If the rapid growth and expansion of Peterborough’s Country Bakery & Market is proof of anything, it’s that Ontarians can’t get enough of the tastes and products of the United Kingdom.
Now with four locations in Ontario, Country Bakery & Market is a homage to Britain, combining traditional recipes with innovative baking techniques for one-of-a-kind baked goods you can’t find anywhere else, along with a marketplace of brands usually only found in the U.K.
“It’s a place offering everything from authentic pastries to hard-to-find British pantry staples,” says co-owner Rebecca Daynes. “It’s more than just a bakery — it’s a taste of home.”
Rebecca and her husband and business partner Steve Daynes — the well-known Peterborough entrepreneur behind Level A Professional Group, Signified, and the Staffing Connection — founded Country Bakery & Market in Peterborough in 2023 with a unique concept in mind.
“The goal was to offer both a taste of home through traditional British pastries and a unique grocery experience that brings the authentic flavours of Britain to the community, making it a one-stop shop for comfort and nostalgia,” Rebecca explains.
“This blend of bakery and British grocery provides customers with a one-of-a-kind experience, where they can enjoy delicious pastries and also find authentic U.K. products, creating a deeper connection with the community and their roots.”
Since first opening at Fowlers Corners (566 Frankhill Rd., Unit 3) just outside of Peterborough, and then at Courtice (1420 King St. E.) soon after, Country Bakery & Market has quickly become a destination shop for Anglophiles.
“People come from far and wide to find specific British products they can’t get anywhere else, making our bakery a special destination for those looking for a taste of home or a unique culinary experience,” says Rebecca.
That’s even easier now that Country Bakery & Market has expanded to additional locations in Scarborough (1601 Ellesmere Rd.) and Whitby (3500 Brock St. N.), taking over the former locations of But ‘n Ben Scottish Bakery, which closed in 2024 after 58 years.
“When The Country Bakery opened its doors in Scarborough and Whitby, replacing But ‘n Ben, it was with the vision of continuing the legacy of a beloved community staple while adding its own unique touch,” Rebecca says.
“Expanding was an exciting step for us. We wanted to meet the growing demand for our products in the GTA and continue to bring authentic baked goods and British groceries to more communities. These new locations help us serve a larger customer base, while maintaining the same quality and personal touch that we’re known for.”
The new locations serve up the same products found in Peterborough and Courtice, including several items directly imported from the U.K. Some of the most popular and sought-after staples to be found on the shelves include McVitie’s digestive biscuits, Walker’s Crisps (or “chips” as we call them in North America), the highly desired Branston Pickles, and a range of clotted cream labels.
As for their daily baked goods, Country Bakery & Market uses locally sourced ingredients and bakes everything fresh on location. From shortbreads and biscuits to loafs, baps, muffins, pies, and tarts, there is always a rotating selection of ready-to-eat options.
Customer favourites include the sweet and sticky signature Bowie butter tart, sausage rolls and meat pies, and traditional scones — in every flavour from original to blueberry, raisin, potato, and cheese.
“The mix of sweet and savoury baked goods ensures that there’s something for everyone to enjoy,” says Rebecca.
A visit to Country Bakery & Market is also an opportunity to learn about the fascinating histories of traditional U.K. foodstuffs like the Cornish pasty. Although the meat and vegetable filled pastry originated hundreds of years earlier among the wealthy, the pasty with its distinctive folded shape and crimped edge became popular with the working class (especially miners) in Cornwall and west Devon in the 17th and 18th centuries, because it was a complete meal that could be easily carried and eaten without cutlery.
With people coming from all over for their traditional British baked goods and hard-to-find U.K. brands, Country Bakery & Market focuses on delivering authenticity, high quality, and excellent customer service.
“Our team is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every customer feels like family,” Rebecca says. “The staff’s passion for baking and their attention to detail ensures that each pastry reflects the authentic flavours of Britain. From delicious scones and tarts to the selection of imported grocery items, our staff’s commitment to quality makes every visit a special and nostalgic experience.”
Despite its continued growth, Country Bakery & Market maintains a commitment to the community where it was founded, with the Daynes recently donating almost $12,000 to Right to Heal PTBO, a not-for-profit organization that provides addiction treatment outpatient services in Peterborough.
“Our community is important to us,” says Rebecca.
Rebecca adds that Country Bakery & Market remains steadfast in its mission as it continues to grow and expand.
“Our goal remains the same: to provide an authentic British experience, from our baked goods to our grocery items, and to maintain the warm, welcoming atmosphere our customers love,” she says. “We’re grateful for the support and look forward to continue to bring a taste of Britain to more people across Ontario.”
Visit www.countrybakery.com to view a full list of products, and follow Country Bakery & Market on Instagram and Facebook.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with Country Bakery & Market. If your business or organization is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
