After years of running a bustling pub in Sawley, North Yorkshire, husband and wife duo Rob (Robin) and Nicky Jaques found themselves at a turning point. When the pub they lived and worked in was sold, they decided it was time for a new chapter – one that combined their passion, skills and love for great food. And so, Sawley Kitchen was born.
What began with handmade jams and preserves soon evolved into something more. Driven by her love of baking, Nicky expanded into baked goods, drawing on vintage family recipes to craft what many now call the perfect shortbread biscuit.
And, in 2012, she and Rob proudly opened Sawley Kitchen, an artisan bakery based at Sycamore Business Park in Ripon.
From modest beginnings, the bakery quickly gained momentum. Over the past decade, their biscuits have made their way into farm shops, delis, and cafés across the country, and even into the rooms of some of the UK’s finest 5-star hotels, including The Ritz London, The Chester Grosvenor, and The Grand in York.
In 2017, their son Dan joined the family business, helping to continue the bakery’s growth and evolution. Sadly, in 2020, the family faced an immense loss when Rob passed away following a battle with cancer. His presence, however, continues to be felt in every element of the business, from the unwavering commitment to quality he championed, to the small robin illustrations that appear on Sawley Kitchen’s packaging and website in his honour.
“We’ve been working with Fodder since day one. They were one of our very first wholesale customers and have supported us from the beginning. As a family-run business, it means so much to work alongside other Yorkshire businesses who support each other and share our values, whilst offering the community high-quality, handmade products.
“Over the years we have continued to expand, taking over a number of neighbouring units to allow us to grow. But one thing remains; everything is still made by hand and with the best quality ingredients. While you’ll find a wide range of our products on Fodder shelves, including our award-winning savoury crackers, flavoured shortbread (think Cherry Bakewell, Sticky Toffee Pudding, and Rhubarb & Custard), and our famous meringues, there’s one sweet treat you won’t find anywhere else: our Giant Pavlova which we make exclusively for Fodder customers and is affectionately known in the bakery as the ‘Fodder Pavs’.
“We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. But above all, we remain committed to our roots – an artisan bakery dedicated to quality, craft, and the personal touch that comes with making everything by hand.”
