'We're buzzing': Two storey Rise Cornish Bakery opens in Gunwharf Quays

Innovation is at the heart of a new concept bakery which is focused on the evolution of modern customer experiences.

Cornish Bakery has been a mainstay in Gunwharf Quays since 2001, with its cherished kiosk sitting prominently in the middle of the shopping outlet.

And after growing a loyal following, the independent company, which first started in Mevagissey, has opened a trendy two-storey concept store - Rise Cornish Bakery.

The relocated bakery, which now spans an impressive 3,150 square feet, opened on Monday, May 11 and will offer Cornish beers from Harbour Brewery and wines from Camel Valley Vineyard alongside the enhanced menu.

Val Quinn-Reid, the general manager at Rise Cornish Bakery, said: “We’ve been really excited about this project for a long time - it’s been a month that we’ve been in situ but we’ve been trying to get this store open for the last 12 months.

“Rise is the new concept. We do small plates, alcohol, sparkling wine and all of the lovely, gorgeous bakes with the Cornish Bakery.

“Over the weekend, we had family and friends as well as anyone who walked past our doors and wanted any of our award-winning pasties. We’ve had queues down to the centre of Gunwharf so it’s been pretty good.”

The existing Cornish Bakery kiosk will continue to operate alongside the larger new bakery, which has created 25 jobs.

While customers can tuck into the bakery’s traditional pastries, an elevated menu will also dish up small plates including chorizo and shakshuka baked eggs, Cornish huevos rancheros, crab gratin, Cornish ploughman's sharing plate for two and more.

Val added: “We have always intended to have an inside space in Gunwharf, we originally had the corner shop just four units down but we’ve been looking forward to having this inside space.

“The kiosk is a massive queen in Gunwharf but we weren’t going to get rid of that space because when it’s sunny, you want to have a coffee outside but we are looking to have those lovely sundown moments with sparkling wine on the terrace.

“We are only the second store with the concept Rise. We are actually the largest bakery in the country so it’s a momentous, massive moment for the company.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone in Pompey, the team is buzzing.”

Cornish Bakery managing director, Mat Finch said: “We are thrilled to be bringing a whole new dynamic space, and experience, to Gunwharf Quays. This is incredibly significant and exciting for us.

“By bringing the ‘RISE by Cornish Bakery’ concept to Gunwharf Quays, a destination known for innovation, quality retail and a strong sense of place we aim to play a continued role in shaping the future of modern hospitality. We can’t wait to be open.”

Rise Cornish Bakery will be open between 8am and 8pm everyday.