Discovering the Magic of Matthews Cotswold Flour

A Heritage of Milling in the Cotswolds

Matthews is one of the UK’s oldest family-run flour mills, with roots stretching back to the 19th century. Today, it continues to mill flour in the heart of the Cotswolds, combining traditional techniques with modern expertise.

What sets the brand apart is its close relationship with local farmers and its focus on sourcing British grain wherever possible. This not only supports local agriculture but also helps maintain consistency and traceability across its flour range.

What Makes Matthews Flour Different?

One of the defining features of Matthews flour is its use of stoneground milling. This traditional process preserves more of the grain’s natural components—such as the bran and wheatgerm—resulting in flour with deeper flavour and improved nutritional value. The result? Flour that feels alive—rich, aromatic, and perfectly suited to artisan baking.

Exploring the Matthews Flour Range

Matthews offers an impressively wide selection, with over 100 different flours available for both home bakers and professionals. Here’s a breakdown of the key categories in their range:

1. Strong Bread Flours

These are the backbone of any serious baker’s kitchen. Matthews produces several strong white flours, including organic and Canadian blends, designed for high hydration doughs and long fermentation.

Ideal for: sourdough, artisan loaves, rolls

Key Feature: High protein content (around 12% in some blends) for structure and elasticity

2. Everyday Plain and Self-Raising Flours

For cakes, pastries, and general baking, Matthews offers soft wheat flours that are finely milled and versatile.

Ideal for: cakes, biscuits, pastry, sauces

Key Feature: Light texture and consistent performance

3. Heritage & Ancient Grain Flours

This is where Matthews truly stands out. Their range includes heritage wheats and ancient grains such as einkorn, emmer, and spelt.

Key Features:

• Rich, nutty flavours

• Often better for slow fermentation

• Supports biodiversity and regenerative farming practices

  
  

These flours bring depth and complexity that modern commercial flours often lack.

4. Blended & Specialty Flours

Matthews also produces unique blends like:

• Cotswold Crunch (multi-grain texture and flavour)

• Eight Grain flour

• Pizza and baguette flours (e.g. French T55 style)

  
  

These are designed for specific baking styles, making it easier to achieve professional-quality results at home.

5. Wholemeal, Rye & Alternative Grains

From dark rye to wholemeal wheat and oat blends, Matthews offers flours that add nutrition and character to your baking.

Ideal for: rye breads, mixed loaves, hearty sourdough

Key Features: More fibre, deeper flavour, and rustic texture

Why Bakers Love Matthews Flour

There’s a reason Matthews is trusted by both artisan bakers and home enthusiasts:

• Flavour-first approach: Stoneground milling enhances taste

• Versatility: Suitable for everything from sourdough to pastries

• Sustainability focus: Supports local farms and heritage grains

• Consistency: Carefully milled for reliable results

  
  

Whether you’re baking a simple loaf or experimenting with long-fermented sourdough, Matthews flour gives you the tools to elevate your baking.

Tips for Using Matthews Flour

• Adjust hydration: Stoneground and wholegrain flours absorb more water.

• Allow longer fermentation: Especially with heritage grains to develop flavour.

• Blend flours: Mix strong white with wholemeal or rye for balance.

• Experiment: Each flour has its own personality—lean into it.

  
  

The Joy of Baking with Matthews Flour

The Matthews Cotswold Flour range isn’t just about variety—it’s about rediscovering the craft of baking. With its combination of heritage, quality ingredients, and thoughtful milling, it offers something for every baker, from beginners to seasoned sourdough enthusiasts.

If you’re serious about improving your baking, exploring this range is one of the simplest—and most rewarding—places to start.

Discover the joy of baking with Matthews Cotswold Flour and elevate your culinary creations today!