From the Cotswolds to Japan: Bakery on the water goes on tour!
This autumn, we packed our aprons and headed east, swapping the rolling hills of the Cotswolds for the bright lights of Osaka. The Little Bakery Company was invited to take part in the 58th Hankyu British Fair, Japan’s longest running celebration of all things British.
The fair is a week-long celebration of Britain’s best, from tea and tweed to cheese and craft. With this year’s theme of The English Countryside, we felt right at home.
Sharing a slice of the Cotswolds
It was an incredible feeling to see our handmade loaves, pastries, scones and English cakes, all baked back in our kitchen in Moreton-in-Marsh, being enjoyed on the other side of the world. More than 250,000 visitors came to the event, and we loved introducing Japanese customers to the flavours and stories behind our bakes, from the slow fermentation of our sourdoughs to the soft crumb of a classic Victoria sponge and the comforting simplicity of a freshly baked scone with jam.
A week we will never forget
Owners Alex and Narda Clavel travelled to Osaka for the fair, meeting visitors, serving customers and soaking up the atmosphere.
“Taking The Little Bakery Company to Japan was a once in a lifetime experience,” said Alex. “From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by how warm and welcoming everyone was. Seeing people queuing to try our bakes and hearing how much they love British craftsmanship was amazing. We are so grateful to Hankyu and the Cotswolds Plus team for making it possible.”
Flying the flag for the Cotswolds
Our invitation came through a partnership between the Cotswolds Plus Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) and Hankyu Department Stores Japan, which helps connect rural British producers with international audiences.
For us, it was not just about bread and cakes. It was about sharing a little piece of the Cotswolds, the care, the craft and that slower, gentler way of doing things.
From our shops in Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford and Moreton-in-Marsh to a bustling department store in Osaka, we were reminded that the things we value most, such as good ingredients, honest baking and genuine connection, are what people everywhere love about British food.