Frequently Asked...
Got a Question?
Baking & Storage
Wait, I’ve ordered a Bread Queen Sourdough, so do I have to bake it myself?
It is a finish at home loaf, so kind of! We bake each loaf nearly to perfection, then wrap it all up nicely and send it to you. All you need to do is put it back in the oven and complete the magic. It couldn’t be easier. All you need to do is follow our bake-off guide (see here) and your house will transform into a bakery, but without having to fret about a starter, dough making or shaping. No mess, just warm, crusty magic. Pure indulgent pleasure and that gorgeous seductive smell!
How should I store the bread before baking it?
When you get your delivery, decide what you would like to bake-off in the following 24-36 hours. Leave that in its packaging and just keep it by the side in your kitchen or put it in your larder. Make sure it is out of direct sunlight or not directly next to a heat source. Freeze the rest. Your freezer is a time machine and trust us it will be just as good as the day you received it. You can keep the Bread and Cinnamon Buns in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just let them defrost fully before baking unless it’s the baguette which can be baked off straight from frozen. Please see our bake-off guide here. NEVER put your bread in the fridge. That will speed up staling.
Am I supposed to bake off all the bread on receipt?
Not unless you want to eat it all at once! Decide what you want to bake within 24-36 hours of receiving your order. Stash the rest in the freezer and take it out when you need more.
I forgot to bake my loaf for a for a few days. Is it still good?
It depends on what you mean by few days! If you mean a two-week vacation, the answer is no, but anything up to 5 days will be fine. The bread might not stay fresh as long after baking, as one that was baked within our recommended time frame, but it will be fine. Next time freeze it sooner.
Do I need to thaw the bread before baking?
Sourdoughs and Cinnamon Buns, yes, Baguettes no. Please see our bake-off guide here.
How long do I need to bake the bread for?
Please see our bake-off guide here.
Do I need a baking tray? A stone? A bread wizard’s wand?
Nope. Straight on the oven rack works just fine. If you’ve got a tray or pizza stone and you want to be fancy, go for it, but it’s not required. However, if you use a stone make sure it is in the oven while that is heating up. Mind your hands and wear an oven glove when you load the bread onto it. The stone will be very hot!
Cooling time, can I eat the bread immediately after baking?
No. You must let it cool down. Hot bread is not enjoyable. The flavors only come out once they have cooled down. If you prefer a little bit of residual warmth in your bread that is fair enough and a personal choice, but please allow 1-2 hours for sourdough and about 40 minutes cooling time for the baguettes. Trust us, it is worth the wait.
What about after I’ve baked it? How do I keep it fresh?
Bread wants to breathe. Just like us! The uber advantage you now have is that your loaf is super fresh (fresher than anything you can buy in a shop or supermarket), and our advice is for the first two days, just leave it cut side facing down on your chopping board. If you wish you can cover it lightly with a clean tea towel or some paper (like the one we spread over the contents of your box when we send it out) to prevent Mr McFly landing on it, but it really doesn’t need any other means to stay fresh. The crust will take care of this for you. By the time it starts to dry out, you will have eaten it and will have your next loaf in the oven! Whatever you do, under NO circumstance should you put the bread in the fridge. It will speed up the staling process as starch recrystallizes in the fridge.
How should I store the cinnamon buns and lemon cake?
Cinnamon buns. Unless you are planning to bake them off, within 24-36 hours after arrival, please put them in the freezer. Once they are baked off you can easily store them in a tin, or airtight container, for a couple of days if you are not eating them straight away.
Lemon Cake: just in a cool and dry place. (Not the fridge). If you are not eating it all at once you can keep it in its packaging. Please also read the label.
Our Bread
Why does the bread have such an open structure inside and holes?
Those glorious bubbles are what sourdough is all about. They are fermentation bubbles. They form while the loaf is proving and developing its flavour.
How is it different from supermarket sourdough?
