Birds Bakery in Ashbourne — Restaurant in Derbyshire Dales

Having been attracted by the appetising appearance of the cakes & bread in the window display, we ventured inside and bought a some rolls. The clean, friendly, traditional establishment was not short of customers of all ages or staff, who were clearly happy in their work. In fact, all staff we met greeted us with a smile & freely engaged in friendly chit-chat, helping to make us welcome.

Thanks to that, we vowed to go back after a further walk round the town for our mid-morning drink. The welcome remained as warm upon our return. We ordered a black coffee, a hot chocolate and a tea cake to share. Service was prompt and polite.

Having enjoyed our scrumptious tea cake, we purchased a pack for ourselves and one to give to the in-laws. We also bought two pasties - a Cornish and a cheese & onion type, which we decided would go nicely for our evening meal.

We (my mrs & I) agreed that like the rest of the shop & seating area, the loos were kept spotless.

We will visit again when we return to the nice traditional market town that is Ashbourne.

In short, The Ashbourne Gingerbread Shop comes highly...

Having been a regular customer for many years I am very disappointed with the mini menu. Where is the drinks menu? (The lovely staff must get fed up with explaining what else is on offer?) Where is the option for cakes etc to go with your drink? I can only assume you have appointed someone (usually an inexperienced managerial graduate that can change the world!!!!) never having experienced work at the sharp end. Then there must be management board that are blinkered in making decisions for the good of the customer. We shall continue to buy your excellent confectionary, bread etc but cafe is for a coffee and cake only until you think again....

Disappointed to see the gingerbread men have synthetic e numbers / colours including tartazine e102 and sunset yellow e110 that cause harm to health including hyperactivity in children and are even banned in many countries including Norway and Sweden. Completely unnecessary for the baking of children’s gingerbread! I thought it would be home baked gingerbread but these are individually plastic wrapped processed food instead. What a shame they have missed a great opportunity of business. Hopefully they can review the concerns above and change this. Paper wrapping and no harmful unnecessary...