Warrens Bakery

About Warrens Bakery

Warrens Bakery is a company based in Cornwall which claims to be Britain's oldest Cornish pasty maker, having been established in 1860. Previously a family-owned business, in 2012 it became a limited company, having attracted outside investors. Since a reorganisation in 2016, the company has been a subsidiary of Provenance Brands, alongside Cornish Sea Salt Company Limited. Provenance also owns Warrens Bakery Franchise.

In 2019, Warrens Bakery agreed a CVA with its suppliers and landlords. It remains the largest chain of bakeries in the south west, with circa 45 shops, and also sells products online and through other retailers via its wholesale brand, Simply Cornish. In April 2022, Warrens Bakery said it was set to exit its CVA as it reported a return to profit in the year ending 30 June 2021.

A statement accompanying the accounts said: “The success of the CVA can be clearly seen with a return to profit for the year. Given the improved performance, the company requested further variations of the CVA, which were approved by creditors in February 2022. The company requested creditor approval to make a final payment of £500,000 in March 2022. The supervisors of the CVA expect to make a final dividend payment to creditors in April 2022, after which the CVA will be discharged.”

As well as its core estate in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and South Wales, it has outlets in Gatwick airport and Derriford hospital, and in service stations at Cullompton, Peterborough and Cambridge. Further travel hub locations opened at Bath Spa station in November 2023 and Slough station in September 2024.

In December 2024, Warrens opened its first travel hub location in Wales, at Cardiff Central station, and second overall in the country. Katie Anderson, head of travel at Warrens Bakery, said: “Expanding into Cardiff is an exciting milestone in Warrens Bakery’s journey within the travel sector and marks our first travel store in Wales and the start of a partnership with Transport for Wales”.

In August 2025, the company said it shut more loss-making stores in the year to 30 June 2024. During the year, new stores were opened in Barnstaple, Dartmouth, Bath Spa and Basingstoke railway stations, while four loss-making stores were closed as their leases expired. Post year-end, new stores have been opened at Yelverton, Newquay and Weston, and Slough and Cardiff railway stations, while a further three loss-making stores closed.

In December 2025, the company said it is looking to further expand its presence in London transport hubs after opening a new flagship site in Liverpool Street, the UK’s busiest railway station. Mark Sullivan, chief executive of Warren Bakery, said: “Our railway station stores in Bath, Basingstoke, Slough and Cardiff are popular amongst commuters and travellers, so we’re excited to grow further in this area by opening a flagship shop in the UK's busiest railway station. Our plan is to expand our presence in other London travel locations.”

In March 2026, the business said it is transitioning to larger footfall locations. The company stated: “A further three loss-making stores have been closed since June 2025 as their leases expired as part of the continuing strategy to transition to larger footfall locations.

Why franchise with Warrens Bakery

• ✓With ambitions to develop a national presence for the brand, Warrens Bakery is keen to find franchisees able to take the brand further across the UK. Franchisees should be interested in opening multiple outlets, and there is the opportunity to take on further territories once an initial series of stores have been successfully managed.
• ✓The cost for a franchise package with Warrens Bakery starts at £18,500, with a minimum investment of £50,000 and a total investment of £75,000-£125,000. There may be additional costs, including lease and rent, legal fees and other charges. The cost includes everything needed to set up the business, including complete training and ongoing support, and all relevant food safety and hygiene certifications required. Franchise owners also receive support with site design and project management, plus marketing and PR support for the store opening. Warrens Bakery is looking for potential franchise candidates who can commit to a multi-unit agreement, with a minimum of five stores.
• ✓Franchise owners should, therefore, have previous experience in the food industry, and have a track record in successfully running food outlets. As any potential franchise owner would be responsible for managing multiple outlets, they should have excellent management and organisational skills. Warrens Bakery provides all of its franchisees with a comprehensive package of training regardless of background or previous history. All franchise owners receive training on food safety and undergo hygiene certifications.
• ✓Franchise owners are also provided with support and training to help them manage a multi-unit franchise, which includes training on understanding national supply, economies of scale and staff management. Warrens Bakery provides regional-specific products, and franchisees are supported with mapping techniques to help identify which product ranges may be most successful in each territory.
• ✓Once a franchise owner is ready to start developing the business, Warrens Bakery’s team will help select and choose the best premises for each store, with assistance in site development and design. Before a franchisee is ready to open, it will also provide support with point of sale and in-house marketing, with an extensive range of materials worth over £10,000 to ensure a successful launch campaign in the local area. Furthermore, franchise owners and their staff can receive ongoing training and support, with operational training for new staff members as the brand grows.

Investment breakdown