Bolton and the wider North West is well known for its bakeries, with a plethora of options.
Being the land of the pasty barm, Bolton is known for its affinity with the baked treat, as opposed to neighbouring Wigan, which is said to love pies.
The town's own independent bakeries are a must-visit destination for pastry lovers.
With this abundance of baked goods, here are five independent bakeries in Bolton, rated by Google Reviews.
Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe - 4.8 stars from 418 reviews
Sat in the shadow of St Peter's Church, Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe is a Bolton institution, having served the town for over 125 years.
Although it is only a small shop, a wide range of treats can be bought from it, from pasties and pies to cakes, sandwiches, bread and more.
Google Reviewer Gary Wooff gave it five stars, saying: "I have just had the best meat pie I've ever had in my 56 years of eating pies and pasties. If they hadn't just closed I would have gone back for more. One really good reason to visit Bolton."
BTS Bolton Dragons also gave it five stars, saying: "Best local bakers in Bolton.
Pasties and pies, cakes, bread, sandwiches are all top quality."
Hunters the Bakers - 4.6 stars from 193 reviews
This Smithills-based bakery has been at the heart of its community since 1968.
Its extensive menu offers a range of artisan breads, quiches, cakes, and hot and cold sandwiches, as well as the usual pasties and pies.
Charlotte Handley gave it five stars on Google Reviews, saying: "Brilliant local business that I have visited all my life. The cakes are delicious and the pasties are lovely. I always enjoy my visit with friendly staff."
Sam Leach also gave it the same rating, saying: "A great find. This is a fabulous artisan bakery. There is a good range of delicious bread, cakes and pies. All are very tasty."
Armstrongs Bakers - 4.8 stars from 238 reviews
This bakery is another which has served its community for decades, having been established in 1971.
Based in Morris Green, it offers a selection of pies, pasties, barms and more.
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Browno1971, giving the bakery five stars, said on Google Reviews: "Always pick up my lunch if I'm in the area. Lovely fresh sandwiches, great selection of pies, pastries and cakes. Cash only though just to make you aware."
D Crompton, also giving it five stars, said: "Hands down the best pies and pasties that I have ever eaten, and believe me I have had plenty.
"Bolton is blessed with multiple top quality independent bakers... but Armstrongs pips them all to my top spot."
Burnden Park Pie Shop - 4.5 stars from 71 reviews
This little shop, a former rite of passage for any Wanderers fan attending matches at former ground Burnden Park, is renowned for its pies.
Bob Smith, rating it five stars, said: "Excellent freshly made pies and very reasonably priced. Friendly service. Well worth a visit if you are anywhere in the area."
Chantelle Hubbard, also giving five stars, said: "Had my 40th birthday party last night and these amazing pies arrived! They were scrummy!
"Amazing food/taste and so reasonable!"
Carrs Pasties - 4.6 stars from 88 reviews
Finally, one of the best known around town, Carrs is inescapable in Bolton.
There is a reason their products are sold everywhere, be it in their own stores or in other shops around the borough, as they are well-renowned.
We have taken the Google Reviews ratings for their Market Place store in the town centre, but there are multiple shops available.
Jan Armstrong, giving it five stars, said: "Friendly staff. Famous pasties. Really nicely set out shop with lots of delicious goodies."
Cally Raven, giving it the same rating, said: "Great food, cooked and frozen. Staff are lovely and very helpful, they always go that bit extra if needed.
"Cannot recommend highly enough, especially the potato and cheese pasties and their vegan sausage roll."
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