Bakery in Stirchley named among best in the UK by The Financial Times days before it closes down

A small independent bakery in a south Birmingham suburb has been hailed as one of the best in the UK by a national newspaper. Sadly, the small business will be shutting its doors soon.

The Financial Times included the bakery, situated in Stirchley - known as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK - among its 20 best bakeries in the country. But the independent bakery was forced to announce its closure on the same day that the accolade was made public on Thursday, April 27.

Ten Four - was also featured among BirminghamWorld’s top picks to grab a fresh loaf. It was founded by former pastry chef Adam Cross - who also runs Jam vs Custard Doughnuts.

The Financial Times writes: “This is where the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants get their bread baked.” The “community-focused bakery” started as a donut stall at a local market but has grown into a shop in Stirchley Trading Estate.

Operating out of a warehouse unit, it sells pastries and bread, as well as its signature sourdough - which is also supplied to wine bars and coffee shops across the city. The national broadsheet Financial Times added: “Ten Four doesn’t overcomplicate, using the best ingredients available, locally sourced and always in season.”

TenFour Bakehouse shared their jubilant news on social media saying : “Talk about going out on a high… we’ve been featured in Financial Times top 20 bakeries in the UK!!! Just goes to show that performing at the top of your game is not enough in these crazy times of running a small business. We are so proud and honoured to be listed alongside some of our bakery idols.”

Ten Four bakery closing down

Chef Adam Cross shared the news of the bakery’s closure on his social media platform on April 27. He said: “We are devastated to let you know we will close our doors this Saturday to Stirchley Trading Estate for the final time. Like every other individual and business, we have been battling with rising costs. We have just been presented with a 70% rent increase as part of contract negotiations with our landlord which has quite simply rendered our business unviable.

“This is just the final nail in the coffin. Since we started in 2017, dairy costs have increased by up to 95%, flour has increased from by as much as 35% a bag. We haven’t even seen the impact on our energy costs yet as we have been on a fixed price contract, but in the coming months we are expected to see an increase of over 180%. The list goes on.

“We have tried desperately to find a way forward but we cannot charge in the region of £8 for a loaf of bread when people and businesses are struggling to survive - that’s the equivalent increase to our own prices to cover our increased costs.

“We’re also not willing to risk this business we have worked so hard to build going into liquidation and I am completely exhausted - working 14 hour days on four hours sleep is just not sustainable.

“I hope this isn’t the end for Ten Four, I will continue the search for alternative premises and future opportunities. But for now, thank you so much to all our staff, customers and suppliers for all your love, support and loyalty over the last six years. It’s been a wild rollercoaster and an absolute pleasure to bake for you.”