Alexander Taylor Bakery – Scotland’s Oldest Bakery

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An exceptional opportunity has arisen to acquire Alexander Taylor Bakery – Scotland’s oldest bakery and one of the nation’s most established and respected family-run food businesses. With a remarkable heritage stretching back over 200 years, this sixth-generation family bakery is firmly rooted in the bustling market town of Strathaven, where it has become a much-loved institution renowned for its handcrafted breads, savouries, patisserie and traditional Scottish baking.

The business is uniquely positioned across two highly visible, prestigious corner premises on Bridge Street in the heart of Strathaven town centre. One unit operates as a thriving café and deli, complete with a welcoming sit-in area that attracts both loyal regulars and a steady stream of visiting customers. Directly opposite sits the dedicated production bakery and traditional retail shop – an authentic high-street outlet that showcases the full product range and proudly reflects the bakery’s rich heritage. Together, these prominent sites dominate one of the town’s busiest thoroughfares and benefit from strong footfall, repeat custom and deep community ties built over generations.

This is a rare chance to acquire an iconic Scottish bakery business with unmatched history, exceptional brand value, robust profitability and clear scope for further growth. Opportunities exist to enhance digital ordering, expand wholesale supply, develop catering revenue, and build upon the powerful story of Scotland’s oldest continuously operating bakery.

Key Features

Premises Details

Alexander Taylor Bakery operates from two prominent corner properties situated directly opposite one another at the junction of Waterside Street and Bridge Street in the heart of Strathaven town centre. Together, these units occupy one of the most visible and highly trafficked positions in the town, benefiting from exceptional frontage, strong passing trade and deep-rooted recognition within the local community. Both properties are held on a heritable (freehold) basis. 

10 Waterside Street – Café & Delicatessen

Positioned on the east side of Waterside Street, No. 10 occupies the ground floor of an attractive two-storey traditional stone building with a pitched slate roof. The property enjoys an excellent corner aspect, enhanced by multiple timber-framed display windows and a prominent pedestrian entrance. Internally, the premises are arranged to provide a bright front sales and café area, further seating to the rear, a well-equipped kitchen and customer toilet facilities. The interior is finished to a high standard, featuring timber flooring, central heating radiators and modern lighting throughout. 

This unit serves as the sit-in café and deli, offering breakfast, lunch and takeaway options while providing an inviting space for regulars and visitors alike. It is well maintained and presented in excellent condition relative to the age and character of the building.

11 Waterside Street – Bakery, Shop & Production Unit

Located directly opposite on the west side of Waterside Street, No. 11 is a larger traditional stone building with prominent frontage to Bridge Street, giving it outstanding street presence. The main retail bakery occupies the corner, featuring traditional glazed display windows and a pedestrian entrance that opens into a well-presented sales area extending to 704 sq ft.

To the rear and side of the shop lies the full production bakery operation, comprising the principal preparation area, a secondary prep room, staff toilets, and a small office. These areas benefit from food-safe wall finishes, non-slip flooring and appropriate lighting. A timber staircase leads to an attic store room of 591 sq ft.

Additionally, a separate two-storey stone outbuilding – accessed via a small passageway – provides ground-floor storage and first-floor office accommodation.

This property is the operational heart of Alexander Taylor Bakery, housing the retail shop and the full bakery production facility used for daily baking, patisserie, savouries, celebration cakes and wholesale preparation.

Both properties have been visually inspected and are considered to be in good condition, well maintained and fit for ongoing bakery and café operations. Services include mains electricity, water, gas and drainage. The properties lie within a designated Conservation Area, consistent with their historic setting in the town centre

Reason For Selling

After many successful years at the helm, the current owners are now looking to retire and pass the bakery into new hands. With a strong team in place and a loyal customer base, the business is ideally positioned for a new owner to continue its legacy and drive the next stage of growth.

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