Bradfords Bakers & Confectioners, Glasgow, Scotland - Company History
Bradfords Bakers Company History
Bradfords was founded in 1924
by Mr Hugh Bradford with his sons, Hugh and William,
within small bakery premises in Niddrie Road in the south
side of Glasgow. The business was transferred to Pollokshaws
Road, Glasgow during the 1930s where it remained
under the partnership of this sons with one large,
busy shop until 1969.
In
December 1969 the premises were sold and the third generation
grandson of the founder Hugh Robert Bradford decided to continue
on the family tradition by starting afresh with his wife
Helen with only 3 employees in Torrisdale Street, Glasgow.
The quality and range of goods was increased and a wide
variety of bread was introduced, with wedding cakes becoming
a particular speciality.
The business quickly outgrew the premises
at Torrisdale Street and so the bakery was moved to new
premises in Giffnock. From here the company grew to supplying
a total of 9 retail outlets..
By
1982 the shortage of space had become so acute
it became necessary to move again. This time to the present
2 acre site at the Waterfall Bakery.. In 1984 the company opened its
first City Centre shop, in Cambridge Street, taking the
opportunity to expand the range further to include hand
made chocolates and also opening a separate tearoom.
In
1989 our flagship shop was moved from Cambridge Street
to its current location in Sauchiehall Street taking
over the former Sir Hugh Fraser's department store. This site
has the unique privilege of being the largest artisan
bakers shop in the United Kingdom situated on three floors
and occupying over 5,500 square feet of retail space.. The business has since expanded to supplying
12 retail outlets all within the Glasgow area.
May 1993 saw the opening of our
newly expanded bakery.
The
company continued to look forward, and in mid January
1998 launched a new associated company - Miss Cranstons
Tearooms. This company brought back to Glasgow a famous
tearoom name that disappeared in the mid 1950s.
The tearoom has grown to become an important part of Glasgow
culture and is now renowned throughout the world, with
many tourists making a special trip to the tearoom on
their travels to Scotland. Miss Cranstons is now a member
of the Tea Council Guild of Teashops and features in their book
"The Best Tea Places Guide".
Bradfords Bakers is still a family
owned and operated business with Helen Bradford and her
daughter Claire Bradford supported by our remarkable and
skilled bakery staff who still to this day make
traditional hand crafted products passed down since 1924.
Cart is empty 
