Popular Exeter café earns top rating in Food Standards Agency inspection

Exeter’s much-loved The Exploding Bakery has been awarded a 5-star food hygiene rating following a recent inspection by the local food safety team, confirming its high standards in preparing and serving safe, quality food.

The inspection looked at how food is handled, including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling, and storage, and found these practices to be “very good.” 

The cleanliness and condition of the bakery itself, including its layout, ventilation, handwashing facilities, and pest control measures, was rated “good.” 

Meanwhile, the bakery’s management of food safety, encompassing staff knowledge and systems to ensure ongoing compliance, was also judged “very good.”

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The bakery, known for its creative pastries and strong community presence, has been praised for the care and attention given to food safety, reflecting both staff training and robust management practices.

Crystal Hedrick-Side, aged 31, the manager of the Exploding Bakery, said: “We’re always aiming for 5 stars anyway, it’s a basic standard for us here but it is still a huge accomplishment.” 

Crystal said the cafe is constantly evolving and adapting, keeping the menu fresh and exciting for customers. 

“We try to use as much local produce as possible, sourcing fruit and vegetables from nearby suppliers,” she explained. “We’re always aiming to put more food on the counter, and the bakers regularly bring new ideas to enhance our menu.” 

Maintaining a 5-star rating is a team effort. Staff follow daily and weekly checklists and rotate through different roles, ensuring everyone contributes across the café. Maintaining their 5-star rating is a team effort. The bakery follows daily and weekly checklists with the staff rotating through different roles so everyone helps out with all areas of the cafe. Crystal added: “It makes it easier to stay on top of everything when the whole team is involved.” 

Visitors to The Exploding Bakery will notice more than just the food. The café has a chill, welcoming atmosphere, with music playing, plants adding greenery, and thoughtful décor throughout the space. This combination of high standards, creativity, and a relaxed vibe has made it a firm favourite with locals.

The hygiene inspection highlighted the bakery’s careful handling of food, cleanliness of facilities, and strong management of food safety practices, giving confidence to both staff and customers. 

With its ongoing commitment to local produce, creativity, and team-driven practices, The Exploding Bakery continues to be a go-to destination in Exeter for delicious treats and a welcoming café experience, now officially recognised for its high hygiene standards.