A bakery in Ely has been named as one of the best bakeries in the UK by a national newspaper.
The Times list of the top 49 bakeries to visit in the UK has been compiled by chefs and bakers and picks out the best of the best in the region.
The local foodies revealed their favourite places for artisan bread, perfect pastries and sweet treats galore.
Joanna Brennan, co-founder of Pump Street Bakery, compiled the list for East Anglia, and Grain Culture Bake Shop in Ely was placed 16th on the list.
Situated at 30a St Mary’s Street, the neighbourhood bakery and grocery store started in 2018 in founder Luca Fiorio’s garage with one small 25l mixer, one bench and a couple of small ovens to supply the fortnighty farmer’s market.
Just months later, in January 2019, wholesale deliveries started, and since then, quite a lot has changed, according to their website.
Grain Culture moved into a large commercial unit just outside of the city and found a permanent home on St Mary’s Street, starting as a pop up a couple of days a week to now becoming a fully formed store.
With demand growing rapidly, the team officially opened their own ‘bake shop’ at 30 St Mary’s Street in June that year.
After hearing the news of The Times accolade, Luca said the team at Grain Culture were “absolutely thrilled” to be featured in the newspaper's best bakery list.
“It was a complete surprise to all of us,” he said.
“From the very start, we have focused on providing quality products and giving the community something we felt was lacking in Ely.
“I have surrounded myself with passionate, like-minded people, who work incredibly hard both behind the scenes at the production unit and at the Bake Shop.
“This is fantastic recognition for all the hard work that they put in on a daily basis.”
The shop is a destination for bread and pastries, but also the grocery selection and natural wine, including cheese from Neal’s Yard Dairy and Pump Street chocolate, used in their bakes, hot chocolate is also available on the shelves.
Not only does Grain Culture supply its own shop, but it also supplies for like-minded businesses such as Fortnum & Mason, Red Lion, Shelford Deli, The Old Fire Engine House, Fin Boys, Smokeworks and The Brew Project to name a few.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the business was “busier than ever, having just ploughed through” while the country went into lockdown.
They teamed up with Click It Local to open a home delivery service for everyone. Their web shop also stayed open to allow for pre orders or collections from the bake shop.
Luca added: “Over the years Bake Shop has become a real hub in Ely, a place for local people to congregate to enjoy quality food and produce.
“We are so grateful for the support that the people of Ely have shown. They enjoy the atmosphere as well as the food and our wine evenings have also been a huge success.
“We are pleased that we are getting the recognition that the people of Ely give us every day.”
You can find out more about Grain Culture Bake Shop by visiting their websites: GRAIN CULTURE and BAKE SHOP - GENERAL STORE (bakeshopgeneralstore.com) or Facebook page: (2) Grainculturehq | Facebook.
The Grain Culture Bake Shop is open Mondays to Saturdays from 8am until 6pm, and Sundays from 9am until 2pm.
You can also follow their work by following them on Instagram: GRAIN CULTURE (@grainculturehq).
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Where is your favourite bakery in East Cambridgeshire?
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