London’s love for sourdough has exploded in recent years, with artisan bakeries popping up across the city, each with its own unique take on this ancient bread. But with so many options, how do you choose? Here are my go to places for Sourdough – most of them are in East London due to where I am based.
Breidbakers (Bethnal Green and other delis across london)
This is my favourite one. Breidbakers is a relatively new kid on the block, but they’ve quickly made a name for themselves with their exceptional sourdough. Their loaves are made with a blend of organic flours and a long fermentation process, resulting in a complex flavor and a satisfyingly chewy crust. They also offer a variety of other baked goods, including pastries and cakes, all made with the same attention to detail and quality. I recommend going at the weekend for their full menu.
A Hackney institution, E5 Bakehouse is a pioneer in London’s sourdough scene. They’ve been baking delicious, organic sourdough for years, and their commitment to quality and sustainability is unwavering. Their loaves are made with locally sourced ingredients and a slow fermentation process, resulting in a bread that’s both flavorful and nutritious. E5 Bakehouse also offers baking workshops for those who want to learn the art of sourdough making.
The Dusty Knuckle Bakery (Dalston)
Tucked away in a Dalston courtyard, The Dusty Knuckle Bakery is a hidden gem. They’re known for their exceptional sourdough, which is made with a blend of organic flours and a long fermentation process. Their loaves have a deep, complex flavor and a perfectly chewy crust. The Dusty Knuckle Bakery is also a social enterprise, providing training and employment opportunities for young people.
Little Bread Pedlar (multiple locations across London)
With multiple locations across London, Little Bread Pedlar makes it easy to get your hands on some seriously good sourdough. They focus on traditional methods, using a long fermentation and high-quality flours. Their crusts are beautifully blistered and their crumb is airy and flavorful. They also offer a delightful selection of pastries and other baked goods.
Part of the Jolene food family, this bakery focuses on using heritage grains and a natural leaven. Their sourdough is rustic and delicious, with a wonderfully tangy flavor. Beyond the bread, Jolene also offers a fantastic selection of pastries, cakes, and other treats, all made with the same dedication to quality ingredients.
Located in Hackney, Snappery East is a relative newcomer to the sourdough scene but has already garnered a loyal following. They specialize in long-fermented sourdough, resulting in loaves with a deep, complex flavor and a satisfyingly chewy texture. Their small-batch approach ensures that each loaf is crafted with care and attention.
These are just a few of the many great sourdough bakeries in London. So, whether you’re a seasoned sourdough aficionado or just starting your bread journey, be sure to check out these spots and discover your new favourite loaf. Happy baking (and eating)!
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