Pete of Bakehouse24, an artisan baker in Ringwood, has created something unique. Slightly tucked away in a side street off the high street this baker welcomes his customers to watch the process of their bread being cooked whilst relaxing with a coffee in the onsite cafe.
Next time you visit Ringwood take a moment to seek out BH24 it is great to see the process of bread making, something I haven't seen since I was a child, I have vague memories of yeast-smelling dough expanding in our airing cupboard.
I was really taken by Pete’s story of how he came to be a baker, apparently he was living in London when trying to decide what career path to take, he walked into a bakery and asked if he could help out. Seven years later he was still there having learnt his trade in one of London's finest bakeries. Now with his own successful business making a wide selection of breads and cakes and pastries, I thought it a little ironic to learn there was a visiting baker helping out to see how things are run at BH24. Isn't that how things should be?
Bakehouse24 specialises in traditional sourdough methods which involves using a fermented batter-like dough to make them rise and enhance their flavour. A portion of the sourdough starter is mixed with the ingredients, while the remainder is kept and more flour and water is added to use in future batches.
Passionate about producing delicious baked goods, Pete works closely with local suppliers to ensure ingredients are ethically sourced and of the highest quality. The coffee is supplied by Winchester Coffee Roasters and a more recent addition is from Jimmy's Iced Coffee, you can buy that there too!
After sampling my fair share of bread, coffee and cake on the day I visited I can confirm its well worth seeking out to try for yourself.
Bakehouse24
Lynes Lane,
Ringwood.
BH24 1BT.
01425 485170