A Kendal bakery has scooped a major award.
Lovingly Artisan Bakery, based in Kendal and Altrincham, won a major trophy in the Britain’s Best Loaf competition held at the NEC Birmingham on April 25.
This year saw the bakery’s Malted Barley Sourdough crowned the top product in the Wholegrain category.
A panel of experts from across the UK bakery industry selected a total of six category winners from the 130 loaves entered.
On the day, the judges put each loaf through its paces, scoring each entry on external appearance, internal structure, aroma and taste. Before reconvening to decide which of the six category winners was then to be crowned Britain’s Best Loaf.
Lovingly Artisan’s winning sourdough is crafted using brewers barley from Warminster Maltings and organic otter barely, which is sprouted on the malt room floor, lightly roasted, then crushed and cooked into a porridge, which releases the malty flavours. The mix is then hand folded into white sourdough and baked in a wood-fired oven, which gives it a beautiful texture and crust.
The judges were hugely impressed, commenting: “the rustic look and delicious flavour made the loaf a standout in the Wholegrain category.’’
Aidan Monks, owner of Lovingly Artisan Bakery, said: “Winning a Britain’s Best Loaf award is just brilliant. It’s an impartial industry stamp of excellence, which tells our customers that our bakery is one of the best around creating some truly special artisan breads.’’
Amy North, editor of British Baker, added: “Britain’s love of bread is as strong as ever, and with good reason. The last few years have been tough for everyone, but the UK’s bakers have worked tirelessly for their communities throughout.
“This competition is about celebrating the skills and craftsmanship the nation’s breadmakers have to offer. The competition was very strong this year, with plenty of innovation and excellence on display, so the judges had their work cut out.’’
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