That is a very big question. We could write several pages on this but, in a nutshell – Sourdough takes time – and patience is key. Lots of it. It takes several days to make your bread. There is no way to rush this process or take shortcuts. There is a lot of fake sourdough about, which had yeast added to it or other additives to speed up the process, but this doesn’t work because the flavour won’t be there, and digestibility will not be the same either. It’s a bit like a pregnancy. You can’t speed that up either. Great things come to those who wait.
What if my loaf looks a bit…unique and not quite like the others?
Good! No two loaves are the same. Bread has its own mind and individual personality and character….blisters, cracks, colour variations- all totally normal. They are hand-made not factory faked.
Is the crust supposed to be dark?
Yes! That caramelized, blistered, toasty look is sourdough doing its thing. Remember you are not baking off a white bloomer. It adds flavour but if you prefer a slightly lighter look just deduct a few minutes of the baking time. Have a look at our baking guide here #thisishowilikemycrust
Will it arrive sliced?
In short, no. If you work out how to bake off a sliced loaf that will be a first.
Orders & Delivery
Can I try the bread before I subscribe?
Absolutely! You can try our real Sourdough for just £4.95 with FREE delivery.
Real, part-baked sourdough bread, baked fresh, no subscription, no commitment.
Does The Bread Queen deliver nationwide?
You can just order one-off, we don’t require a subscription or on-going commitment.
If you did want to subscribe you’d save 10% though! You can also add one-off items to your subscription box at subscription prices.
Want to send a one-off gift to a friend or family? You can do that too! Check out our shop page to get started.
Can I order one-off, or does it have to be monthly?
Yes! We deliver to all of Mainland United Kingdom using next-day delivery.
Once you’ve placed your order with us, it leaves our bakery fresh, ambient, and never frozen. It arrives at your door part-baked and ready for you to finish baking at home.
For more details view our shipping information.
I have subscribed, can I change the quantities and flavours?
Yes you can. All you need to do is go to the dashboard in your accounts section. You can make changes to what and how much is coming when there. All we ask for is one week’s notice for any changes you wish to make.
I am going on holiday. Can I pause my subscription?
Of course you can pause. Go to the dashboard in your accounts section. You can change the delivery date there or click on “manage” to pause. Please bear in mind that we require one week’s notice.
Can I cancel anytime? Or am I locked in for life?
Cancel anytime – no stress, no hidden fees and definitely no sour faces. Please just give us one week’s warning so your order hasn’t gone through our system yet. All you need to do is go to the dashboard in your accounts section. There, click on Manage and one option there is to cancel.
Can I send a gift to someone who loves bread as much as I do?
Absolutely. Great surprise to send to new parents, friends that have just moved home and have boxes coming out of their ears or anyone who needs a crusty hug. Nothing better than wholesome sourdough and that beautiful smell meandering through the house. Just go to our gifting page and chose available options. You can also select send as a gift at check out.
What if my loaf arrives squashed?
That is rare but if your loaves arrive looking like they lost a fight, please send us a photo and we will make it right. Please do not return it because we can’t accept returns as it is a perishable product. Please also see our Returns policy.
How does the monthly subscription work?
Pick your sourdough loaves and sweet treats – mix and match however you like. Save 10% and even add one-off items at subscription prices.
Pause, cancel or edit your delivery anytime – no fuss, promise. Mix sourdough, cakes, biscuits, and cinnamon rolls in every bakery box.
Fresh sourdough (and sweet treats) on your doorstep, whichever day suits you – it really is that simple.
My Account
How do I Login or create an account?
To login to your account visit thebreadqueen.co.uk/my-account and enter your email address to receive a magic login link or use your email address and password.
To create an account, simply build your order, and select “Create an Account” at checkout.
I've forgotten my password. Can I reset it?
You can visit https://thebreadqueen.co.uk/my-account/lost-password/ to request a password reset via email, or, if you know your current password you can change it from your account under ‘Settings & Details.
Can I refer a friend?
Absolutely! Refer a friend and they’ll get 20% off and you’ll get a £5 voucher!
