History

The company was founded in 1936 by George and Nellie Atherley. They baked delicious bread and cakes for the shop, with Nellie serving the customers.

During World War II, some of their sons joined the Forces. However, when their son William – known as Bill – returned home, he joined his parents in the bakery. He and his wife Vera began delivering bread to the neighbouring villages.

Bill and Vera had one son, named Paul. Paul worked with his family after leaving school, and eventually took over the bakery with his wife Pauline.

Today, Atherley’s is run by their son James, the fourth generation of bakers in the family. James completed his City & Guilds training at Clarendon College, and is accompanied by a small team of passionate bakers, who all have a full range of skills in break making, pastry and confectionary.

Atherley’s is still in the same home bakery premises as it was in 1936. This warm little shop has a team of welcoming, friendly members of staff, some of whom have worked at the shop for several decades.