THE world's oldest Cornish pasty maker is making its mark on Somerset by opening its second store in Somerset.

Warren's Bakery has teamed up with Bridgwater businessman, James Tucker to open the new bakery on Cornhill in Bridgwater.

Mr Tucker said he was first attracted to working with the company after being impressed with the quality of the craft bakeries premium range.

“With Warrens I know where the product comes from – something that is important to me – and I can follow its journey all the way from production to the first delicious bite" he said.

"Knowing that Warrens still use the same fresh, local ingredients and hand-crafted skills for every product really sets them apart from any other bakery.

"I’ve been visiting Warrens stores whilst on holiday in Cornwall for as long as I can remember, so was already familiar with the brand and its premium quality before hearing about the franchise opportunity.

"With Bridgwater being both my home town and the base of our business, it presented the ideal opportunity for our first store.

"I believe there is a real gap in the market here for a premium bakery like Warrens – a store that both offers traditional, local quality and, for many in this part of the country, evokes memories of wonderful holidays to Cornwall.”

Established in 1860, the baking giant has had a successful year with numerous store openings and it has been shortlisted as one of the top three bakery businesses in the country at the Baking Industry Awards.

The store will be opened on August 14 by the Mayor of Bridgwater alongside James Tucker, Andy Hulbert, head of corporate development and Jackie Dillon, head of operations.

Mark Sullivan, chairman of Warren's Bakery said: “With the rise in popularity of craft bakery and British baking, we are delighted that we will be able to share our recipes and award-winning sweet and savoury bakes with even more customers in Bridgwater.

"We are immensely proud of our heritage and it is extremely important to us as we grow to do so with experienced and trusted partners. "James is a prime example of that and, with a track record of running and launching several successful businesses in the area, we are looking forward to working with him in expanding our portfolio of stores in the region.

"We have big expansion plans in the region, with 20 stores over the next five years and can’t wait to build on our partnership and greet customers who may be more used to seeing our stores when holidaying down by the Cornish coast.

Mr Tucker, who is the stores new franchise owner said he is looking to expand the business across Somerset.

“Warrens Bakery brings a strong brand with excellent scalability to our portfolio.

"Scalability is something I look for in any business opportunity – in particular, the potential to take a strong, high quality and recognisable brand and expand it across our local market.

"Our next store will be Taunton and we are excited to grow the Warrens brand across Somerset.”

The store will be opened at a ceremony on August 14 at 11am at 16 Cornhill, Bridgwater.

For more information visit warrensbakery.co.uk for further information.