Martin's Bakery in Oswaldtwistle nominated for best bakery

Martin's Bakery, based on Union Road, has been nominated for the Lancashire Telegraph’s Best Bakery 2026 title.

The bakery won the title in 2024, under previous ownership.

Current owner Ashleigh Macleod, who took over the business in December after working there for more than two years, said the nomination was an honour.

Egg custards from Martin's Bakery (Image: Ashleigh Macleod)

She said: "I have always been into cooking, and when I saw the opportunity to take over, I thought it was a great opportunity and we’d give it a go.

"When I found out we had been nominated, I nearly cried.

Pies at Martin's Bakery (Image: Ashleigh Macleod)

"The previous owner won it in 2024, and I worked here when he won it.

"I have only been in charge since December, and to think we have been nominated the same as him makes me really proud."

Sweet treats from Martin's Bakery (Image: Ashleigh Macleod)

The bakery has long been a staple of the community, with a reputation built over generations.

Ashleigh said: "It has a good reputation as it has been here a really long time.

"Most of the staff are my family, so it is an actual family-run business run by people who were born in Oswaldtwistle.

"It is about keeping that tradition and carrying on the legacy that the previous owners left.

Food at Martin's Bakery (Image: Ashleigh Macleod)

"There is pressure to maintain the good reputation."

Ashleigh said the business has remained very traditional.

"All we have done is add a few things customers have asked for, such as coffee and breakfast trays," she said.

Inside Martin's Bakery (Image: Ashleigh Macleod)

Martin's Bakery has stood on Ossy High Street since 1898.

It was previously owned by Lyndon Martin, whose grandfather took over the business in 1945.

Ashleigh said: "Our menu is traditional.

"We have introduced spam, hash browns and beans because that was asked for by the local builders – we listen to what customers want.

"Without them, the shop wouldn’t survive, so we love to listen to our customers’ requests."

She added that the return of homemade soup is set to be popular with customers as the weather turns colder.

Ashleigh said: "Now the weather is changing, we are bringing in homemade soup again, which we started when we took over last year.

"It takes a bit of time, but it is worth it because the customers love it."

The bakery is also catering to younger customers.

She said: "We also have chocolate chip brownies for the younger kids."

Ashleigh said: "Our best sellers are meat and potato pies and egg custards! They have always been the most popular items in the shop."

Ashleigh said to win would "mean the world".

She said: "To win would mean the world as new owners.

"It is recognition for the staff that we are doing a good job and that people appreciate all we are doing.

"We are doing our best and it has been hard, not going to lie but the last eight months have been fantastic.

"Working with family makes it so enjoyable.

"My nine-year-old daughter loves the shop and can’t wait to grow up and help with it."

We will feature each of the finalists until voting closes on Sunday, September 12. To vote, readers need to pick up a paper copy of the Lancashire Telegraph and complete the voting slip.