25/06/2026
⭐️ Following our recent award ⭐️
We thought it would be of interest to give you a bit of background to our history
Peter Herds: A Family Tradition of Fresh Food Since 1932
For more than nine decades, Peter Herds has been part of the local community, proudly serving generations of customers with freshly made food, friendly service, and a commitment to quality that has stood the test of time.
The story began in 1932 when George and Nellie Herd founded the family business. Their dedication to hard work and quality laid the foundations for what would become a much-loved local bakery. In 1946, their eldest son, Peter Herd, joined the business and opened a bakery and shop in Wilmslow, helping to grow the company while keeping family values at its heart.
Today, after 94 years of trading, Peter Herds remains a true family-run business, now in its fifth generation. While much has changed over the years, one thing has remained the same – a passion for producing fresh food using only the finest ingredients.
Over the decades, the business has continued to evolve, investing in modern equipment and developing a skilled and dedicated team. This balance of traditional baking values and forward-thinking investment has helped Peter Herds thrive in an ever-changing marketplace. As a small independent business, they are proud to continue producing high-quality products that are fresh, affordable, and enjoyed by customers every day.
The business now employs 52 members of staff, operates three retail shops, and supplies more than 40 wholesale customers. Behind every loaf, pie, cake, and sandwich is a team that takes pride in maintaining the high standards that Peter Herds has become known for.
Family remains at the centre of everything they do. Peter Herd’s daughter, Carol Gatto, successfully led the business for many years with the support of her children, Katrina and Peter. Following Carol’s well-earned retirement, Katrina Gatto-Allman has taken over the reins, continuing the family tradition into its fifth generation, while Peter Gatto remains a valued member of the bakery team.
Step into any Peter Herds shop and you’ll find an impressive selection of over 200 freshly prepared products available every day. From crafted and artisan breads to hot savouries, pastries, cream cakes, and sweet treats, there is something for everyone. Their popular sandwich bar also offers sandwiches made fresh to order throughout the day.
One area the team takes particular pride in is their range of savouries. Every filling is made from scratch using their own recipes, developed and refined over many years. Customer favourites include homemade chilli, curry, potato and meat, and classic steak and kidney pies, all prepared with the same care and attention that has defined the business for generations.
Their celebration cake department continues to create beautiful bespoke cakes for every occasion, including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, christenings, and corporate events. Each cake is individually designed to suit the customer’s needs, and the team can even provide buffets to help cater for the entire celebration.
At Peter Herds, the focus has always been simple: produce fresh food every day, use quality ingredients, and offer customers the friendly service they deserve. Those values have guided the business for nearly a century and continue to shape everything they do today.
The family also understands the vital role local communities play in supporting independent businesses. Every time someone chooses to shop locally, they help keep businesses like Peter Herds alive and thriving. Whether it’s a daily loaf of bread, a sandwich at lunchtime, or a celebration cake for a special occasion, every purchase makes a difference.
As they look ahead to their 100th anniversary, the family feels incredibly proud of what has been achieved and excited about what the future holds. Nearly a century after George and Nellie Herd first opened their doors, the passion for baking, quality food, and serving the community remains as strong as ever.
For Peter Herds, it has never just been about food. It has always been about family, community, and creating products people can enjoy and trust, generation after generation.
