Warrens Bakery will open its second store in Hampshire at The Marlands shopping centre in Southampton as part of its plans for UK growth.

Opening on 27 July, Warrens said it was excited to bring its bakes to the “busy and bustling city centre” with an official grand opening and biscuit decorating demo planned.

Working in partnership with local businessman Farhat Abbass, the new store is the second opening within the area following the Eastleigh site in May.

“The second bakery will provide a perfect centrally located pit-stop for breakfast, lunches and coffees on-the-go,” Abbass said.

“We are also creating an extra 10 job opportunities for the local community. With a family of stores planned in and around Southampton and Winchester, we expect this will rise to around 100 new employees over the next few years.”

Mark Sullivan, chairman of Warrens Bakery, said the company was pleased with how its plans were progressing and the addition of the Southampton site to its growing list of locations.

“We can’t wait to greet customers who have previously enjoyed our craft range of sweet and savoury bakes in the south west, as well as meet new faces who may well be visiting us for the first time,” Sullivan said.

“As our business grows, it is great to be able to work alongside trusted partners and, as a local businessman who has a track record in the area, it is great to be able to build on the partnership with Farhat.”

Warrens was recently announced as a finalist in the Baking Industry Awards 2017 in The Craft Business Award category.