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

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

The bakery, which is located on Cecil Street, however, is set to move into a new location in Houghton that was previously occupied by Lounge on the Green, is run by owner Martin Douglas who started his business in June 2019 and celebrated one year since opening his popular Cafe in March. 

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

He said: "We are delighted to have been nominated for this award."

For Martin, baking and cooking have been in his family for generations and he discussed how this inspired his journey with MWD's Bakery. 

He said: "It started just doing coffee, cakes, and everything sweet really. We've introduced a savoury line and ever since, the cafe has got even bigger.

"I've always baked and cooked since I was young, my grandad was a cook in the army he taught me how to cook. My grandma was a Salvation Army lady, she taught me how to bake

Martin also discussed the future plans for the bakery, which also include setting up a new cafe that will run separately from MWD. 

He said: "MWD's bakery will stop trading at our current location on Cecil Street on Wednesday, October 2. We will then produce everything at our new location.

"MWD's bakery will then just produce cakes for customers, the cafe, and wholesale for shops.

"Cafe on the Green will become the new cafe name and will be run separately from MWD's bakery."