11 independent cafes and bakeries to discover in Buckinghamshire

Zoe Gater

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high wycombe

Zoe Gater

Looking for the best cafes and bakeries in Buckinghamshire? From artisan sourdough bakeries and speciality coffee spots to cosy brunch cafes serving stacked pancakes and homemade cakes, these independent favourites are well worth bookmarking.

Whether you’re craving a flaky croissant fresh from the oven, a perfectly brewed flat white or a leisurely weekend brunch, Buckinghamshire has no shortage of brilliant independent cafes and bakeries to discover.

With passionate bakers and baristas serving everything from artisan sourdough and indulgent pastries to vibrant brunch plates, here are some of the best cafes and bakeries in Buckinghamshire to add to your must-visit list.

Nena Craft Bakery, Amersham

A must-visit for pastry lovers, Nena Craft Bakery serves beautifully laminated croissants, crusty sourdough loaves and seasonal sweet bakes.

Cinnamon rolls, filled brioche and pastel de nata are standout treats, all baked fresh on site. The cosy, light-filled bakery makes it impossible to leave without a coffee and a pastry.

Roots, Chesham

A firm favourite for brunch in Buckinghamshire, Roots pairs expertly brewed coffee with seasonal plates.

Tuck into loaf cakes, seasonal salad bowls, or fluffy pancake stacks, ideal for a relaxed morning or catching up with friends.

Seasons Café, Amersham

Set in Old Amersham’s Market Square, Seasons Café is a local favourite for breakfast, brunch and light lunches.

Poached eggs on toast, American-style pancakes, huevos rancheros and hearty sandwiches sit alongside homemade cakes, all perfect with freshly brewed coffee in the light-filled dining room or on a sunny outdoor table.

Moc & More, High Wycombe

This cosy café is a local gem for coffee, brunch and sweet treats. Standout dishes include Shakshuka, smashed avocado on sourdough, and seasonal sandwiches, all paired with expertly crafted espresso.

With a friendly, relaxed vibe and plenty of homemade cakes, it’s a perfect spot to linger or grab a mid-morning pick-me-up.

Bread & Brew, Aylesbury

A friendly independent café-bakery, Bread & Brew serves quality coffee alongside freshly baked breads, pastries, cakes, and sandwiches made with local ingredients.

With the option to sit in or grab and go, it’s a reliable pitstop while wandering around Wendover.

A Little Street Kitchen, Amersham

A Little Street Kitchen (ALSK) in Amersham is a must for lovers of hearty, personalised breakfasts.

The café offers bacon and country sausage to nourishing options like porridge with almond butter or protein-packed granola bowls. Plus, speciality coffee or fresh juice.

Fego, Marlow

A bright, buzzy café perfect for colourful brunch plates, Fego serves favourites like breakfast burritos, steak and eggs and indulgent pancake stacks.

Fresh juices and speciality coffee complement the menu, making it ideal for a lazy weekend brunch. Its playful interiors and beautifully plated dishes make it popular for photos as well as food.

Pantry, Hazlemere

A charming neighbourhood café tucked in Hazlemere’s Park Parade Centre, Pantry serves inventive brunch plates like the Meatless Wonder with avocado, grilled halloumi and mushrooms on sourdough, alongside vibrant open sandwiches and seasonal tartines.

Don’t miss homemade treats like sticky figgy Anzac and pear and almond cake, all enjoyed in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Eleven, Amersham

A lively neighbourhood café and bistro near the station, Eleven serves breakfast, brunch and light lunches.

Dishes include halloumi wraps, smoked salmon bagels, and homemade cakes, all paired with expertly brewed coffee. With outdoor seating and a welcoming vibe, it’s ideal for a relaxed stop in Amersham.

Norsk, Aylesbury

Norsk is a Scandinavian-inspired café in Buckinghamshire, serving Nordic open sandwiches, cinnamon buns, porridge, and great coffee.

Its light, cosy interior makes it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a mid-morning treat. A little taste of Norway in Buckinghamshire!

The Village Retreat Cafe, Aylesbury

A bright, family-friendly café beside Jubilee Park, The Village Retreat serves hearty breakfasts, sourdough toasties, American pancakes, and freshly brewed coffee.

With indoor and outdoor seating and a selection of homemade cakes, it’s perfect for a relaxed brunch or mid-morning stop.

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Eden Shopping Centre marks 18 years with ‘Faces of Eden’ community exhibition

Zoe Gater

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high wycombe

Zoe Gater

To mark its 18th anniversary, Eden Shopping Centre presents Faces of Eden, celebrating 18 local people whose contributions shape the character and community spirit of High Wycombe.

