7 of the North East's best bakeries according to readers - fancy a fresh loaf?

Do you have a favourite bakery offering fresh loaves of bread straight out of the oven, or cakes fit for a royal tea party?

We asked Northern Echo readers on Facebook what they thought were the best bakeries in the area (and there were more than 100 comments).

Many places received multiple recommendations, so here's a breakdown of some of the top-rated as voted for by you.

Some of the best bakeries in the North East

Longstaff’s

Location: 91 Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7EW

This bakery in Bishop Auckland received an overwhelming response from Northern Echo readers and was praised for its “fantastic selection” of treats including ginger biscuits and rock buns.

One commented: “Longstaffs....custard slice...and teacakes...mmmm.”

Another wrote: “Longstaff’s bishop auckland always good selection of bread an cakes Staff brilliant.”

This Facebook account agreed: “Defo longstaffs bishop auckland... hands down the nicest in anything! Sandwiches, pizza slices n cakes are favourites but everything is amazing n the staff are lovely.”

Lees Bakers

Location: 350 Stanhope Road, South Shields, NE33 4RB

Lees Bakers in South Shields was described as the “best in the businesses” by one local and many others also recommended it.

“Lee's in south shields everything is great especially the sandwiches and sausage rolls,” explained this person.

A regular customer shared: “The Leas Bakery, been going there for 60yrs, 3rd generation family bakery.”

Number Eight Bakehouse

Location: 21 Post House Wynd, Darlington, DL3 7LP

Darlington’s Number Eight Bakehouse received a lot of compliments too, with a reader saying they make “the best bread I’ve ever had”.

A resident wrote: “Number 8 Bakehouse in Darlington. The best sourdough and filled doughnuts.”

“No 8 Bakehouse I'm there every Saturday morning waiting for them to open bread is the best I've ever had,” said another.

Dents Bakery

Location: Newhouse Road, Esh Winning, Durham, DH7 9JX

There was plenty of positive feedback for Dents Bakery from locals, as someone said “you can’t beat it” while another suggested it “wins hands down”.

The Hedgehog Bakery

Location: 209 Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7EL

Another bakery favourite suggested by North East residents in Bishop Auckland is The Hedgehog Bakery.

This person said: “Another vote for The Hedgehog Bakery - just be careful as it’s addictive,” with a funny face emoji.

Birtley Home Bakery

Location: Birtley, Chester-le-Street, DH3 2QG

Birtley Home Bakery was highly recommended for its bread buns.

“Birtley home bakery absolutely the best bread buns cakes (especially peach Melba’s) pies & quiche anywhere,” commented this customer.

A reader posted: “Birtley home bakery bread buns are the best.”

Do you have a regular order at your local bakery? (Image: Getty)

Another also wrote: “Birtley Bakery! If you haven’t had their Peach Melba’s, you haven’t lived! Everything is so fresh!”

Bakerman

Location: 9 Clark's Yard, Darlington, DL3 7QH

This Facebook account shared the North East’s best three bakeries in their opinion, writing: “Bakerman in Darlington, No 8 also Darlington and Pink Lane in Newcastle. They all make gorgeous bread.”

Also speaking about the Bakerman, a local added: “Darlington is lucky to have the Bakerman- amazing items and lovely staff.”

Recommended reading:

• North East bakery 'worth queuing up for' among UK's best (even Beyoncé tried it)

• Are you a pastry lover? Some of the best bakeries in County Durham to visit

• 7 of County Durham's best independent businesses according to our readers

Some didn’t have a specific best bakery in mind, as one reader responded to the Northern Echo's Facebook post: “Any that can make a good Stottie.”

Another exclaimed: “There are too many bakeries in Darlington to choose from!”

You can find more of the North East's best bakery recommendations according to our readers on the Northern Echo Facebook page.