West End baker wins gold for its rye sourdough enriched bread and true loaf productions
Hinba Bakery, the popular sourdough and pastry specialist based at Lauderdale Gardens in Glasgow’s West End, is celebrating national success after taking home a series of prestigious accolades at the Scottish Bread Championships 2026, held at Bowhouse in Fife as part of Scotland’s Real Bread Week.
Competing against some of the country’s most skilled artisan bakers, Hinba Bakery secured six awards across four major categories which recognise both the bakery’s technical mastery and its commitment to Real Bread principles.
Hinba won gold in the rye sourdough category for both its enriched bread and true loaf, and silver in the white sourdough division for its white sourdough bread and true loaf, in the sea salt & rosemary focaccia category for its enriched bread and “Reflecting Scotland’s Food Culture”, as well as in the croissant category for its pastries.
The results were announced on Saturday 28 February at the Scottish Festival of Real Bread, with awards presented by Pat Jones, Deacon of the Incorporation of Bakers, and Trustee of the Edinburgh Bakers Trust.
Head Baker Rachel, who leads an all‑female baking team at Hinba’s Hyndland site, said: “We bake every loaf with care, using traditional methods, long fermentation, and the best Scottish produce we can source. To have that recognised on a national stage is a huge boost for our whole team.
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“Rye sourdough is one of our most labour‑intensive breads, so winning two golds for it feels especially rewarding. Our focus is always on flavour, craft, and consistency, and these awards reassure us we’re on the right track.”
Rachel, a passionate, Glasgow-born baker since her teens, has become a defining influence in the city’s artisan bread scene. Under her leadership, Hinba has become known not just for its now‑iconic sourdough but for its innovative pastries and its collaborations with Hinba’s restaurants.
Hinba Hospitality Group’s owner Fergus McCoss said: “Rachel and her team Victoria, Kerry, Greta & Arin has built something extraordinary at Hinba Bakery. These awards are a testament not only to her technical skill, but to her ethos, championing Real Bread, Scottish ingredients, and true craftsmanship.”