Situated in the centre of High Wycombe, Eden Shopping Centre marks its 18th anniversary in 2026 with its special Faces of Eden exhibition celebrating the people who bring the centre and community to life.

Running from Saturday 28 March until Sunday 5 April 2026, the project shines a light on the diverse faces that live, work and visit the town centre – from students and families to local business owners, creatives and long-time residents.

Displayed throughout the centre, stretching from Skechers to Hotel Chocolat, the curated showcase features 18 portraits capturing the people behind the campaign. Each portrait highlights the personality, stories, and everyday moments that make Eden more than just a shopping destination. 

Alongside each image, visitors will be able to discover the personal stories and connections that link these individuals to the centre and the town.

Visitors are invited to explore the installation as they move through the centre, discovering the faces and stories that represent the community Eden has been proud to serve for nearly two decades. 

Rebecca Gomme, Marketing Manager at Eden Shopping Centre, said: “Faces of Eden is about celebrating the people and moments that make Eden the place it is.

“This exhibition brings those stories to life and gives visitors the chance to see and connect with the individuals who make our community so special.” 

For more information, visit edenshopping.co.uk.

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Experience the award-winning illusionist Derren Brown live in High Wycombe

Zoe Gater

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Derren Brown is extending his smash-hit Only Human UK tour, starring at Wycombe Swan to blow audiences’ minds.

The multi award-winning illusionist and psychological entertainer brings his stage show, Only Human, to Wycombe Swan as part of 20 newly announced UK and Ireland dates.

The tour, which opened in April 2025, has already been met with huge acclaim, with audiences keeping its secrets firmly under wraps.

Brown himself has urged fans to “try and come without knowing anything about it”, promising an experience best enjoyed spoiler-free.

Only Human is Derren’s 11th live show, written by him alongside Andrew ’Connor and Stephen Long.

Across a 20-year touring career, he’s become known for blending mind control, psychological illusion and theatrical storytelling into immersive, thought-provoking productions.

His previous shows have earned a record-breaking five Olivier nominations for Best Entertainment, winning twice; the most nominations and wins for any one-person show.

With its creative team including director Andrew O’Connor and set designer Simon Higlett, Only Human is recommended for ages 12+ and promises the trademark mix of astonishment, wit and unsettling insight that has made Derren Brown one of the UK’s most compelling live performers.

The High Wycombe dates offer a rare chance to experience the show close to home – tickets are likely to sell out quickly.

For full details and tickets, visit Derren Brown or Wycombe Swan’s website.

Image © Seamus Ryan

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Free sweets for Buckinghamshire locals this Valentine’s Day

Zoe Gater

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high wycombe

High Wycombe gets a sweet new addition this Valentine’s Day as Ambala opens its latest store, serving handcrafted Indian mithai, savouries, and exciting prizes for early visitors.

Mithai fans in High Wycombe are in for a treat this Valentine’s Day when confectionery brand, Ambala, opens its brand-new store on Saturday 14th February 2026.

Visitors can indulge in Ambala’s signature handcrafted sweets and savouries, from festive favourites like barfi and gulab jamun to everyday treats such as samosas and ladoos, all made using traditional recipes.

Marking the occasion, the first 100 customers will receive a mystery envelope with a special prize, no purchase needed.

Plus, families can meet a surprise mascot, enjoy complimentary mithai and cake throughout the day, and even enter to win mithai for life.

Sukh Chamdal, CEO of Ambala, said: “We are thrilled to bring Ambala to High Wycombe. Our mission has always been to share the authentic taste of traditional Indian mithai, and we can’t wait to welcome the local community with our handmade sweets.”

Located at 132 Desborough Road, High Wycombe, HP11 2PU, Ambala is part of a network of over 20 stores nationwide, blending generations-old recipes with modernised packaging and a refreshed look.

For more information or to order online, visit Ambala’s website.

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Fisheye Film Festival in High Wycombe 

Liz Nicholls

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high wycombe

Liz Nicholls

Mariko Francombe invites us all to enjoy a screen highlight with a difference, Wycombe’s Fisheye Film Festival, 24th April to 4th May 

Fisheye is High Wycombe’s local international film festival, where the public are invited to enjoy new short films and features which won’t be seen on the high street. About half were made in the UK and the rest filmed in more than 20 other countries worldwide, all selected from films submitted to Fisheye’s international competition. Fisheye Film Festival is named after the “fisheye” lens which is designed to capture an all-round view, and invites audiences to “experience the bigger picture”. 