To refer a friend visit https://thebreadqueen.co.uk/refer-a-friend. From there you’ll be able to share a unique link or give your friend a code to use at checkout.
You’ll receive a £5 voucher once their order has been shipped. This can be used at checkout or automatically applied to your next subscription renewal.
Read Our Reviews
What Our Customers are saying...
"Genuis!"
Genius! Every time I open my freezer I see a draw full of perfectly formed sourdough bread in many forms waiting to be finished in my oven! Thank you Bread Queen!
"I love the sour dough "
I love the sour dough , it's the best hence i keep going back yummy !
"Deliciously crispy sourdough loaf"
I recently sampled a sourdough loaf from The Bread Queen, supplied part-baked and finished in the oven, I was impressed by both its convenience and quality. As it baked, my kitchen filled with a rich, warming aroma that hints at the loaf’s depth of flavour. Once out of the oven, the crust achieved an excellent balance of both crunch and crispness (giving it that little knock on the bottom always makes me feel like a professional baker!), giving way to a soft, slightly chewy open crumb. The flavour was nicely balanced: a gentle sour tang characteristic of a traditional sourdough, complemented by the subtle underlying honey-like sweetness that lifted with each bite.
What I loved most was its versatility: fresh out of the oven it was perfect with just a swipe of butter, while the next morning it toasted wonderfully — crunchy on the outside, pillowy in the middle, and ideal for everything from jam, poached eggs and even cheese on toast. For a convenient loaf that still feels artisanal, this sourdough really delivered on both flavour and quality.
"The Bread Queen delivers the best bread ever."
The Bread Queen delivers the most delicious baguettes and sourdough. Nothing beats having them half-baked in the fridge or freezer, ready to pop into the oven. The result? Perfect, warm, crusty bread—better than from a bakery! You just can’t get it this fresh anywhere else.
"The Bread is one of the best Sourdough"
The Bread is one of the best Sourdough, hence i continually use it .
"Fabulous bread and biscuits"
Fabulous bread and biscuits
…. so delicious ..
"If you like sourdough with a perfect…"
If you like sourdough with a perfect crust and fresh out the oven, you have to order this delicious bread and keep the half baked bread in your fridge or freezer. We love it and highly recommend The Bread Queen.
"Born and Bread…"
Franconia used to be called the ‘Harrods of Wimbledon Village’. That was many years ago. So imagine how delighted I was to re- discover them as an online offering under the title The Bread Queen. This really is royalty in terms of baking. Delicious and I mean really delicious sourdough bread, biscuits and buns. Easy to follow instructions are included as to how to freeze or bake and trust me it tasted so good even after being frozen. Delighted that the Bread Queen behind the original Franconia has re taken her place as a true champion of high quality produce.
Well done! As a certain actor said
“I’ll be back”………..
"An artisan bakery at home!"
I absolutely love The Bread Queen! Their subscription box is a fantastic idea. The quality of the produce is amazing, and the sourdough is by far the best I’ve had in comparison to other artisan brands and is so quick and easy to bake. There’s no better experience than having an artisan loaf straight out of the oven. If you have the freezer space, you can freeze what you need for later. Just be warned, their chocolate cookies are addictive and can be consumed a little too easily! The cinnamon buns are also amazing straight out of the oven, it’s just hard to be patient enough for them to cool down to eat!
"Arrived on time extremely happy "
Arrived on time extremely happy , instructions well packaged nicely and Doir dough was incredible .. Cinnon buns i put in the Ninja , the smell of cinnamon was lovely.
Highly recomm
"Best bread from the best bakery "
Great service, speedy delivery and the bread is the best ever! Can’t recommend highly enough, well worth setting up a subscription with them, regular brilliance to your doorstep.
"Great product and fresh when you want it "
Brilliantly tasty bread better than any other sourdough bread. Also just cooked freshness
"Absolutely wonderful, I bow to the Bread Queen. "
My first order with the Bread Queen was the olive sourdough bread and cinnamon buns, which were dangerously tasty. This is no ordinary treat from your local baker; this is a special baker who seems to be passionate about what they deliver.
