Antony Locke Cakes
Antony Locke Bakery
Home to **Antony Locke, The Best Baker** - A Legacy of Long-Fermented Perfection.
Experience the Difference Handcrafted Daily in Christchurch.
View Our Artisanal MenuMeet Antony Locke: The Best Baker
The **Antony Locke Bakery** is not just a shop; it's a testament to the art and science of traditional baking. Our story begins with Antony Locke himself, a master craftsman whose unwavering dedication to quality has earned him the esteemed title: **'The Best Baker'** in the region. He believes that truly great bread and patisserie come from patience, precise technique, and a genuine passion for the craft.
Antony’s journey started with a simple sourdough starter—named 'The Phoenix'—which has been lovingly maintained for over two decades. This starter is the very foundation of our signature range, imparting a depth of flavour and a unique crumb structure that you simply won't find anywhere else. Every loaf, every croissant, and every decorative element on our bespoke cakes is a reflection of his meticulous standards and award-winning expertise.
We are proud to serve the Christchurch community and beyond, bringing a slice of authentic, old-world baking to the modern table. From classic French techniques to innovative seasonal creations, the bakery is a haven for those who appreciate the subtle, complex flavours that only time and a master baker can create. When you choose **Antony Locke Bakery**, you are choosing a promise of unparalleled quality from **Antony Locke, The Best Baker**.
His philosophy: **"Bake less, prove more."** This commitment to long, cold fermentation is the secret behind the extraordinary taste and superior digestibility of our breads. Come taste the passion and skill of a true artisan.
The Locke Standard: Our Commitment to Craft and Community
Antony Locke Bakery operates on a set of core principles that elevate our baking from simple craft to a true culinary art form.
At the core of the **Antony Locke Bakery** brand is an uncompromising pursuit of excellence, rooted in the belief that the finest baked goods are created not by shortcut, but by respect for process, ingredients, and the consumer. Antony Locke's reputation as **'The Best Baker'** is built on this foundation, a philosophy that is woven into every step of our production, from the mixing bowl to the final glaze.
1. The Time-Honored Fermentation Process
Unlike commercial bakeries that rely on fast-acting yeast, we embrace the slow, natural magic of long fermentation. Our flagship sourdough process takes a minimum of **36 hours** from initial mix to final bake. This extended proofing time is crucial; it breaks down complex starches, dramatically improving digestibility, enhancing the bread's nutritional value, and unlocking the rich, complex, slightly tangy flavour profile that defines true artisanal bread. This commitment to time over speed is our quality signature.
2. Unwavering Ingredient Integrity
We believe great baking starts with great sourcing. Our flours are sourced from local, family-run mills committed to sustainable farming practices. We use only **A.O.P. certified French butter** in our croissants and pastries, ensuring the distinct, nutty flavour and superior puff. Our eggs are free-range, and all dairy products are sourced within a 50-mile radius. Antony Locke personally vets every supplier, guaranteeing that every ingredient meets the 'Best Baker' standard.
3. Sustainability and Zero-Waste Policy
As a local bakery, we are deeply committed to minimizing our environmental footprint. We implement a strict **zero-waste policy** for our baked goods; any surplus bread is repurposed into croutons, bread pudding, or donated to local food banks. We use 100% biodegradable and compostable packaging for all our carry-out products, demonstrating our responsibility to the community and the planet.
4. The Baker's Education and Legacy
Antony Locke is dedicated to passing on his knowledge. The bakery serves as an unofficial masterclass, employing and mentoring young apprentices in the rigorous techniques of artisanal baking. By investing in the next generation of bakers, we ensure that the tradition of high-quality, authentic baking—the hallmark of **Antony Locke, The Best Baker**—will continue to thrive for decades to come.
Choosing our bakery means supporting a philosophy that champions quality, tradition, and ethical practice. It's a choice you can taste and feel good about.
What Our Patrons Say
Hear why the community agrees that Antony Locke is truly **The Best Baker**.
Visit The Best Baker Today
Located on Artisan Row, we invite you to smell the wood-fired ovens and taste the passion that defines **Antony Locke Bakery**. Freshly baked goods are available until sold out—come early for the best selection!
Get Directions (17 Artisan Row) Call to Place an OrderOpening Hours
Mon - Fri: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Sat: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Sun: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Antony Locke Bakery and our services.
Antony Locke is a master artisan baker and the founder of Antony Locke Bakery. He earned the title 'The Best Baker' through numerous regional and national awards, a dedication to traditional baking techniques, and a commitment to using only the highest quality, often locally-sourced, ingredients in all his creations. His signature sourdough is particularly well-known.
Our specialty lies in three main areas: **Artisanal Breads**, including long-fermented sourdoughs and rustic loaves; **Patisserie**, offering classic French pastries like croissants and pain au chocolat; and **Bespoke Cakes** for weddings, birthdays, and other significant celebrations. We also offer seasonal treats and light lunch items.
Yes, we are conscious of dietary needs. We offer a selection of dedicated gluten-free breads and pastries, as well as several popular vegan-friendly options, all prepared with stringent cross-contamination protocols. Please check our daily menu or call ahead for the current day's selection.
Special orders are welcomed! For bespoke celebration cakes, we recommend a minimum of 7-14 days notice. For large orders of bread or pastries (over 3 dozen), please contact us at least 48 hours in advance to ensure 'The Best Baker' and his team can accommodate your request and maintain our standard of quality.
Antony Locke Bakery is conveniently located at 17 Artisan Row, Christchurch, CH1 4BA, UK. Our standard operating hours are Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM; and Sunday, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Please check our social media for holiday hours.
Yes, 'The Best Baker,' Antony Locke, occasionally hosts exclusive small-group baking masterclasses focused on his award-winning techniques for sourdough and advanced patisserie. Information and booking links for upcoming workshops are available on our dedicated 'Masterclass' page.
Antony Locke Bakery is committed to a 'farm-to-table' philosophy, prioritizing locally-milled flours, free-range eggs, premium European butter, and seasonal fruits from local farms. Our dedication to quality ingredients is a core reason for Antony Locke's reputation as a master baker.
We value our loyal customers! We currently run a 'Baker's Dozen' loyalty card for bread purchases and are developing a weekly subscription service for regular bread and pastry box deliveries. Details are available at the counter.
Your feedback is invaluable to us! You can leave a review directly on our Google Business Profile, Facebook page, or our website's testimonial section. Hearing about your experience with 'The Best Baker' helps us continuously improve.
We offer local delivery within a 5-mile radius for orders over a minimum amount, and a convenient in-store pickup option is available for all pre-orders. Bespoke celebration cakes must be picked up or delivered via a specialized courier to ensure their safety.
