Christmas 2025: Orders and opening hours

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun! If you’re looking to stock up on your favourite bread and pastries before we close for the holidays, here’s everything you need to know.

HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS

Our last trading day before Christmas will be Christmas Eve, when we will be open from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM (note the earlier-than-usual closing time). We will then hang up our aprons and close for our annual winter break, returning on Wednesday 7 January 2026.

ORDERS

If you’d like bread or pastries for the festive period, it's best to plan ahead. We recommend coming early to avoid disappointment or placing your order in advance. You can download an order form here or pick one up at the bakery. The deadline for orders is Monday 15 December, and pre-payment is required.

Bear in mind that our bread freezes exceptionally well, so you can buy what you need before the holidays and always have your favourite loaf on hand. For tips on freezing and storage, check out our guide here.

RECIPE IDEAS

For a quick and easy lunch or dinner over Christmas, try my savoury bread pudding. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover bread and any vegetables you have in the fridge. You can easily adapt the version on What’s Baking? for winter by increasing the ‘custard’ content and adding lardons and a creamy cheese.

If you don’t have time to make an elaborate dessert, pimp up a mince pie, preferably from Thames Ditton Bakery! A quick 10 seconds in the microwave, a dollop of clotted cream or rich vanilla ice cream, perhaps a cheeky glass of Madeira, et voilà! If you’re feeling more adventurous, check out Prue Leith’s Christmas pudding ice cream recipe, which works equally well with mince pies.

Wishing you and your loved ones a relaxing Christmas filled with good food, quickly prepared!

Laurent and the Thames Ditton Bakery team