In the heart of the growing Viared industrial district, just outside Borås, Sweden, lies a setting that feels anything but industrial. Here you’ll find Bruket i Wiared — a vibrant gathering place in a charming, rural mill setting where people come together for conferences, concerts, kick-offs, weddings, themed events, camping, and glamping.
On the grounds, you’ll find a bakery, café with restaurant, and interior design shop side by side. The scent of freshly baked bread mingles with the buzz of guests moving between the buildings. Everything from salads and pizza to buns and sourdough bread is served here, all baked on site.
The business was founded in 2021 by Ann-Louise Håkansson and Sandra Stefansson with the vision of creating a creative space where people can meet, be inspired, and simply unwind. The old mill environment was quickly transformed into a natural gathering point for both companies and private guests.
One of the highlights of the year is the summer concert series, which attracts visitors from across the county of Västra Götaland. Bruket i Wiared has established a well-loved concept that draws large audiences each year, featuring some of Sweden’s most exciting artists.
A Bakery Defined by Creativity, Capacity, and Quality
When you step onto the grounds, you’re met with movement and energy. Bread is carried between buildings, wreaths are hung, guests settle in — there’s life and activity everywhere. Four people work in the bakery, with five additional full-time employees in the overall operation, and extra staff brought in during peak season.
Local sourcing is a natural part of the philosophy. The bakery uses organic flour from nearby Berte Qvarn.
Head baker Linda-Marie leads the team with creative freedom and an open-minded approach. Inspiration often comes from social media, and the variety in the assortment is clear. The bakery produces sourdough bread for both the bakery and café, along with cookies, brownies, pastries, pies, and large quantities of sweet buns.
On weekends, production can reach 300–400 buns and 20–30 pies.
At the heart of the bakery stands a Sveba Dahlen deck oven equipped with three decks. Two are standard height, and one is extra tall to accommodate larger loaves.
The choice of oven was an easy one from the very beginning.
“Everyone uses Sveba Dahlen! And I had worked with their ovens before.”
The proximity to the factory in Borås was also a decisive factor.
“They’ve always provided great service and have been able to come out quickly if anything needs attention.”
The flexibility of the deck oven allows the entire product range — from bread to pastries and pies — to be baked in the same oven. Gluten-free and lactose-free options have also become very popular with guests.
A Business in Constant Development
In 2023, Bruket i Wiared was named Business of the Year in Borås. Looking ahead, there are plans to further develop the bakery with additional equipment such as a rack oven, proofing cabinet, and dough divider.
With its combination of creativity, quality, and strong local roots, Bruket i Wiared continues to grow as a meeting place — as energetic as it is idyllic.
It will be exciting to see what happens next in this historic mill community.