Mariko moved to High Wycombe in 1986 to work at the RHM site in Lincoln Road. She and her husband raised their two daughters in West Wycombe and Mariko studied part-time to pursue her interest in art and design, finally graduating in Fine Art from Buckinghamshire New University, then working there as a video producer. 

“I enjoy walking in the hills and woods around West Wycombe and further afield in the Chilterns,” Mariko tells us. “My main pastime is playing tennis in the local leagues; I’m a member at Halton Tennis club near Wendover. I enjoy visiting The Apple Orchard and The Walled Garden in West Wycombe. 

“I love the wildflowers on West Wycombe hill and enjoy the scenic drive along the Saunderton Valley between West Wycombe and Princes Risborough; this is a lovely area!” 

Over the past ten years, Fisheye Film Festival has screened about 40 indie features and the Fisheye team have watched 1,700+ short films, selecting nearly 400 of the best ones to show. This year, 67 films have been chosen including two features. These can be seen at a variety of showcases of about two hours’ duration, most including a Q&A session with filmmakers. Showcases will present a mix of drama, animation, documentary or more experimental or artistic films based on dance or poetry. 

This year’s highlights include the opening night on 24th April, a celebration of ten years since the first Fisheye Film festival in 2015, screening some of the best films over the years. 

“From 25th to 27th April, the Fisheye Fusion weekend will celebrate the mixology of films and the arts that make them,” adds Mariko. “There will be a cocktail of films, based on spoken word, movement and dance brought to life with a dash of live performance. We’re also planning a behind-the- scenes chat about the art department’s role in filmmaking. There will also be events for filmmakers, creatives and anyone interested in the film industry – a chance to meet others that’s open to all. 

“On Saturday, 3rd May, everybody’s invited to be snapped on our fuschia pink ‘red carpet’ at the fabulous Fisheye Finale and Awards gala event. Films will be screened on a huge video wall in a large modern space called the Winter Garden. The 2025 awards will be announced and we’ll celebrate all the filmmakers’ talent, raising a glass to them. Full details of events, venues and tickets will be published on our website at fisheyefilmfest.uk where you can also sign up to the mailing list for updates.” 

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Clip ‘n Climb in High Wycombe

Round & About

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Round & About

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Jacob Dixon scales new heights at the brand new Clip & Climb at Eden Shopping Centre

Climbing the walls at home? Looking for somewhere where little high achievers can let off some steam? The new Clip ‘n Climb features 22 challenges and 27 climbing lines tailored to all ages and abilities.

No climbing experience required: newbies are welcome here! Clip ‘n Climb – considered “the Mini Golf of Climbing” – promises fun for everyone in a safe, colourful environment.

The centre at the Eden centre features 22 challenges and 27 climbing lines tailored to all ages and abilities and is one of many upcoming retail and entertainment openings at Eden Shopping Centre.

Our young tester Jacob says he had a great time on the Stairway to Heaven and the epic Drop Slide, both of which are popular in the company’s other centres, including the one in reading run by the same franchisees Chris, Chambers and Jon Robinson.

The centre offers birthday party packages as well as SEN sessions with the friendly, attentive, patient and encouraging staff, with reduced music.

These sessions are a great way to introduce your little one to climbing with safe and fun sessions that will enhance motor skills.

Clip ‘n Climb – Eden Shopping

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Best of Bucks with Alexandra Lhomond

Liz Nicholls

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Alexandra Lhomond, 28, marketing manager at Ibanista, tells us about swapping the Mediterranean for Bucks

Q. Hello Alexandra. How are you?
“Life’s a whirlwind of excitement! I’ve got my hands full at Ibanista, where we help expats navigate the currency landscape. I love helping people realise their dreams! My husband started the venture two years ago and I joined last year. But the real joy? My little boy, Lucas. He’s two and a half and has a knack for melting hearts with his bright blue eyes and blonde hair – the total opposite of me! And let’s not forget my cats, Sushi and Katsu.”

Q. Where do you live?
“In High Wycombe. I made the leap across the channel from the sunny shores of southern France seven years ago. Trust me, the transition was quite the change of scenery! I can’t help but miss the sea and sun, but there’s something special about the English countryside that’s grown on me.”

Q. What do you most love about where you live?
“I love that it’s so close to London, but also so close to nature. Bucks has the best of both worlds. I go on long walks and there are so many different routes here. We live across from The Rye Park, and every season I enjoy seeing the leaves change.”

Q. And what’s one thing maybe you’d change?
“It’s disheartening to see the town centre’s decline, with numerous shops and restaurants shuttered. I hope things get better.”

