We're highlighting the shortlisted bakeries in our competition in the News & Star. Each of the establishments will be featured over ten issues.

Dough-Luxe has been nominated by News & Star readers as one of the ten finalists in its 'Best Bakery 2024' award.

The bakery, which is located in Carlisle's Market Hall, is owned and run by Andy King who opened his business in December 2023.

After being informed of his bakery's nomination for the News & Star's 'Best Bakery 2024', Andy was on hand to express his delight. 

He said: "It hasn't really sunken in that I have been nominated. 

"It speaks volumes and the fact that people have put the effort in to vote for me means I am really making an impact for them and it is great that I can keep providing them with such awesome treats.

"I shared the award, of anything to help me grow and get some attention but to be actually in the top ten in staggering."

Andy also discussed what he believes it is about Dough-Luce that has made it a firm favourite in the months since its initial opening. 

He said: " Without sounding too arrogant, I think I am good at putting a twist on certain bakes and I know that I strive for high quality and use high-quality ingredients. 

"It is all about putting my creativity into the bakes rather than doing the same thing over and over.

"A big motivation behind opening the bakery was being my own boss and having that creative freedom and that is the biggest thing that I love about Dough-Luxe.

"It really is like its own reward system and that is reflected in the feedback I receive.

"I get new people that come along and say that they have been recommended and in terms of feedback, I get messages from people showing the love and saying that they love whatever they bought and took away.

"It is really nice to get personal feedback from people and makes me feel like I am on the right track."