Absolutely wonderful, and can't wait to work our way through their other offerings. The only question is, will there be a Pastry Prince?
"Delicious and so easy"
Received quickly and nicely wrapped, so easy to cook (and all instructions included), tasted delicious, would definitely recommend (especially the plain sour dough).
"Delicious!!!"
This is such a great idea - I actually feel as if I made the bread myself!! The taste is beyond words and usually with bread I get a lot of gas, but not with this sourdough. Love it!!
"Simply the best better than all the…"
Simply the best better than all the rest as Tina Turner would say xx
"Seriously good "
OMG! Fabulous proper sourdough loaves delivered to our door. Partially finished so you can freeze them for a quick final bake just before serving. Such a great idea. The products were beautifully packaged too and well labelled with full finishing instructions as appropriate. You can also order the most delicious cinnamon buns (which also freeze beautifully) and chocolate biscuits that are so chocolatey and just melt in your mouth. I can’t recommend The Bread Queen highly enough. It’s the perfect subscription idea for anyone who appreciates a quality sourdough.
"Amazing taste and experience"
When I received my parcel from The Bread Queen (well packaged) I thought I was getting great bread. What I hadn't anticipated was also getting a wonderful experience. The bread is excellent and delicious, the Olive Sourdough and Cinnamon buns a must! As a family we enjoyed choosing what we should have and when. I fully recommend the quality, taste and the experience.
"Just yummy!!"
I have a monthly subscription with The Bread Queen and heaven forbid I should run out!! I have a slice of sour dough toast every morning and then one with my lunch too. Just love the crunch - its like no other! Delicious and as I am pre-diabetic it doesn't spike my blood at all - yay!!
"Who knew (apart from a cat who wants to play in it) that a box could contain such joy."
Firstly, communication from start to finish with the owners regarding the despatch and delivery was fabulous. But that was just the start. We haven't finished everything in the goodie box yet, but the seeded sourdough was incredible, crispy crunchy on the outside, and chewy sticky on the inside; the cinnamon buns were amazing (not too overpowering but perfect amount of spice to be warming but not scary, and ideal for an autumnal morning. The brioche dough was soft and the outside edges perfectly crispened. Finally, the piece de resistance were the incredible chocolate biscuits. Shhh I am loathe to say much more in case there is a run on them, but suffice it to say that they were perfectly soft, and incredibly chocolatey, and just small enough to encourage a second one guilt free. We look forward to trying the olive bread and french stick during the week.
"THE BEST CINNAMON ROLLS AND LEMON…"
THE BEST CINNAMON ROLLS AND LEMON DRIZZLE AND OLIVE SOURDOUGH BREAD.. So fresh, not too sweet and the taste is divine...Great service and packaging with simple easy to follow instructions...
"Really excellent … love the website…"
Really excellent … love the website which makes it easy; love the baking instructions and most of all, amazing bread which I can pretend I make myself when it comes out of the oven!!! (Not really, no one is fooled by this!). Favourites for us are the plain and the seeded x
"Delicious Bread Sour dough to die for…"
Delicious Bread Sour dough to die for literally !
"Bread whenever"
Bread whenever
Makes it possible to have fresh sourdough whenever I want. As I don’t live within walking distance of a shop this is brilliant.
"Simply delicious"
Simply delicious, and Wow those biscuits! Can’t recommend enough, really easy to bake and the house smelt amazing 🤩
"Excellent sourdough"
Excellent sourdough. Such an easy way to get amazing fresh tasting bread.
"Incredible delivery"
Incredible delivery! So quick and what delights once box was open!! Amazing instructions on what to do to store the bread and what to do to finish baking - the aroma itself of baking the bread was fabulous let alone the taste. This is the way forward! Thank you The Bread Queen x
"Fabulously packaged delicious products"
Fabulously packaged delicious products, all delivered on time!
"Delicious bread and the coco butter…"
Delicious bread and the coco butter cookies are to die for.
