Over 175 Years
in the Making
"Over 175 years, four families, one bakery — still at the heart of our community."
The Heart of Hockley Heath
When Edwin Dyer built a small bakehouse behind his home on School Lane in 1850, he couldn't have known his little shop would still be serving the community nearly two centuries later.
What started as a village bakery has grown into something more: a bakery, cafe, and deli that the people of Solihull rely on every day. From freshly baked bread and famous sausage rolls to made-to-order sandwiches and proper coffee, Wedges has evolved with the times while staying true to what matters.
We still start our days long before the sun comes up. The bakers still arrive in the early hours. And we still believe there are no shortcuts to good food, made fresh.
Our Journey
The Bakehouse Begins
Edwin Dyer starts a bakehouse behind his house on School Lane, Hockley Heath. The lane would later become known as Dyers Lane, a name it still carries today. Fresh bread is baked in a wood-fired oven and sold to the local village community.
A New Chapter
The bakery passes to Mr F. Allcott, who runs it through the First World War and into the 1930s. Despite the challenges of wartime rationing, the bakery continues to serve the community with fresh bread and baked goods.
Jim Wedge Arrives
Jim Wedge, who had been baking since the age of 12, arrives at the Hockley Heath bakery. Under his care, the bakery is renamed 'Wedges' and becomes a beloved fixture of village life. Jim's dedication to quality and tradition sets the standard that endures to this day.
The Griffiths Era
Jim sells Wedges to Tom Griffiths. Tom and his family continue the tradition of fresh, artisan baking for over 40 years, maintaining the same commitment to quality ingredients and time-honoured recipes that customers have come to expect.
A Family Legacy Continues
The bakery is acquired by the Heptinstall family, who bring fresh energy while honouring the traditions that have made Wedges special for over 160 years. Investment in the bakery and its team ensures the next chapter is as strong as the last.
Reaching Further Across Solihull
Over the years Wedges grew beyond Hockley Heath, with shops at the Earlswood garden centre and at Shelly Farm in the Shirley side of Solihull. Both became much-loved local stops before closing in recent years — Earlswood in around 2020 and Shelly Farm in 2023 — as we focused our team and our baking on the two shops we still run today.
Two Locations, Same Warm Welcome
Wedges is now focused on two locations across Solihull: our original Hockley Heath bakery and our cafe on Dovehouse Parade, Warwick Road. The baking still happens at Hockley Heath every morning, and both shops serve freshly made sandwiches, hot food, coffee, and of course our famous baked goods. Over 175 years, four families, and still going strong.
What We Stand For
These aren't marketing slogans. They're the principles that have guided every baker, every morning, for over 175 years.
Fresh Every Day
Everything is baked on-premises by our team of bakers. No central kitchens, no reheating, no shortcuts.
Locally Sourced
We work with local suppliers across the West Midlands to bring you the best ingredients. Fresh meat, seasonal produce, quality you can taste.
Family-Run
Wedges isn’t a chain or a franchise. We’re a family business, and every one of our team is part of the Wedges family.
Community-First
We’ve been part of the Solihull community for over 175 years. From serving our regulars to keeping our streets tidy, this is our home.
Come and visit us
Experience 175 years of baking tradition at either of our two locations in Solihull.