Chatsworth Bakehouse in Crystal Palace opened its doors in 2020, during the Covid‑19 pandemic, after starting out baking from founders Tom Mathews and Sian Evans’ flat.
The business later moved into a small shop on Anerley Road before, more recently, opening a second shop on the same street in 2024 after “outgrowing it quite quickly”.
“Opening the second space in 2024 was a really natural evolution for us,” Sian explained. “It was about growing the business on the same road, in a place that we love.”
The delicious treats are created in full view of customers (Image: Emily Davison/Newsquest)
The bakery became well known for its handmade pizzas served on Saturdays, focaccia bread and sandwiches, and creative bakes such as its Guinness cake and cereal cookie.
Over the years, the business has grown in popularity, earning a strong local following as well as being named in the Good Food Guide’s list of the best bakeries in Britain.
Despite its rising profile, the founders say the bakery remains firmly rooted in its neighbourhood.
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Sian told News Shopper: “We’re a community bakery — the most important thing is, are your customers happy?”
With a “strong customer base”, the business is open from Wednesday to Friday, 12.30pm to 4pm, with pizza slices served on Saturdays, and usually has queues trailing out of the door. Regulars include locals Paul and Charlotte, who say they return on a weekly basis.
Customers Paul and Charlotte outside the bakery (Image: Emily Davison/Newsquest)
Paul said: “There’s not many places around here where all the community comes together.”
He added: “You queue up and you end up speaking to people.”
The Good Food Guide is an annual publication that highlights the best food and drink businesses across the UK, from neighbourhood cafés to destination venues. Its bakery list is highly regarded within the food industry and places Chatsworth Bakehouse among a select group of standout independents nationwide.
Sian added: “We’re obviously over the moon to be recognised in the Good Food Guide.
“But our customers are the most important thing.”