AN ARTISAN bakery is to open its first site in Winchester with a view to rolling out across Hampshire and eventually London.

Florence Hellier and Darren Bland set up the specialist sourdough-only producer 18 months ago at a bakery and warehouse in Southampton.

Hoxton Bakehouse now supplies a number of delicatessens and restaurants across the county including Rick Stein, River Cottage and Lime Wood in London.

Ms Hellier says the aim is to set up a more permanent shop following the success at retailing at the Hampshire Farmers' Market.

“The concept is still a work in progress but we want to keep it as simple as possible,” she said. “We want it to be selling good bread, good coffee and good pastries. We are actively looking for a site at the moment. But finding the right site, in the right location, for the right money is not that easy.

“We would like to build up a small chain throughout Hampshire before opening in London with a flagship store.”