Beloved Market Harborough bakery celebrates 140 years in business

Emerson and Wests has shaped the town’s identity for decades, balancing its traditional character with changing shopping habits and rising costs.

The Harborough Mail sat down with director Stuart West to hear the story behind the town’s beloved bakery.

The business was founded in 1886 and has operated from several premises in Market Harborough over the years.

​Herb West, the great-great-grandfather of the current owners, was a greengrocer and baker, and started the business on the High Street.

​Stuart and Christian West’s father, Michael, took over and bought the current premises on Northampton Road in the early 1970s.

Stuart explained: “Dad subsequently bought this property, which at that point was Emerson's Cafe.

“He just thought that had a nice ring to it, Emerson and West, and that's when we moved down here.”

Michael died four years ago, and his two sons now work alongside their mum, Kristine, running the catering side of the business, as well as the bakery, deli and restaurant.

​Fresh bread and bakery items are cooked from 4am daily by three bakers on site.

​The team also includes employees who have family connections to the business, with siblings and other relatives working there across different generations.

​Stuart said: “We employ a lot of people from the same families that were brothers and sisters, aunties; all worked for us before.

“One of the ladies that works in the kitchen, she's my auntie. She's worked here for a long time.”

Their white bloomers are a sell-out item, and a staple of the Emerson and Wests’ menu.

Despite being in the town for 14 decades, the business has not been immune to the changing landscape of shopping and the impact of Covid-19 on high streets across the country.

​Stuart explained: “We found that during Covid, people came out, did what they needed to do, and then obviously they would end up being told to go back home.

“That really hasn't changed back.

“Sometimes, even on a Friday or a Saturday, mid-afternoon, the town is very, very quiet.

“So we just skim the hours down. Staff start a little bit earlier. They get to finish a bit earlier.”

​The increasing cost of electricity, gas and ingredients has also been felt by the business.

He said: “We are watching what we're spending on things all the time because the cost of ingredients, power, everything just seems to continually creep up.

“Whenever everything comes in, we have to double-check what it's costing us just to make sure that it's right.

“We have to increase prices with certain things, but it's just keeping level-headed, not trying to charge too much.”

Emerson and Wests is more than just a bakery - it has become an institution in the town, with families returning to the business regularly.

​Jane and Neil Vowden, from Suffolk, have been coming to the bakery for 48 years.

​Jane said: “It’s like going down memory lane. It’s a great place; the appeal is the traditional elements and its character.

​“All our kids used to come in here.”

​Neil added: “You know what you’re getting here.”

​The directors try to balance the charm of their business with the realities of running a company in 2026.

​Stuart said: “Trying to keep up with the times, but also trying to stick with what we’ve always done, which is our base. People quite like that, just that traditional feel.”

​The shop stocks locally sourced goods, like wines and cheeses, and makes a point of supporting other businesses in the area.

Stuart said: “We want to be supported as a local business, and we want to support them as they produce the local products.”

​The business is now gearing up for Christmas, with hampers already available to order.

Stuart said: “Especially with Christmas coming up, we do get extremely busy in the shop with orders.

“Hampers, pork pies, just everything gets busier and busier - just to hope we have a good Christmas again, because that does really help.”

The 49-year-old thanked their loyal customers for their support over the years.

He added: “Thanks for your support. We’re going to keep going as we are.

“I think if we get to 150, it’ll be even more celebratory.”