Here are some of the best authentic sourdough bakeries along our coastlines, offering exceptional artisan loaves in seaside settings
Beaches, fresh air, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked sourdough await at these top coastal bakeries scattered across the British and Irish Isles. Known for their dedication to quality, these artisans make loaves loved by locals and visitors alike.
Sourdough is celebrated for its health benefits and unique qualities that set it apart from other breads. One of the key differences lies in the fermentation process, where natural wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria are used to leaven the dough. This slow fermentation, often lasting 12-48 hours, helps to create the distinctive tangy flavour and chewy texture of a sourdough loaf.
The long fermentation time also helps break down gluten, making sourdough easier to digest than many other breads. Its prebiotic properties are a major benefit too; it contains fibre that feeds and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria which contribute to gut health. This can aid digestion and improve nutrient absorption, particularly for minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc.
Sourdough’s simplicity – typically it is made from just flour, water, salt, and a natural starter – offers a wholesome and traditional alternative to modern, processed bread. This list tells you the best places to buy your authentic sourdough loaves, as well as where you can learn to bake your own by the sea.
1. FOR… A WARM WELCOME
St Ives Bakery, St Ives, Cornwall
In the heart of the harbour town of St Ives, this bakery has perfected the art of slow-fermented sourdough. Its country white and rye loaves, made with traditional methods and local ingredients, offer a wonderfully chewy, airy crumb and crisp crust – ideal for a seaside picnic paired with the region’s creamy butter. This independent, super-cute bakery also makes the best Cornish pasties – traditional style and with a choice of other fillings (01736 798888, stivesbakery.co.uk).
2. FOR… WILDFARMED WHEAT
Bread & Roses, Alnwick, Northumberland
Bread & Roses is an artisan bakery specialising in naturally leavened sourdough, crafted with locally sourced organic ingredients, including wildfarmed wheat. Its signature loaves, such as the 40% Rye with Caraway Seeds and the Seeded Sourdough Boule, are big favourites. Its bread is available at dozens of local outlets, including Morpeth Farmers’ Market on the first Saturday of the month (01665 603054, breadandroses.co.uk).
3. FOR… A COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
Narture Bakery, Ayr, Ayrshire
Narture Bakery is more than just a bakery – it’s an award-winning social enterprise supporting local arts and culture. Located in the coastal town of Ayr, it bakes daily batches of naturally leavened sourdough that are sold to fund art projects. Narture was set up in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic by artist father-and-daughter team Robert and Saskia Singer. The project evolved from occupying empty spaces in the town centre and repurposing them for cultural and creative uses during the pandemic. It has a café, bakery, art spaces and runs art courses, making it central to the local community (01292 284441, narture.co.uk).
4. FOR… A FAMILY BUSINESS
To The Rise Bakery, Eastbourne, Sussex
To The Rise Bakery was started by three sisters in 2020, and specialises in organic sourdough made with locally sourced ingredients. A commitment to sustainable and quality baking has made it a firm favourite in the community. Check the website for its baking schedules, as it produces a range of different loaves each day (01323 402211, totherisebakery.com).
5. FOR… PLANT-BASED BREAD
Heyl Bakery, Plymouth, Devon
Heyl Bakery, near Plymouth’s waterfront, offers vegan-friendly, long-fermented sourdough made using organic UK-grown flours. The bakery’s focus on sustainability and traditional baking techniques shines through in its delicious range. Visit the shop in Alma Yard, open from 9am-3pm Wednesday to Saturday, to buy freshly baked loaves, cakes, buns, sandwiches and seasonal topped flatbreads. While you’re there, you can also grab a cup
of organic tea or locally roasted coffee. It also offers breadmaking courses (heylbakery.com).
6. FOR… CRAFTSMANSHIP
Bostock Bakery, North Berwick, East Lothian
A hidden gem, Bostock Bakery blends traditional French patisserie techniques with long-fermented sourdough. Its delicious loaves, including French-inspired sourdough, are made fresh daily. If you’re exploring the rugged East Lothian coastline, the bakery’s onsite café is a lovely place to stop for lunch. You can also visit its slightly more inland café in East Linton. No booking is required – tables are allocated on a first-come first-served basis (01620 895515 / 01620 860815, bostockbakery.co.uk).
7. FOR… TRADITIONS AND ANCESTRAL KNOWLEDGE
Roundstone Bakehouse, Dublin, Ireland
Roundstone Bakehouse is known for its ancient grain sourdough, which celebrates traditional Irish breadmaking techniques. Using stoneground flour and its unique sourdough starter, it produces loaves with unrivalled provenance, taste and sustainability. Bread as it should be. Purchase at Hibernia Airfield Farmers’ Market in Dublin, every Friday and Saturday (+353 1 4691455, roundstonebakehouse.com).
8. FOR… THE HOME BAKER
Sourdough by the Sea, Brighton, East Sussex
Brighton’s Sourdough by the Sea caters for home bakers who are looking to make their own bread. Founded in 2022, its aim is to help people become better bakers and supply them with homegrown ingredients. The shop offers sourdough starter kits, dough-working tools and supplies for bakers at any experience level. Located in the heart of the seaside city, this is the perfect place to pick up supplies to start your baking journey (01273 806672, sourdoughbythesea.co.uk).
9. FOR… COOKING CLASSES BY THE SEA
Coastal Cooking, Ilfracombe, Devon
Located on the oldest street in Ilfracombe, Coastal Cooking offers hands-on sourdough baking classes. Ideal for beginners and more experienced bakers alike, its classes – led by chef Ian Jarmarkier – cover everything from making and maintaining a starter to baking the perfect loaf. Just a stone’s throw from the famous harbour, participants can learn to bake while enjoying a weekend at the seaside – the perfect combination of learning and fun (07771 821740, coastalcooking.co.uk).
10. FOR… HANDS-ON LEARNING
Nutrilicious Food, Hastings, East Sussex
Nutrilicious Food holds regular sourdough workshops at Classroom on the Coast in Hastings Old Town. Taught by Cindy Chin Sang, the course includes lunch, wild organic yeast starter kits to take home, and plenty of hands-on practice to build confidence so that you can make your own sourdough. It’s a lovely opportunity to learn the art of sourdough baking while enjoying the charm of Hastings’ coastal setting (nutriliciousfood.co.uk).
