'My baking group brings LGBTQ+ community together'

17 December 2025

Molly BrewerNorth West Tonight

News image — Kevin Sargeant first set the bakery group up in 2012

Village Bakers An old photograph of Kevin Sargeant who has dark hair and glasses and is wearing a black t-shirt and a purple apron. He is holding up a stripey teapot next to an afternoon tea stand which has a range of cakes on it — Kevin Sargeant first set the bakery group up in 2012

A man who set up a bakery in Manchester as a "safe and social space" for the city's LGBTQ+ community said 13 years on the group had seen "several marriages and lifelong friendships".

Kevin Sargeant set up Village Bakers in 2012 with the simple belief that sharing food can help bring communities together.

"There's no better way of meeting people, making friends, than sharing a slice of cake with them," he said.

"And that's how it started - as a group of eight of us - and it has grown over the years to about 40 or so people turning up."

Village Bakers Eight people stood outside a red brick building next to a banner that says Village bakers in blue writing on a white background. — The bakery has about 40 regular members

Group members share home-baked cakes, pies and savouries in a safe, inclusive environment, with bakers of all abilities and backgrounds welcome.

"There's been marriages, there's been loads of friendships and you see people come to the group, flourish, build their confidence, build their love of baking, create new friendship groups, and it's amazing to see," Mr Sargeant said.

The group meets once a month and, among regulars, is Laura White who said she loved coming to the events.

"Some of the people in this room are my best friends and I flippin' love it," she said.

Four people are lined up as they choose cakes from a selection on a table. — The groups meets regularly to share their baking creations

Ms White added: "Make something at home, bring it along, meet a load of new lovely people, make a load of friends.

"It's going to sound a bit cheesy but it fills my heart with joy. I really love being here."

Other regulars Jim and Paul said while it was not officially competitive, it was a bit of fun where everyone tried "to bring their A-game".

"I think it brings up your baking skills," Jim said.

"It's a really nice social, non-judgemental atmosphere."

A group sits around a dining table with plates of food in a restaurant. They are smiling at the camera and some are wearing Christmas jumpers and paper hats. — Kevin Sargeant says the group has seen "several marriages and lifelong friendships"

Mr Sargeant was nominated for a BBC North West Christmas Star award by group member Stuart Williams, who said it was a way to "finally recognise" the time and effort he had put into the group for so long.

Mr Sargeant said receiving the award was "very overwhelming".

"The group is not about me, it's about everyone here who makes this group possible," he said.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.