The Bench Blog - July 2026
Bench Blog: Welcoming Docker Bakery to the Bench Community
The Bench building on Bench Street — just a stone’s throw from Dover’s Market Square — is getting ready to open its doors this autumn. Over the past months, many residents will have watched the new creative centre, education campus and business start-up take shape, and it won’t be long before the space becomes a lively hub of learning, collaboration and community activity.
As part of this growing community, we’re pleased to share that Docker Bakery will be joining the Bench as one of its new tenants.
Docker began in 2016 in a small shipping container on the East Yard at Folkestone Harbour. Founded by Wesley Burden and Peter Nelson, the bakery grew from a shared passion for fermentation — both in craft brewing and in sourdough baking.
Docker’s focus on community, sustainability and local employment aligns closely with the values behind the Bench project. The team follows its own environmental policy and promotes green initiatives.
When the Bench opens, Docker will offer a full range of freshly baked sourdough bread, pastries and treats. The new café space will seat around 48 people, with additional seating near the stairwell and a small number of outdoor spots. Fit out work begins in July, with plans to open to the public in late August.
Docker will also play a role in supporting students at East Kent College, which will be based in the new building, by providing free school meals to those who qualify.
As the Bench prepares to open, we look forward to seeing Docker become part of the daily rhythm of the building — contributing to the mix of creativity, learning and community that the space is designed to nurture.
Read more below:
The Bench Blog June 2026 - Benchworks will deliver a range of flexible workspace within The Bench.
The Bench Blog May 2026 - welcome to Screen South, a cultural development organisation with digital creativity at their core. They will be moving into the Bench later this year.
The Bench Blog November 2025 - find out more about one of our new prospective tenants - the arts and design department at EKC Dover College.
The Bench Blog June 2025 - meet our Contracts Manager and Quantity Surveyor from Jenner Group who explain what the project means to them.
The Bench Blog March 2025 - for International Women's Day we've profiled three of our female team members working on the design, architecture and management of the project.