Something is Bunning in Margate, meet Bibi the Mother of Buns.
How a family-run bun shop turned one delicious obsession into a values-led bakeries.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about Rise & Bun?
I’m Bibi, one of the founders and the person behind the recipes and flavours at Rise & Bun. Opening a bakery built around one speciality product has actually been a dream of mine for a long time. I’ve always loved the idea of choosing one thing, obsessing over it, and doing it really well.
My family got behind the idea and became part of the dream too, so we decided to build Rise & Bun together. For us, it’s not just about cinnamon buns – it’s about that feeling of gathering around food, sharing something sweet and enjoying those simple moments together.
We started in Margate, and seeing how warmly people have welcomed us has been incredible. What started as a little dream has grown into something much bigger than we imagined, but we still want Rise & Bun to feel like what it was in the beginning — independent, personal, family-run and full of personality.
What inspired you to create Rise & Bun, and what makes it different from other cafés?
For me, it’s all about creating a feeling rather than just selling a product. As a musician I always love creating something.
I wanted Rise & Bun to be somewhere you could pop in for a really good bun and coffee, but also somewhere that feels welcoming, fun and has its own personality.
The idea of focusing on just one speciality product was really important to me. Rather than trying to do everything, I wanted us to concentrate on cinnamon buns and make them as good as they could possibly be.
Our buns are obviously at the centre of everything, but I think what makes us different is the personality behind the brand. We’re not trying to be overly polished or perfect — we want it to feel real, warm and full of character.
What are some of your signature menu items, and do you have a personal favourite?
Our OG Cinnamon Bun will always be the heart of Rise & Bun. It’s the one everything started with and still the one we can never seem to make enough of!
We also love creating new flavours and experimenting with different combinations. Our Pistachio Cream Chocolate Bun has become a real favourite, and we’re always working on new flavours and seasonal specials.
But if I had to choose one, I’d probably still go for the OG. There’s something about a classic cinnamon bun when it’s warm and fresh that you just can’t beat.
As a local Margate business, what do you love most about being part of the town’s food and creative community?
I love how much personality Margate has. There’s such a strong independent spirit here, and people really care about supporting small businesses and local creatives.
There’s also a real sense of community. You don’t feel like you’re just running a business alongside everyone else — you feel like you’re part of something. We’ve met so many amazing people through Rise & Bun, from other independent businesses to artists, makers and customers who have become familiar faces.
I think that mix of creativity, independence and community is a huge part of what makes Margate special, and we feel very lucky to be part of it.
What exciting plans or new projects do you have coming up for Rise & Bun?
We’re always thinking about what’s next, which is both exciting and slightly terrifying!
We’ve recently opened our second Rise & Bun location in Soho, London, which is a huge milestone for us. It’s been amazing to take something that started in Margate into London while still keeping our roots here.
But we definitely don’t want to lose the feeling that made Rise & Bun what it is. We have lots of ideas for new buns, collaborations and ways to bring people together, so there’s definitely more to come.
If someone was visiting Margate for the first time, where would you send them after breakfast/treat at Rise & Bun?
I’d tell them to just explore! Margate is one of those places where you can walk around without too much of a plan and constantly find something interesting.
Obviously, I’d send them towards the seafront, Margate steps to watch the sunset and Old Town, have a look around the independent shops and galleries, and then just keep wandering. There are so many lovely independent places here that you can easily spend the whole day eating, drinking, shopping and discovering little corners of Margate.
And if they’ve already had a bun with us, I’d probably say they’ve earned another coffee somewhere along the way!
What does supporting independent businesses mean to you, and why do you think it’s so important in a town like Margate?
I think supporting independent businesses is incredibly important because you’re supporting real people and their ideas, not just a brand. Behind every small business there’s usually a huge amount of work, risk and passion.
In a town like Margate, I think independents are a huge part of what gives the place its identity. They make the town feel creative, interesting and unique — and when you support one independent business, you’re helping that whole community continue to grow.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own independent food or hospitality business?
Be prepared to work very hard and to do things you never imagined you’d be doing!
But honestly, I’d say don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you start. You learn so much by actually doing it.
Know your product, listen to your customers, stay true to why you started, and be prepared to adapt. And most importantly, make sure you genuinely love what you’re doing because running an independent food business takes a lot of you
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Visit their website – Rise & Bun – Margate / Soho London
Videography – @Je_Suis_Albane