A fifth-generation family-run bakery has been bestowed the 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.
Hobbs House Bakery numbers shops in Nailsworth, Tetbury, Chipping Sodbury and in Bristol (Gloucester Road), is one of only 27 UK businesses to receive this award and one of three in the Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire region; the highest business accolade for British companies.
Hobbs House Bakery was honoured to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Edward Gillespie OBE, and his Deputy Lieutenants, including former England and Gloucester rugby legend to its bakery in Chipping Sodbury this week for the formal presentation of the King’s Award for Sustainable Development — one of the UK’s most prestigious business honours.
The visit provided an opportunity to acknowledge, celebrate, and reflect on the bakery’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and its mission to “bake for future generations.”
During the visit, the Lord-Lieutenant and his delegation toured the bakery, met members of the Hobbs team, learned about the company’s sustainability journey — and even enjoyed a pastry or two.
Receiving the King’s Award is a significant milestone for Hobbs House Bakery. It recognises the team’s dedication to building a more sustainable future, from farm to oven. However, Managing Director George Herbert emphasised that this is only the beginning: “It’s an honour to be presented with our King’s Award for Sustainable Development and to recognise all the hard work we’ve done at Hobbs over the last few years to bake in a more sustainable way. From working with local farmers to source our flour from healthier soils, to installing solar panels on our bakery to help charge our electric vans, and reducing food waste by giving local charities any surplus bread – it’s been a true team effort.”
Earlier this summer, George represented Hobbs House Bakery at a special reception at Windsor Castle to celebrate this year’s King’s Award recipients. During a conversation with His Majesty The King, they discussed the bakery’s Organic 47-Mile Loaf, made with wheat grown locally in Castle Combe.
“It was inspiring to hear His Majesty speak so passionately about British wheat and farming in ways that are kinder to our planet,” said Herbert.
Standing alongside other remarkable businesses recognised for innovation, social mobility, and sustainability, Hobbs House Bakery is proud to represent Gloucestershire in this year’s honours.
“This award gives us confidence that we’re on the right path,” added Herbert. “But we know this is just the start. We have clear goals and ambitions for how we can continue to bake in a more sustainable way.”
The King’s Awards are the UK’s most prestigious business awards. Established in 1965 and renamed in 2022 to honour His Majesty King Charles III’s commitment to continuing Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy, the Awards celebrate excellence in Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development, and Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility).
About Hobbs House Bakery
Hobbs House Bakery is a fifth-generation family bakery based in Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire. Committed to craftsmanship, community, and sustainability, the bakery produces award-winning bread and pastries using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients.
