Rumours about the location are swirling online - with many people saying the same thing.

Chorley’s ‘star baker’ has teased his fans with news of a new bakery.

John Whaite won the Great British Bake Off (GBBO) in 2021, and has since worked as a chef, television presenter, author, and has launched the successful online bakery Ruff Puff Bakehouse, known for its brownies and blondies that sell out in seconds.

Last summer, he opened his first bricks-and-mortar bakery at Cedar Farm Gallery near Mawdesley, but this closed just six months later for a “necessary reset”.

But things are about to change, with John taking to social media to tease followers about the opening of a new shop and bakery unit.

On Instagram he gave a tour of the new ‘Ruff Puff HQ’, stating: “We’ve got a lot to do, but we can’t wait to make it our home. More details coming, eventually.”

In the tour, he shows where the counter will be, where a cookie oven will be placed, where bread will be made from scratch, and a ‘huge space’ back of house so that brownie production can rebegin, alongside the Viennoiserie (French pastries) he specialises in. He also revealed that his sister Jane will be manager, and thanked Outpost in Eccleston for selling dough mixer ‘Twistopher’ back to him.

John Whaite when he won the Great British Bake-Off

placeholder image — John Whaite when he won the Great British Bake-Off

The Post has approached John about the location about the new bakery, but he’s remaining tight-lipped for now.

This hasn’t stopped followers having a guess - with many saying the same thing. Several people claim the frontage of the new HQ building and surrounding area is remarkably similar to the former Rufford Printing unit at Cedar Farm Gallery - just yards from John’s first bakery. One person claims to have spotted him at that location this week.

Reaction

News of the bakety opening has been met with dozens of excited comments from fans, wishing John and the team well.

The opening date has not yet been given.