The founder of an award-winning Suffolk bakery has announced the launch of her next business venture.

Rebecca Bishop is the founder of Two Magpies Bakery, an award-winning business with shops in Southwold, Aldeburgh and Woodbridge, as well as across Norfolk. 

In April this year, around the 10th anniversary of the brand, she released the Two Magpies Bakery cookery book which reveals some of the secret recipes that are so popular with customers. 

East Anglian Daily Times: The baking classes on offer include Scandinavian bakes and sourdoughThe baking classes on offer include Scandinavian bakes and sourdough (Image: Rebecca Bishop, via Instagram)

Now she has announced that she is returning to her first love, teaching, and has launched a new business: The Next Loaf, which is based in Wenhaston, near Halesworth in east Suffolk.

"I'm keen to spread the joy of good bread," said Ms Bishop.

Ms Bishop has been teaching classes at Two Magpies Bake School since 2019 and will continue to demonstrate the recipes from the cookery book as part of her next venture. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Sourdough is easier to digest than supermarket sliced bread, and Ms Bishop is an advocate of the nutritional benefits of making and eating long-fermented Real BreadSourdough is easier to digest than supermarket sliced bread, and Ms Bishop is an advocate of the nutritional benefits of making and eating long-fermented Real Bread (Image: Rebecca Bishop)

"TV programmes like the Great British Bake Off, the increasing concerns over ultra-processed food, and the massive spike of interest in sourdough bread during lockdown have increased the nation's appetite for home baking and for learning how to make delicious, nutritious bread, cakes and pastries," said Ms Bishop.

The classes will take place in a small and relaxed environment, and those partaking in them will also enjoy a delicious lunch together before heading home piled high with their bakes from the day. 

The bookable classes range from bread to pizza, to traditional treats from around Europe and Scandinavia. Gift vouchers are also available for purchase via the website and, with Christmas on the horizon, they could make for a unique gift idea.

East Anglian Daily Times: Customers will go home laden with sweet treats and full stomachs!Customers will go home laden with sweet treats and full stomachs! (Image: Rebecca Bishop)

“It's lovely to share an experience with a loved one," said Ms Bishop, and many of her students are repeat customers who want to keep on learning new skills. 

The cookery school will launch in 2024 and classes are bookable via the website, thenextloaf.co.uk.