Brum ‘burbs bakery beckons backers

Long-time Real Bread Campaign supporters Loaf, a community bakery and cookery school on the fringes of Birmingham, need help to raise £25,000 towards its move to the new Stirchley Co-operative Development.

Backers can choose from rewards ranging from cookies and a limited edition t-shirt, to a sourdough workshop and a private Real Bread making class for up to eight people.

Find out more and pledge

Founded in 2009, Loaf is a workers’ co-operative, dedicated to building community through food. From its shop on Pershore Road, the team has spent more than 15 years making Real Bread, running hands-on cookery classes and sharing skills that bring people together.

The move, planned for early 2026, will see Loaf join other local co-operatives in the new Stirchley Co-operative Development. This community-led project is being established to provide affordable, sustainable space for independent businesses and housing.

Fliss, a member of the Loaf co-operative, said: ‘We’ve outgrown our little shop and this move will give us the space and security to keep doing what we love - baking, teaching and feeding our community.’

How your dough will be used

The money raised will support fit-out of Loaf’s new bakery, shop and cookery school, along with moving costs and accessibility improvements to ensure everyone can take part in its classes.

The new space will allow Loaf to increase production, create more secure co-op jobs, and strengthen its pay-it-forward scheme, which provides Real Bread to local foodbanks and direct to people in need.