines, plus an upcoming NYC spot.
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