There’s a certain feeling you get when you walk into Baker & Cook in Much Wenlock. It’s relaxed but polished, welcoming without trying too hard, the sort of place where you immediately feel looked after.
At the heart of it all are husband-and-wife team Jane and Andrew, who swapped London life for Shropshire in 2021, bringing with them decades of hospitality experience and a clear idea of what they wanted to create: somewhere people genuinely enjoy spending time.
Good hospitality should fit naturally into people’s lives
Jane’s culinary background includes Michelin-star kitchens The Square, The Green House and Rhodes in the Square, as head pastry chef to Gary Rhodes. She was also the first and so far only head female chef at Fortnum & Mason’s, an experience that helped shape her calm, confident approach in the kitchen. Her time working alongside Rhodes clearly left a mark, he later thanked her in his book Sweet Dreams, writing that she was “one of the most talented” pastry chefs he’d worked with and that the book would not have been possible without her. It’s the sort of praise that speaks for itself.
That experience subtly shapes what comes out of the kitchen at Baker & Cook – food that feels thoughtful, balanced and assured, without ever feeling fussy.
Menus shift with the seasons, with dishes thoughtfully prepared and reflective of Jane’s classical training and contemporary approach.
Sunday lunches have quickly built a strong following, relaxed in atmosphere yet firmly in demand, known for their quality and generous choice.
Andrew’s career spans some of London’s most respected establishments, from working with Anthony Worrall Thompson, The Queen’s caterers, Searcys and opening manager of Bentley’s with Richard Corrigan, to general manager for 6 years at Quo Vadis, working alongside chef Jeremy Lee. Yet his philosophy is refreshingly simple.
“For us it’s about honest food, warm service and giving people space to enjoy themselves,” he says.
And people do. Baker & Cook has built a loyal following, with many visitors returning regularly for brunch, lunch or a leisurely Sunday meal. Reviews often mention the atmosphere as much as the cooking, friendly, calm and quietly confident.
It’s about thoughtful choices, not just more choice.
The drinks list is just as considered. Wines come from independent suppliers and smaller producers, offering bottles from Alsace, Hungary, Lebanon, Italy and Provence alongside an interesting spirits selection. For those skipping alcohol, the “Sober Sips” range includes Mother Root, Botivo and artisan fruit fizzes.
In addition to daytime service, Baker & Cook hosts monthly gourmet evenings, celebrating favourite cuisines and giving guests something special to look forward to.
The Old Bakery: a sister space with its own charm.
Right opposite sits The Old Bakery, their sister venue with its own character. While Baker & Cook is a bistro-style café and restaurant, The Old Bakery has a slightly different rhythm.
From Wednesday through to Saturday mornings, the counters fill with freshly baked artisan breads, savoury tarts and pastries, sitting alongside beautifully crafted, delicious cakes that tempt passersby inside. Some pop in for a loaf or takeaway treat, while others settle in to enjoy breakfast, lunch or coffee.
As the day moves on, the space becomes a relaxed setting for drinks, whether meeting friends or unwinding at the end of the day.
Many customers happily drift between the two venues, lunch at Baker & Cook, followed by a more leisurely stop at The Old Bakery later.
On Fridays and Saturdays, a selection of small plates are served from early evening, offering something to enjoy alongside.
We want people to feel at home here
At its heart, what defines both Baker & Cook and The Old Bakery is genuine hospitality. It’s less about show and more about care, consistency and creating places people feel comfortable returning to.
Jane and Andrew’s move to Shropshire was as much about lifestyle as business. Their son Ethan quickly settled into local life, and the family have become part of the Much Wenlock community.
For locals and visitors alike, these two sister venues offer something quietly special: thoughtful food, welcoming spaces and the sense that real care goes into every detail.
And in a world of rushed lunches and predictable menus, that’s something worth savouring.
Baker & Cook
Wednesday-Friday: 12.30pm-3pm
Saturday: 9am-3pm
Sunday: 12.30pm-3pm
The Old Bakery
Wednesday: 10am-4pm
Thursday: 10am-6pm
Friday & Saturday: 10am-10pm
5 & 58/59 Sheinton St, Much Wenlock, TF13 6HU
01952 984436
