A chain of coffee shops have been named among the best bakeries in the UK by a national newspaper.

The Times' list of the top 49 bakeries to visit in the UK has been compiled by chefs and bakers local to a region.

Charlie Hibbert, head chef at Ox Barn at Thyme in Southrop, chose Lynwood & Co cafes as his favourite for the Cotswolds.

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He said: "There are six of these wonderful bakery-cafés and they deliver. I always have the Reuben Melt: pastrami, Emmental, gherkins, sauerkraut, Russian dressing and mustard."

Lynwood & Co is owned by Australians Kats and Rob Broadbent who initially moved to the UK in 2012, but returned in 2014.

The couple opened the first Lynwood & Co cafe in Lechlade in 2015 and now have cafes in Burford, Carterton, Fairford, Bampton, Cirencester and Northleach.

Mrs Broadbent told the Oxford Mail: “We initially lived here for a year and being Australian we’re passionate about coffee but couldn’t get a good coffee anywhere.

“A site came up in Lechlade and we gave it a go, concentrating on really good standards of coffee.

“There was a gap for a small, independent, personalised coffee shop in the Cotswolds.

“We’re trying to give the local communities a laid back environment with a great coffee too.

Oxford Mail: Lynwood & Co

“It’s nice to offer something different to what the high street offers.”

Mr Broadbent’s mum owned a cafe called Lynwood in Sydney, which the cafes are named after.

They offer a range of food, including a brunch menu and homemade cakes, made at a production kitchen in Hatherop, Gloucestershire, with organic sourdough made daily.

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As the chain has grown, so has its staff, with Lynwood & Co now employing 40 staff, most of whom are full time.

Mr Hibbert also named Sourdough Revolution in Lechlade, Gloucestershire, in the top 49 bakeries.

He said: "This place is epic. The pizzas absolutely hit the spot and the sourdough is delicious."

Oxford Mail: Sourdough Revolution

 

Owned by Max Abbott, as well as artisan sourdough the menu boasts an impressive selection of dishes, including bacon sandwiches, sausage rolls, fresh salads and pizzas plus coffee, chai, soft drinks and wine served in a cosy cafe.