A Swiss artisan bakery with a growing international following is set to make its UK debut in Oxfordshire this month.
Bear St. Bakery, founded in Zurich, will open its first British location at Bicester Village on 17 March 2026, introducing its signature cookies, speciality drinks and desserts to UK customers.
The opening marks the first stage of the brand’s expansion into Britain, with a flagship London site planned later this year.
From Zurich to Oxfordshire
Bear St. Bakery was founded by hospitality entrepreneur Max Friedrich, whose career has included roles with global hospitality groups such as Dorchester Collection, Zuma and Shangri-La.
After spending more than a decade working in London’s hospitality sector, Friedrich developed the concept for Bear St. Bakery in Zurich, focusing on elevating everyday bakery favourites through high-quality ingredients and precise recipe development.
The brand began in a home kitchen before building a strong reputation for its carefully crafted cookies and premium drinks.
Signature cookies and speciality drinks
The Bicester Village kiosk will introduce visitors to Bear St. Bakery’s best-known products, particularly its distinctive cookie range.
Flavours expected on the menu include:
- Pistachio White Chocolate & Raspberry
- Roasted Tahini Chocolate Chip
- Brown Butter Miso Salted Caramel
- Vegan Triple Chocolate
Seasonal options will rotate throughout the year, with summer flavours such as Strawberry Cheesecake and colder-weather options including Apple Crumble and Oatmeal Walnut Chocolate Chip.
Alongside the bakery items, the brand will offer speciality coffee, ceremonial-grade matcha drinks and its signature hot chocolate range made using single-origin cacao.
Among the more indulgent options is a Maracaibo cacao hot chocolate topped with torched whipped marshmallow, designed to create a theatrical finishing touch.
A strategic UK launch location
The choice of Bicester Village reflects the site’s status as one of the UK’s most visited luxury retail destinations.
Located near Bicester in Oxfordshire, the outlet shopping village attracts millions of domestic and international visitors each year and hosts more than 150 fashion and lifestyle brands.
Bear St. Bakery’s arrival adds another food and beverage concept to the site’s growing range of cafés and restaurants.
Founder’s vision
Founder Max Friedrich said the brand was built on the idea that simple foods can still deliver exceptional quality.
“Bringing Bear to the UK means bringing a piece of what we’ve created in Switzerland with us,” he said.
“We’ve shown that everyday products can carry the same care, craftsmanship and ingredient quality typically reserved for special occasions.”
“For me, dunking a cookie into milk or drinking hot chocolate while walking outside in the cold are nostalgic moments. Those memories shouldn’t be ruined by artificial flavouring or additives – people deserve to enjoy that moment properly.”
Opening details
Bear St. Bakery will open at Bicester Village on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Bicester Village, 50 Pingle Drive, Bicester OX26 6WD |
| Opening date | 17 March 2026 |
| Opening hours | Monday–Saturday 9am–7pm |
| Sunday 10am–7pm |
The opening will serve as the brand’s first step into the UK market, with further expansion planned as the London flagship prepares to launch later in 2026.
