Some of the Tough Mary’s team. From left: Vlad, Oksana, Baz, Kate and Ammara.
Winner
Chosen by our judges:
Tough Mary’s Bakehouse, Nottingham
Finalists
The top public vote-winners:
31 Mallory Bakery, Kirkby Mallory, Leicestershire
Olivia’s Bakery, Leicestershire
The Tiny Bakery, Leicester
Tough Mary’s Bakehouse, Nottingham
The winner this year is Tough Mary’s Bakehouse, an outstanding artisan bakery and café on Nottingham’s Derby Road.
Founded in 2015 by Kate O’Shea, Tough Mary’s is built on a passion for real bread and patisserie. Kate’s baking journey began with a short course at the School of Artisan Food near Worksop, followed by training at respected bakeries including Two Magpies in Suffolk and Forge Bakehouse in Sheffield. Returning to her home city of Nottingham, she spotted a gap in the market and set out to change that – and Tough Mary’s was born.
Everything at Tough Mary’s is made from scratch in the kitchen by Kate and her talented team. Their sourdough loaves are long-fermented for depth of flavour and texture, while pastries such as chocolate croissants, tarts and Danish are buttery, crisp and beautifully crafted. Savoury bakes and a regularly changing seasonal menu complete the offering, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.
The bakery has grown into a hub of creativity and community. Kate and the team relish the freedom to innovate – balancing customer favourites with new ideas – and tak satisfaction in producing simple, good food every day. The passion and care of the team is clear in every loaf, slice and pastry that leaves the oven.
For exceptional bread, patisserie and a warm welcome, Tough Mary’s Bakehouse is an example of independent artisan baking at its best.
