I have tried going carb free before, generally due to bikini times approaching but my down fall is always bread! The light fluffy delight that can be found in a delicious freshly baked loaf loaded with salted butter…ah bliss. My further guilty pleasure is turning anything into a sandwich, anyone for a roast dinner sanga as a midnight feast…bread strikes again where a lettuce leaf wrap just won’t cut it. So here goes with my top 5 Birmingham Bakeries!
Loaf, Stirchley, Birmingham
A community bakery in evolving Stirchley, which keeps the recipes simple and delicious. Changing weekday lunches, that are wholesome and filling and amazing Saturday pastries that make it worth getting up before 8.30am..the que will be out the door. Learn to make your own bread and more on one of their cooking courses. They now even have their own colaboration bread beer, released this week with Birmingham Brewing company. www.loafonline.co.uk
Medicine Bakery, New Street, Birmingham
The hidden door just marked Medicine allows entrance into the world of cronuts, cruffins and savory pesant (these are all the evolution of the croissant!) this dedicated team (former party runners of the Medicine bar) know how to work their buttery goodness. The sister venue for the Medicine Bakery in Codsall they are on a mission to educate the pallets of Brum and revamp a forgotten space into a craft collective. See their website for arts shows, yarn festivals and markets, plus street food over on their Codsall site. www.villagecodsall.co.uk
Peel and Stone, City, Harborne & various venues
Wheat alchemy and more all rustled up in a railway arch Hockley way. These artisan bakers supply delis, pubs and have their own venue in Harborne for all your carby needs and beer too. Did I hear salted caramel donuts! Pop up themed events keep the menu fresh so keep an eye on their calendar! Every month they have new art themes upon their walls celebrating creative talents, plus they sell local produce like yummy honey. www.peelandstone.co.uk
Sixteen Bakery, 16 Piccadilly Arcade, Birmingham
Sharing a cosy spot with hot drink scientists Faculty, these boys and girls make sweet treats and exotic sandwiches that ensures you will be indulging in their creations each visit. Inject your cupcakes with sweet syrups and flavours or surprise yourself with vegan possibilities. All th sin what seems like a dolls house size facility. Magic! www.facebook.com/sixteenkitchenbakery
Mason Mayci, Moseley and Kings Heath
French born owners and chefs David and Remi Faveau keep their philosophy simple; quality ingredients, hand crafting, no fuss and affordable for everyone. A wide variety of breads and patisserie plus a delicious rustic breakfast and lunch menu that won’t break the bank. They now sell French craft beer and venues can be hired for private events. www.mayci.co.uk
Article by Rhiannon Simpson of Birmingham Food Tour