BRITAIN’S BEST BAKERIES BY MILLY KENNY-RYDER

For her latest book Britain’s Best Bakeries, author and photographer Milly Kenny-Ryder has travelled the length and breadth of the UK to cherry-pick 62 unmissable bakeries - from caramelised croissants in Cornwall to sensational sourdough in the Scottish Highlands.

Gorse Bakery, Cornwall

Are there any hotels that have great bakery partnerships?

The Maybourne Group are masters at bakery partnerships. The Berkeley plays host to Parisian sensation Cedric Grolet, while The Connaught houses the beautiful creations of Nicolas Rouzaud.

What were the most innovative creations you came across and was there a creative baker who stood out to you?

The seasons do soften dictate creativity and this summer the fruity inventions have been stunning. Layla makes monthly bow tie specials - this month the strawberry ripple tastes like a cream tea enveloped in cross laminated pastry dough. When the book was released I collaborated with some featured venues to imagine special bakeries to celebrate the launch. The Connaught Patisserie proudly sells my Trio Au Chocolat - a striking take on the Pain au Chocolat filled with three bars of chocolate (dark, milk and white).

Trio Au Chocolat with Nicolas Rouzaud at Connaught Patisserie

What did you learn about Britain through our baking culture? How does it compare to the Danish and French cultures?

The British baking culture is simpler in style to French and Danish. Viennoisserie from France is a very time consuming and labour intensive practise - it also usually requires a lot of equipment so not all bakeries invest in it. There is an emphasis on heritage local grains at the moment in Britain, making bread and buns with hand-crafted, healthy, traditional grains while supporting British businesses. Quince bakery is presenting the best of British baking culture right now, owner Anna’s brown butter buns are simple but sensational.

What’s your favourite pastry indulgence and where can you find it?

I would always pick a pain au chocolat and I like my PAC to be made with butter with a high fat content (Edinburgh Butter Company is great). Companio make one of my favourites, Farro in Bristol is another winner.

Buy a copy of Britain’s Best Bakeries from Hoxton Mini Press here

www.thoroughlymodernmilly.com

@millykr