Warrens Bakery are on the look-out for their first ever 'Young Budding Baker of the Year' and there's just two weeks left for nominations.

The overall winner of the seven shortlisted will go behind the scenes at Warrens Bakery in Cornwall for a masterclass with Head Baker Jason Jobling where they will also help to develop a brand-new bake. The lucky winner will also get to meet Martha Collison, win a year's supply of bakes, plus a baking course at their local cookery school worth £250.

Head Baker Jason Jobling, who has been with the team for an incredible 26 years, is helping to lead the search with the help of baking star Martha Collison to recruit 'wannabe winners'. As Chair of the Cornish Pasty Association, Jason's love for craft baking is clear to see, most recently featured on BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show with Chris Evans during the first ever Cornish Pasty Week.

Passionate about inspiring the next generation of bakers, Jason said: “Up until February last year, Warrens Bakery stores were only in the South West. Our journey over the last 12 months has been incredible, with monthly store openings in regions throughout England. Local residents have instantly taken to our sweet and savoury range of bakes and having met so many new friendly faces, we want to inspire young bakers and grow the appetite for craft baking with the launch of the search for the next Budding Baker.”

With students across the nation currently completing GCSE's and A-levels, the campaign is extremely timely as teenagers look to the next chapter.

Tipped as one of the top three craft bakeries in the UK and gaining the highest place for a retailer in The World Pasty Championship, the expert team at Warrens Bakery have been guardians of the Cornish Pasty since 1860. Continuing to hand-crimp all of their pasties in St Just, near Land's End, hand crimping an average of three pasties every minute; recipes and hand-craft skills have been passed down generation after generation.

Celebrated author, Waitrose magazine columnist and rising baking star Martha Collison is helping the team in their search. Commenting about her involvement, Martha said - “Baking is so well-loved because it's part of our heritage; a skill that spans all generations. I was inspired to bake by looking up to those more experience than myself; grandparents, food technology teachers and aunties. They inspired me to get in the kitchen and try things out, to hone my skills and to improve my ability through encouragement and opportunity. I'm passionate about seeing a younger generation inspired to bake and let loose in our kitchens, as you learn so much about food through making it yourself.”

Open for nominations from siblings, friends, parents and grandparents who want to see their young rising star (16-18) crowned as the first ever Warrens Bakery 'Young Budding Baker of the Year 2018'. The competition is open for entry in the seven UK regions where Warrens Bakery stores are located. More information on how to nominate can be found out by visiting www.warrensbakery.co.uk/buddingbaker.

Each region will be whittled down to one shortlisted applicant, who will be invited to a 'Teach the Craft' event which will take place in the summer holidays, including a goodie bag for all. Closing date for entries is Sunday 1st July 2018.

To hear the latest news from Warrens Bakery follow them on Twitter (@WarrensBakery) or link up with them on Facebook www.facebook.com/warrensbakery.

www.warrensbakery.co.uk.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

• Warrens Bakery is a traditional bakery, with three production sites and over 50 stores throughout Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Manchester, Birmingham, Hampshire, Essex, Wales and London.
• The story of Warrens Bakery began back in 1860 when the original shop was opened. At its heart lies a romance between two local families, the Harveys and the Warrens. Miss Harvey, the daughter of the local St. Just baker, met Master Warren, the farmer's son. While the local Warrens farm provided the ingredients fresh from the fields, the Harveys made the pastry and baked the pasties.
• Generations later Warrens Bakery is the oldest Cornish pasty maker in the world, the oldest bakery in Cornwall and one of the oldest artisan bakers in the UK.
• Warrens Bakery's hard work and dedication has seen them receive a long list of accolades for their sweet bakes and pasties. They were finalists in the prestigious Craft Business Award in the Baking Industry Awards 2015 and 2017. 2016 also saw them win a haul of awards at the 2016 British Pie Awards, the World Pasty Championships and claim victory in a number of independent radio polls. Most recently, the team was crowned 'Company of the Year' in the 2018 Devon & Cornwall Venus Awards.
• Continuing to innovate sweet and savoury bakes - Headed up by Master Baker, Jason Jobling, the team offer both traditional and innovative bakes.

Knead to know facts about Warrens Bakery –

• Pasty crimpers in St Just, Cornwall's oldest bakery, hand crimp 3 pasties every minute
• The longest serving bakery member, Paul Phillips, has been with the team for 45 years and there is nothing he doesn't know about baking
• 3,500 loaves of artisan bread are made everyday
• 250kg of Clotted Cream is used in Warren's Bakery scones and shortbreads every week

For further information, photography or an interview with Jason Jobling, chairman of Warrens Bakery, or Master Baker Jason Jobling, please contact:

Laura Quick at RAW PR and Marketing – laura@rawfoodanddrinkpr.co.uk

Tel: 07807 809 119

Twitter: @RawSW