Wells former bank could become Cornish Bakery
By Laura Linham 24th Feb 2026
A former Wells bank could soon be transformed into a new bakery.
The HSBC branch at 1 Market Place shut in June 2023 as part of wider closures across Somerset and has remained vacant since.
Cornish Bakery has confirmed plans to open a bespoke concept at the Wells site in April 2026, trading from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week.
A planning application has been submitted to Somerset Council seeking advertisement consent for new signage at the former bank. The application, reference 2025/2289/ADV, proposes installing the Cornish Bakery logo along with the words "Coffee and Pastries" on the building. The proposal is currently awaiting a decision.
If approved and the scheme proceeds as outlined by the company, the interior of the former banking hall will be transformed into what Cornish Bakery describes as a design-led space.
A spokesperson for Cornish Bakery said the Wells branch would embrace the building's heritage while introducing a contemporary aesthetic. Customers will be served freshly baked pastries and hand-roasted coffee supplied by Cornwall-based Origin Coffee.
Managing director Mat Finch said: "We are delighted to be opening our bespoke bakery in the beautiful city of Wells. This marks an exciting investment in the high street, transforming a stunning, but recently vacant, property into a contemporary, premium bakery destination for both locals and visitors.
"Our team has worked diligently to create a truly distinctive space, where exceptional food and expertly-crafted Cornish-roasted coffee can be enjoyed in a welcoming and thoughtfully designed environment. We're very much looking forward to being part of this Somerset community."
Somerset Council will determine the signage application in due course.
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