Welcome to Baking Out, a pioneering initiative from The Oswin Project that transforms lives through baking. This is more than just a prison-based food enterprise, Baking Out represents our belief that everyone deserves a second chance and meaningful employment.
In our dedicated bakery in HMP Northumberland, our team crafts outstanding pies and quiches that rival any artisan bakery. Each pie tells a story of personal growth, newfound confidence and professional skills development. Our team of serving prisoners receive comprehensive training in food preparation, baking techniques, food safety, and customer service, providing them with purposeful activity while serving their sentences, and marketable skills for employment on release.
What makes Baking Out special is our ‘bridge of opportunity’ from prison to community. As people work with us, they can move from our prison-based bakery and kitchen to employment opportunities in the wider community, creating a seamless pathway to reintegration and reducing the barriers which often lead to reoffending.
While we are currently accepting small-scale orders via our Farm Shop, we are developing our capacity for larger or regular orders. To talk to our team, email Baking Out.
When you choose Baking Out, you’re directly supporting:
Breaking the Cycle
The Northeast has recorded the highest reoffending rates in England and Wales for over a decade (67%), but The Oswin Project’s reoffending rate is under 4%
Creating Oppotunities
47% of prisoners report having no qualifications, and 13% have never had a job
Changing Perceptions
Every successful person we work with helps challenge misconceptions about prison-leavers.
Our Story
Baking Out represents more than just delicious food; it is a pathway to change. The enterprise engages prisoners and prison-leavers at various stages of their journey:
Within the Prison
Carefully selected individuals work in our dedicated bakery or kitchen facilities, gaining professional skills and confidence.
Beyond the Gates
Participants can “graduate” to employment with the Oswin Project or one of our partners in the community.
Ongoing Support
Our mentors and staff (one-third of whom have lived experience of the criminal justice system) provide continuous guidance and support.
Our Products
Our current offering includes a rotating selection of savoury pies and quiches, with seasonal specials throughout the year.
Every Baking Out creation is made with:
- Locally sourced ingredients (including meat from Greens of Longframlington and vegetables from our own gardens)
- Traditional methods and attention to detail
- A commitment to quality and taste
Baking Out is committed to responsible environmental practices:
- Zero-waste production targets.
- Surplus or leftover products donated to Amble Foodbank.
- Minimal food miles through local sourcing and distribution.
- Part of The Oswin Project’s portfolio of environmentally responsible enterprises.
Where to find our Pies
Our Pies are on sale at the following places:
- Cafe 16 in HMP Northumberland (for staff, visitors, and contractors)
- Growing Out Farm Shop (just outside the prison grounds, open to the public)
- Café 16 in Newcastle Cathedral
- Lesbury Shop
- Another Spud (Morpeth & Ashington)
- Alnwick Rugby Club
- Direct delivery to businesses and organisations within a 28-mile radius, you can email us here for a price list.
Baking Out Contact Form
We are accepting small scale orders, but we may struggle with large or regular orders. We can offer local delivery. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.