Richard and Kate are living my dream running a small artisan bakery, Holtwhites in North London Enfield. Richard was a teacher who decided like many of us halfway through our working lives that life is too short and we should live the rest of it doing something we’re passionate about…while we’re still young enough. After testing their local market with baking from home at the weekends for 18mths they decided to take the plunge 2 months ago and follow their hearts to have their very own bakery. A brave decision not only because they have two small kids to support but because most of us are thinking about saving in these hard times and few of us would be willing to take the risk of placing all our bets on a high street shop selling the humble loaf especially a few doors down from a closed bakery.
Often I’ve heard stories of how some of the best businesses have started during recessions and I think from the evidence of Richard & Kate’s bakery having queues that spill on to the pavement on Saturday mornings, theirs will be one of those. Richard and another full time baker bake a selection of bread made using traditional methods of sponge and long fermentation and Kate bakes the cakes. Kate opened the bakery with just her and a part-time helper but soon realised when the locals made a beeline for their shop keeping her too busy to sleep that she was going to need more help.
It’s a heart warming story, one which I’ve heard is happening all over the country; the comeback of the old fashion bakery shop. The locals will take the trouble to go out of their way to buy their bread produced with care and attention it deserves because their tastebuds have awoken to what bread use to taste like. I think I’ve said before how I love a happy ending.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautiful, Azelia. Did you try out any of their bread or cakes?
We had a sandwich made from their baguettes Sarah, which a small amount of rye flour is added for flavour.
A wonderful story, Azélia, but what a brave decision they both made, along with a lot of very hard work to achieve their dream! I’m so pleased that they’re doing well. I would love to be able to visit a place like that in the north west!
It is a lovely story Renée, goes to show how people do care about what goes into their bread and what it tastes like.
On holiday from Australia, stayed in Enfield, popped into Hotwhites, lovely bread many thanks for tip. Also visited Cirencestor, Made by Bob is a must place to eat.
Love your blog.
Faye
Glad you enjoyed the bread Faye. and thanks for the tip.