Former Portsmouth Great British Bake Off finalist embarks on professional baking career in Hampshire

A FORMER Great British Bake Off star from Portsmouth has become a professional baker.

Last year’s finalist, Dave Friday, will be donning his apron at The Winchester Bakery in Winnall, Winchester.

After honing his culinary skills in the Bake Off tent, and at food festivals across the country, the ex-amateur now has the chance to turn fully professional.

Dave said: ‘I’m really excited to be launching my professional baking career with The Winchester Bakery team.

Dave Friday will join the team at The Winchester Bakery ahead of its retail shop launch early next year. Picture: Angela Ward Brownplaceholder image
Dave Friday will join the team at The Winchester Bakery ahead of its retail shop launch early next year. Picture: Angela Ward Brown
placeholder image
Read More
Southsea hotel and restaurant Becketts inundated with bookings after appears on ...

‘I’m looking forward to growing my technical knowledge and creating some new showstoppers to wow Winchester.’

Currently residing in Waterlooville, the former amateur has swapped a career in security for one in sourdough.

Dave added that he’s looking forward to working with Darren North, the head baker at The Winchester Bakery.

Dave Friday has honed his baking skills in the GBBO tent and at food festivals, but now has the chance to work as a professional baker. Picture: Angela Ward Brownplaceholder image
Dave Friday has honed his baking skills in the GBBO tent and at food festivals, but now has the chance to work as a professional baker. Picture: Angela Ward Brown

Darren is considered a master of sourdough and has a vast amount of industry experience, working with many leading bakeries such as Bertinet Bakery in Bath.

The Winchester Bakery launched as a wholesale business in 2020.

After a successful spell, the team added Dave to their ranks and are opening their first retail store on Winchester high street early next year.

The bakery, with an upstairs cafe, will tempt customers with signature selection breads, pastries and cakes.

You can follow Dave’s journey on his Instagram page @dave_friday_bakes.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to our online coverage, including Pompey, for 26p a day.

News you can trust since 1877
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice