Rise by Cornish Bakery Opens at Gunwharf Quays

If you have walked past the waterfront at Gunwharf Quays recently, you might have noticed a major new addition to the dining scene. Rise by Cornish Bakery officially opened its doors on Monday, 11 May 2026, bringing a spacious two-storey concept store to Portsmouth. Spanning 3,150 square feet, this new spot is designed to offer a more immersive experience than your typical bakery run. While the original Cornish Bakery kiosk has been a familiar fixture at Gunwharf Quays since 2001, it will continue to operate just as before, meaning you now have two different options depending on how much time you have. The new opening has also brought 25 new jobs to the local area, making it a significant addition to our waterfront.

This new location is only the second store in the country to feature the "Rise" concept, which focuses on an expanded, modern experience. Managed by General Manager Val Quinn-Reid and a team including Tara Savage, Rachel Gates, Amelia Atchison as head barista, and Daniela Adanemhen, the venue has been in development for 12 months. The Cornish Bakery itself, founded back in 1994 by Steve Grocutt in Mevagissey, has grown into an independent, founder-led company with over 70 bakeries across the UK. Under the leadership of Managing Director Mat Finch, who took on the role in June 2024, the company is investing £3.5 million into six new larger locations like this one, alongside half a million pounds to renovate existing spots.

What makes this specific spot different from the usual kiosk is the sit-down menu. Instead of just grabbing a pasty to go, you can sit down for an elevated menu that features small plates. They serve dishes like chorizo and shakshuka baked eggs, Cornish huevos rancheros, crab gratin, and a Cornish ploughman's sharing plate designed for two people. If you fancy a drink, they also serve alcoholic beverages, including Cornish beers from Harbour Brewery and wines from Camel Valley Vineyard. With an outdoor terrace designed for evening service, the space is open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, making it just as suitable for a quick morning coffee as it is for an early evening drink by the water.