Q. What are your favourite local pubs or restaurants?
“The Beech House in Beaconsfield & the Wild Strawberry Café and Barn Kitchen at Peterley Manor Farm in Great Missenden are personal favourites – serving great food with a fantastic atmosphere. When guests visit, it’s a muse to treat them to The Royal Standard of England in Beaconsfield – one of England’s oldest pubs.”

Q. What about shops or local businesses?
“The Front Room and Django’s are my top picks for cosy vibes and delicious coffee. As for shopping, I love Søstrene Grene – I can spend forever just looking at everything.”

Q. What’s your local hidden gem?
“Our go-to spot on weekends is Black Park in Wexham. No matter how often we go, we always get lost in the forest! Another favourite is the serene walk along the Thames from Bourne End to Marlow.”

Q. What highlights are you looking forward to?
“Summer holidays for sure! I’m heading to the South of France to reunite with my family. It’s a time for beach days, sea breezes, and indulging in the simple pleasures of good food and wine. At Ibanista, we’re dedicated to simplifying foreign currency exchange, particularly for expats, with a focus on Brits or US citizens making the move to France. Our calendar is packed with exciting events, from engaging podcast episodes to webinars. Check out our blog, brimming with valuable resources for anyone considering a move abroad, investing overseas, or retirement overseas.”

Q. Are you a member of any local groups?
“When I was on maternity leave, I used to go to the High Wycombe Mums Meet-Up. It’s a really supportive and friendly group for new mums.”

Q. What would you wish for the world?
“Peace! With so much turmoil and conflict, my deepest hope is an end to wars and conflicts.”

Visit Ibanista | Personalised Currency Solutions for Expats

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Help train life-changing hearing dogs

Karen Neville

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Hearing Dogs for Deaf People trains clever dogs to alert deaf people to important and life-saving sounds, including smoke alarms, intruder alarms, oven timers, alarm clocks and even baby monitors.

Its dogs also provide constant emotional support and companionship – helping deaf people to leave loneliness behind.

Deafness is on the rise in the UK; by 2035, it is estimated that one in five British people (over 15 million) will experience hearing loss, and the increase the charity is seeing in the number of people coming to it for help, reflects this.

The charity receives no government funding but is very fortunate to have the support of a network of committed volunteers.

There are two types of volunteer roles the charity urgently needs to fill: permanent puppy trainers, who will look after a puppy for the duration of its training (usually between 18 months and two years), and short-term trainers to cover times when other trainers are on holiday.

Linda Foster, who lives near High Wycombe, became a volunteer puppy trainer last year after retiring from her job as a personal assistant at an architectural practice.

“I started off by doing short-term cover when the other puppy trainers were on holiday. I also went along to puppy training sessions at The Grange, Hearing Dogs’ southern training centre. Then in April, I started looking after Lola, a gorgeous 13-month-old black Labrador puppy, on a long-term basis.  

“I’d actually never had a dog before, so it was quite a steep learning curve, but I had a lot of help from the charity’s trainers, and advice from other volunteers.  The whole experience has been very rewarding, and I’ve met some lovely people (and dogs) over the last year.”

Without volunteers like Linda, the charity would not be able to help anywhere near as many people with hearing loss reconnect with life.

Sixteen-year-old Zach Allen, from Chalfont St Peter, was diagnosed as deaf when he was just three years old. His mum Kirsty said: “Although we got support for Zach to attend a mainstream school, he still had challenges. He didn’t play along with other children’s games in case he misheard the rules and got them wrong. I saw him lose confidence as he got older. He was overlooked for games. He wasn’t invited to birthday parties. It was a very difficult thing for a parent to see.


“Then, when Zach was eight years old, everything changed because Echo the hearing dog came into our lives. Soon after Echo arrived, we took him into school so that Zach’s year group could meet him. As a teacher was about to tell the school about him, Zach stood up instead, and introduced Echo to everyone. He explained how Echo alerts him to sounds by nudging him with his nose. We all stood there open-mouthed at this confident child who had appeared from nowhere.”


Victoria Leedham, Head of Volunteering at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said: “Our dogs do so much to help deaf people – from alerting them to life-saving sounds, to providing emotional support and making sure they never feel alone – and the hard work put in by our wonderful volunteers is absolutely integral to that.

“Anyone who volunteers for us can expect to feel like part of our family. No previous experience is necessary, and volunteers will receive lots of support and training to ensure they feel fully equipped to care for one of our dogs.

“The charity will also cover all costs involved, from the moment the volunteer takes the puppy home, to when it is handed over to one of our deaf partners after its training is complete”, she added.

