Nestled along the western edge of London’s Old East Village, the Baker’s Dozen is home to the city’s newest art and business incubator.
The Baker’s Dozen operates by allowing multiple artisans and local businesses to operate within the 5,000 square foot of storeroom space available. For a rental fee of $300 per month, each vendor gets their specified amount of space with which they can do whatever they please.
The name itself is a nod to Chapman’s Bakery, the previous tenant to the building that held the space for nearly twenty years.
The idea for the space came about when William Older had purchased the then-vacant building. Unable to find a single tenant, he soon discovered he had a lot of demand for small spaces.
“The solution was to cut up this space into smaller units… and then start up the Baker’s Dozen,” said Older
Older says tenants have been flocking to fill up the newly opened space towards the end of summer and throughout the month of September. The Baker’s Dozen is currently at capacity with 22 retail shops set up.
“We’ve created such a nice little community and culture already.”
A sign outside the Baker’s Dozen showcasing what’s available inside.
Angela Gunther runs Everyday Natural Essentials, one of the local businesses who’ve carved out a section of the Baker’s Dozen.
She says she fell in love with the space after she attended a series of pop-up shopping events being held there.
“I was like, ‘wow, I really love this vibe and this opportunity’,” said Gunther. “It was always a direction that I wanted to go… having my own little spot.”
Emelia Wilson of the Grassroot Goods Gallery says she loves the creative freedom provided to all the tenants.
“I also run a life drawing class everyday Wednesday… for me, that’s a really awesome and important way that I need to express myself and have a space that’s able to do that,” said Wilson.
While The Baker’s Dozen Facebook page lists operating hours as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday, but Older suggests guests look out for upcoming events that provide a more flexible schedule.
