Crafted With Care
by: BTM - Wed, 11 Mar 2026
London-based Chestnut Bakery has opened in the Kingdom, bringing its meticulous approach to bread and pastry to the Bahraini market.
Founded by Kuwaiti chef Ahmad Al-Bader, Chestnut Bakery has built its reputation on a simple principle: careful baking grounded in traditional techniques and premium ingredients. What began as a delivery-only operation quickly developed a following, leading to the opening of its first permanent bakery in Belgravia, London, in 2021. From that flagship, the brand has steadily expanded across the Gulf and beyond, with locations now operating in London, Riyadh, Jeddah and Kuwait City.
The newest addition to the network is Bahrain, where Chestnut Bakery has launched at Harbour Heights. The soft opening, held on March 18, introduced the brand’s bakery and café concept to local customers.
At the centre of Chestnut’s identity is a commitment to craft. Bread, viennoiserie and pastries are produced using classic baking methods that prioritise time and precision. Long fermentation and careful dough handling form the backbone of the bakery’s method, supported by carefully sourced ingredients. The result is a menu that reflects European baking traditions while remaining adaptable to an international clientele.
Visitors will find an offering that extends from freshly baked breads and laminated pastries to a broader café selection designed to accompany the bakery’s core products. Croissants and artisanal loaves sit alongside coffee and light bites, creating a space suited to quick visits and longer gatherings alike.
For chef Ahmad Al-Bader, the growth of Chestnut Bakery reflects a broader appreciation for quality baking in cities across the region. While trends and visual presentation often dominate contemporary cafés, the bakery’s philosophy remains focused on flavour and texture. That emphasis on craftsmanship has helped establish Chestnut as a destination for those seeking carefully prepared baked goods rather than novelty alone.
Chestnut’s arrival in Bahrain also comes at a moment when the Kingdom’s dining scene continues to diversify. Over the past decade, Manama has developed a reputation for welcoming international culinary concepts while maintaining a strong local hospitality culture. Against this backdrop, Chestnut’s arrival adds another dimension to the Kingdom’s growing café and bakery culture.
During Ramadan, the bakery operates in the evening hours, welcoming guests daily from 5pm until midnight. In the final two weeks of the month, opening hours extend until 2am, reflecting the late-night rhythm that characterises the season across the Kingdom.
Located within Harbour Heights, the Bahrain branch offers a setting that aligns with the brand’s understated aesthetic. The space emphasises warmth and accessibility, inviting visitors to pause for freshly baked pastries or an evening coffee.
While Chestnut Bakery has expanded across multiple cities, its approach remains consistent from one location to the next. With its opening at Harbour Heights, Bahrain becomes part of that story, offering residents and visitors a bakery shaped by careful baking and genuine hospitality.
Tags #btm march 2026 #coffee shop bahrain #croissants bahrain #pastries in bahrain #artisan bakery bahrain #harbour heights bahrain #new cafe in bahrain #london bakery bahrain #bakery in bahrain #chestnut bakery bahrain
Digital Edition
Bahrain This Month
July 2026
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