WITH the nomination period for 2016's Reading Retail Awards well under way, suggestions in the four customer decided categories have been rolling in.

With stores across the borough, Warings Craft Bakery was entered into the My Favourite Shop category by Juliane Chappelat.

Warings is a family run business that opened in 1932 by Lawrence Webster Waring and is now run by the third and forth generation of the Waring and Carr families.

Five members of the clan currently work for the bakery and while bread recipes straight from the book of the founder still fill their ovens, change has been afoot in recent years.

In 2011 the family opened the Syndey Waring Demonstration Studio on Armour Road where aspiring bakers, aficionados and the slightly curious can learn to make an array of sweet and savoury treats.

In recognition of the studio and their successful expansion to five new sites, Warings picked up the prestigious England's Most Loved Bakery award at the inaugural Craft Bakers' Week Tasty Tour.

Daniel Carr, Head of Public Relations and fourth generation baker, said: “I have grown up in and around the bakery.

“My first job was packing cakes and jamming doughnuts. Ever since I have been involved in one way or another.

“I think the customers really enjoy the personal service they receive, the attention to detail we provide and the range of products on offer.

“As well as all of the classics, we sell regional specialities like Gypsy Tarts that became popular in the area when travellers came to Reading to get their wagons fixed.”

As much as dough runs through Mr Carr's veins, the everyday reality of baking is a hard one.

“We tend to bake all through the night. My dad works from 6pm to 4am, with the second shift going from three in the morning to eleven.

“I think the Reading Retail Awards are fantastic. There are so many great businesses in Reading and I love the fact that customers have the chance to let other people know about them.”

The Reading Retail Awards are in their seventh year. Nominations close on July 11 with the awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel on September 17.