
What makes an artisanal bakery? To the leading bakery trade magazine, British Baker, it is “where baked goods – such as sourdough, bread, buns, pastries, cakes and more – are made by skilled bakers by hand, often utilising longer and more traditional processes.” And that’s exactly what you’ll find at Birmingham’s Levain and Cherry.
You’ll find a true taste of France at this independent artisan bakery in Kings Heath, with its self-taught baker Pascal taking inspiration from traditional French bakeries. Having opened in 2020, it sells a range of French breads, baguettes and pastries with – a few twists here and there – using French organic flours and a sourdough starter (aka levain).

It’s for these reasons that Levain and Cherry finds itself on British Baker’s 2025 Bakers’ Dozen list, which names the top artisanal bakeries in Britain. Voted for by over 100 handpicked specialists from artisan bakers, suppliers, consultants and lecturers, it knows what it’s talking about too – with voters broken down by region to ensure bakeries across Britain have equal opportunity to shine.
Levain and Cherry came 7th in the ranking but is the only artisanal bakery representing the West Midlands. However, Cumbria and Manchester’s Lovingly Artisan Bakery was named the top artisanal bakery in Britain for the third year in a row. Other notable bakeries to feature include Arôme in London (5th), Farro in Bristol (8th), and Pollen in Manchester (4th).
What should I order from Levain and Cherry?

When it comes to French-style baking, keeping it classic is always your best option if you ask me. We’re talking about crusty, crunchy baguettes and flakey, buttery croissants. But Levain and Cherry have become best known for its mindblowing pastry creations. We’re talking: white chocolate and pistachio pain aux chocolate; nduja, goats cheese and walnut focaccia; peanut butter and passion fruit chocolate cookie; croque croissant with red Leicester and pesto; and rhubarb custard and chocolate brioche. Every day, you’ll find something special!
You can currently find Levain and Cherry on King’s Heath High Street, but a second location will be opening soon in Stirchley too.
The 2025 Bakers’ Dozen:

- Lovingly Artisan, Cumbria & Manchester
- Northern Rye, South Shields
- Lannan, Edinburgh
- Pollen, Manchester
- Arôme, London
- Bread Source, Norfolk
- Levain & Cherry, Birmingham
- Farro, Bristol
- Pettigrew Bakeries, Cardiff
- Gorse, Cornwall
- Haxby Bakehouse, York
- Bread Ahead, London
- Fortitude Bakehouse, London