“These roles would be perfect for local dog lovers living in a home with a secure garden, and plenty of time to spare every day. We can really only consider applications from working people if they work just a few hours from home each week.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People can visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteer. The volunteering team can be reached directly at volunteer@hearingdogs.org.uk or on 01844 348129.

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Sushi masterclass with Tomono Davies

Liz Nicholls

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Tomono Davies brings an array of Japanese joy to parties in local kitchens with her sushi masterclasses. She’s on a roll – here’s why you should book in for a masterclass or work party

Lockdown was difficult for all, not least Tomono Davies who was unable to fly home to visit her family in her native Kochi, a sunny city between Shikoku Mountain and the Pacific Ocean. However, during this homesick period she put all of her energy into her business, which has really taken off over the past three years.

“I’m amazed how successful the parties have become,” she says in her own spotless kitchen in High Wycombe. “I tried to be strong and focusing on work really helped me.”

Since moving to the UK 26 years ago, Tomono has missed Japanese food hugely, especially sushi. Back then, Japanese ingredients had not widely crossed the oceans, so she began making it with local ingredients and without special equipment.

“Sushi is not typically made at home in Japan,” says Tomono. “It is something we used to have as take-away for celebrations or enjoy out at restaurants. But when you miss something and know there’s no access to what you miss, people will always invent something new! After many failed, I found keeping it simple and authentic is the best way.”

With Tomono Sushi Party she takes hands-on masterclasses, demonstrations and parties to workplaces and homes across south Bucks and north London. From rolling maki to forming little gunkan boats or hand-shaping temari, guests have given great feedback, which has helped her business grow by word of mouth.

“My mother used to wake up at 5am to cook us a fresh breakfast – obento – and if she had 30 minutes to spare in her lunch break, she would drive home to start preparing for dinner,” adds Tomono. “I never appreciated my mother’s passion for food but now I am a mother myself, this is a tradition I would definitely like to pass on to the next generation.

“Some people might find sushi intimidating, but it’s not; it’s 90% rice, after all. What’s been lovely is helping all the generations enjoy food and new flavours together and it’s great fun. I bring all the kit and also my kimonos which people love to try on for photos.”

“What’s been lovely is helping all the generations enjoy food and new flavours together.”

For those who aren’t fish-lovers, Tomono can offer delicious alternatives such as teriyaki beef and she caters for all dietary requirements such as vegan, kosher and even gluten-free.

Enjoy a Sushi Making Workshop at The Front Room in High Wycombe, 1-2.30pm, on Saturday, 9th September.

At the moment, Tomono is offering an earlybird offer for a corporate event for booking for Monday-Wednesday in November and December.

Visit Tomono Sushi Party

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Making massage a regular, guilt-free treat

Liz Nicholls

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We’re all up to our eyeballs in depressing news about the rising cost of living… But we also know how vital self care is for good mental health… So what’s a stressed out, strapped-for-cash girl to do? 🤔

As far as luxurious treats go, a great massage is top of my treats list. You’re either a massage person or you’re not. For me there is no other wholesome indulgence that quite hits the spot when it comes to topping up that mojo. Being a single mum, prone to life-ruining migraines and living with a non-hugging teenager, the prospect of some no-strings touching always appeals. 💆

So the ethos of The Massage Company, born in Camberley in 2016 and growing ever since while winning a few industry awards, really appeals to me. It’s a subscription-based service on a mission transform massage therapy from a “once in a blue moon occurrence” to a regular part of our wellbeing routines. This brings the costs down, and helps you enjoy a regular top-up just for you, so you can enjoy the benefits (better sleep, reduced anxiety anyone?) without feeling guilty or waiting for another birthday to roll round.

I popped into the High Wycombe branch and shared my goals with the friendly team. Although petite and dainty, Gabi the therapist was happy to indulge my “go-hard or go home” approach. Her Swedish style massage was expert, and incredibly relaxing, along with the calming fragrance ooozing out of the mister. You can also opt for deep tissue if you’re the hench type, or hot stones. I treated myself to an additional scalp massage which involved Gabi focusing on my temples and neck, gently pulling small sections of my hair which unleashed all sorts of weird & wonderful sensations elsewhere.

I wafted out into the real world feeling light as a feather and full of beans. And I was plagued by none of my usual headaches for more than a fortnight (and counting). I hope many more of these franchises spring up and urge everyone to put themselves first and treat themselves. We’re all cancelling treats and direct debits but this one should pay for itself.

*The Massage Company branches include Camberley and High Wycombe. To find out more, visit massagecompany.co.uk

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