6 Renowned Bakeries Serving Up Tasty Treats

The sweet tastes, intoxicating smells, and buttery textures of baked goods have always drawn broad and enthusiastic popularity. And in recent years, the appearance of television programs like The Great British Baking Show has only brought appreciation for oven-fresh desserts and breads to the next level. In no particular order, this list shares companies around the world that are sure to satisfy even the most experienced carb hound.

For #1 we get One Mile Bakery. It was opened in 2012 by journalist-turned-baker Elisabeth Mahoney, who launched the first location in Cardiff, Wales. She began by delivering bread, seasonal soups, and preserves by bike within a mile of her domestic kitchen, as well as teaching baking classes to more than 2,000 people. Since then, new OMB branches have opened in Hale and Exeter, offering both deliveries and baking classes hosted at home.

Each of the OMB micro-bakeries offers a core range of full-day classes, which are suitable for complete beginners or home bakers with some experience who want to improve their skills. Each bakery also has its own bespoke classes, as well as private bookings for friends, family, or corporate groups. Sessions include a two-course lunch with wine or soft drinks, plus snacks throughout the day.

Next up, at #2 is Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe. Part of the Rustic Canyon Family, a series of Santa Monica restaurants owned and operated by locals Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan, this establishment offers fresh pastries, baked goods, and seasonal breakfast and lunch. Everything served at Huckleberry is made onsite, using organic ingredients, Valrhona chocolate, farmers' market produce, and GMO-free dairy, meats, and poultry.

Among Huckleberry's signature dishes is Dad's Pancakes, served with Clover-brand organic butter and pure maple syrup. There are also a variety of salads, hot sandwiches, and soups. For dessert, patrons can enjoy numerous freshly-baked cookies, muffins, scones, biscuits, croissants, teacakes, and more. In 2014, Huckleberry's owners and its bakery director released a cookbook, which features 115 sweet and savory breakfast-inspired recipes.

The #3 entry is Bakers Delight. This franchise has several hundred locations across Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand, and serves customers freshly baked bread, from classic loaves to artisanal sourdoughs. Roger and Lesley Gillespie opened the first location in Hawthorn, Melbourne, in the 1980s.

In addition to bread, the bakery sells pastries such as lemon tarts, scones, and custard scrolls. It also offers a healthier line of baked goods, featuring a higher protein content and whole grains. Where possible, Bakers Delight sources ingredients that have been grown or made in Australia; the company states that it does not use GMOs.

Coming in at #4 is Seylou Bakery and Mill, located in Washington DC's Blagden Alley. The eatery offers whole-grain food items and beverages; all of its grains are organic and freshly milled on site. Among its many bread selections are rustica baguettes, einkorn loaves, and pain au levain.

In addition to savory items, Seylou sells many desserts like tarts, brownies, and cookies. Its celebration cake can be ordered for special occasions; it is made with whole grains, Seylou's own flour, and seasonal fruits. Those looking for baked goods to enjoy for breakfast can order croissants and scones.

For #5, we present Silver Moon Bakery. Situated in the Upper West Side neighborhood of New York City, it sells dozens of varieties of breads, ceremonial challahs, cakes and pastries, and specialty holiday treats. It is owned by Judith Norell and Georgia Stamoulis.

Silver Moon has been featured in the New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, Time Out, Le Guide des Routiers, and other publications. In May 2015, it was the first American artisanal bakery invited to participate in the prestigious New York Fair at the Hankyu department store in Osaka, Japan.

To close, at #6, we have La Brea Bakery. While its breads are now packaged and sold in various countries such as Singapore, Ireland, and Canada, the first brick-and-mortar location was founded in 1989 by Nancy Silverton in Los Angeles, California; it has a second cafe in Downtown Disney.

In addition to baguettes and loaves, La Brea Bakery sells rolls, sliced sandwich bread, and seasonal items, flavored with ingredients such as cranberries and walnuts. In 2003, Oprah Winfrey featured its granola on her talk show; the bakery has also been featured by Los Angeles Magazine, Food Network, and other media outlets.