Whether it’s a bloomer, bap or crusty granary roll, everyone loves bread! As you may or may not know ‘National Real Bread’ week will shortly be upon us. So all in the name of Taste, we’ve sampled the best the Island has to offer and bring you our top five Island bakeries…
Island Bakers
Founders of Island Bakers, John and Helen first met in the kitchens of Buckingham Palace as part of a team of Royal chefs. The couples credentials don’t stop there, with Helen working under the likes of Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsay while John previously worked at Michel Roux’s, The Waterside Inn. Since founding Island Bakers in 2010 the business has grown. Winning a total 8 Great Taste awards. The Island Bakers are great supporters of the real bread campaign and use local ingredients wherever possible.
Scarrots Lane Bakery
Originally established in Scarrots Lane, Newport, last year, Scarrots Lane Bakery opened another shop in Union Street, Ryde. The sausage rolls are second to none, and the staple of many a ‘caulkhead’ childhood, the ‘Mr Blobby Biscuit’, is still a firm favourite. The bakery also offers a wide variety of breads and rolls all freshly baked that morning. – Not forgetting all the fresh, handmade sandwiches also on offer daily.
Richmonds Bakery
This little known artisanal bakery is located on Bath Road, Cowes and has just one baker on the premises. Everything is handmade and baked on site. We suggest trying the fresh NYC style bagels. Choose from sesame seed topped or raisin and cinnamon filled – a real taste-y treat!
Graces Bakery
Established in Ryde’s old flour mill in 1997, Grace’s family bakers has grown to a five-store business. Supplying many shops and restaurants across the Island. With traditional baking methods being of the utmost importance, along with sourcing many of their ingredients locally. You can see why they have the accolade of ‘Island’s Best Bakery’ as voted for by locals.
Cantina
Cantina isn’t your traditional bakery but actually a café restaurant which features its own bakery. As bread plays such an important part in their menu the team decided to produce their own bread and pastries in house.
Our top pick is; Avocado, tomato, feta, chilli and poached egg on Cantina’s own baked sourdough toast.