Judge’s Bakery – Mapperley

Mapperley people remember Judge’s Bakery fondly. The name is synonymous with Nottingham and the historic bakery and shop on Mansfield Road (directly opposite the junction with Woodborough Road) in the city centre. Mapperley though was the centre of the bakery operation from 1912, with the Mansfield Road shop continuing to sell their produce right up to the 1990s. 

Founded in the 19th century, it was known for its deep underground bakehouse, high-quality cakes, and traditional bread. The bakery served the community for decades until the original retail shop finally closed in 1992.

Timeline

The history of Judge’s Bakery in Nottingham is defined by these key eras:

1860: The original premises at 59 Mansfield Road were built.

1889: The bakery was officially taken over by C.W. Judge. The building included an underground bakehouse with no drainage, which relied on authentic Victorian fixtures.

1912: Due to health authority regulations regarding the underground bakery, the main production was move to a new site in Mapperley.

1941: During World War II and the Nottingham Blitz, the bakery notably kept the city fed despite harsh conditions, producing special displays such as Coronation cakes. There is even a rumour that the nearby offsite flour store was hit in a bombing raid.

End of an Era

1992: The last fourth-generation owner, Barrie Judge (son of a local city councillor) retired, bringing the bakery and it’s name to an end.

The original Mansfield Road site remains a piece of Nottingham’s history. The subterranean bakehouse and shop—noted for its original Victorian mirrors and crystal. It was for a time a popular restaurant named Encounters. The building is listed Grade II with Historic England.

Additionally, the mid-20th century Judge’s production bakery on Woodborough Road in Mapperley was transformed into the Bread and Bitter pub, operated by Castle Rock Brewery. Opened in 2007, it pays homage to its roots by keeping the original ovens intact as part of the pub’s interior.

The building at 59 Mansfield Road is (as of 2026) operated by Splash Art Republic – the home of action art who deliver high-energy, immersive art experiences for all skill levels, abilities and ages.