Burns the Bread is preparing to unveil its seventh site on the premises of a former charity shop.

The third-generation family-run Somerset bakery plans to open the 60sq metre unit in West Street, Somerton on 14 August.

Speciality bread lines, freshly prepared sandwiches, cakes, pasties and sausage rolls will be among the items sold, along with the company’s speciality Torsy Moorsy luxury fruit cake.
Established in 1983 by Bob Burns, the business also has outlets in Street, Wells, Castle Cary and three shops in Glastonbury.

“We’ve been looking to open in Somerset for a couple of years and had previously planned to move into premises that hadn’t been built,” Casey Stoddart, retail support manager and the founder’s grandson told British Baker.

“It’s a nice town, we like to be part of the community, and thought we’d fit in quite well.”

Last year, Bob Burns was awarded an MBE for his services to charity and the community he lives in. His baking classes have helped raise tens of thousands of pounds for a wide range of charities over the years, including the local St Margaret’s Hospice.

He is also involved in the Rotary Club, three local schools - including one where he is a governor, the Children’s Society and Guide Dogs charity.

At the time, his daughter Terri said: “He also does lots of other things which he never even mentions to help people.”

In 2012 Bob Burns took the title of Baker of the Year at British Baker’s Baking Industry Awards.