Coffee shops and bakeries are in vogue right now in the UK, it’s a wonder it took this long to catch on really, after all they have been doing it on the continent for years.

I for one am glad; there isn’t much better than the smell or taste of freshly brewed coffee, except for the smell or taste of a freshly baked loaf. Well Gerry’s in Walkley does both and it does both very well indeed!

I have to admit I haven’t been to Gerry’s that often as it’s a little out the way for me but after being told by friends and family that I must visit I managed to find an hour of free time the other day and needless to say I wasn’t disappointed.

Gerry’s Bakery and Coffee House is everything that a neighbourhood bakery and coffee shop should be; a warm and cosy environment, smells to make your taste buds explode in anticipation and friendly, welcoming staff.

I arrived a little late on in the day and expected it to be quite quiet but there was a constant stream of locals popping in for a coffee, a scone, a bloomer or just to say hi! The variety of fresh bread, cake and patisserie, often inspired by the customers Gerry serves, seemed vast from dairy-free scones to the buttery air of croissants and back to British with a cheese and marmite loaf, which looked delicious; I suppose it’s a love/hate thing!

Gerry’s opened in December 2013 and was, unsurprisingly, born from a love of baking. During retirement Gerry found he had a lot more time on his hands and so started to indulge in his passion for baking. Cakes and bread were measured, folded, kneaded and baked for family and friends, and it appeared he was a dab hand at it. The next logical step was obviously to come out of retirement and open a bakery; he hasn’t looked back since and has created a bit of an institution on South Road.

So if you’re a Walkley local, or even if you’re not, get yourself down to Gerry’s, the neighbourhood bakery, where you’ll always be greeted with a smile and the smell and taste of heaven!