FOOD + DRINK
On the Rise cont ...
HALSTEAD BAKERY RACHEL LEIGH BAKES WHITE FINCH BAKERY
word to spread . With queues regularly snaking down the street , it ’ s no wonder they ’ ve expanded due to high demand ; now with locations in Margate , Westgate , Broadstairs , and Ramsgate , the question on everyone ’ s lips is , where will they open next ? Their latest addition in St Mildred ’ s Walk , Westgate-on-Sea , offers the same mouthwatering array of pastries , including their famous cruffins , alongside their signature sourdough , focaccia , cakes and cookies . Everything is made in-house , and people go absolutely mad for it . We ’ re already planning our next visit to grab one of their epic doorstep sandwiches !
www . staplestores . co . uk
Leo the Baker , Sevenoaks
Leo the Baker is a vibrant artisan who brings passion to every loaf . Using minimal , high-quality ingredients , Leo creates freshly baked sourdough , breads , sausage rolls , pastries , and specialty buns , all made with organic flours and no artificial preservatives . Baked fresh each morning , his creations are a testament to his dedication to quality . Leo ’ s baking journey began in Mozambique , where his 6am walks to the local padaria to buy bread for his family left a lasting impression . Now , he shares this passion through market stalls around Sevenoaks and offers workshops to inspire others . His bread is not just a treat ; it ’ s a piece of his heartfelt history .
www . leothebaker . com
Florence ’ s Artisan Bakery , Hythe
Bright orange and full of life , Florence ’ s in Hythe is a vibrant gem that exudes beauty , quirkiness , and creativity from the outside in . This family-run bakery , led by a dynamic sister , brother , and dad team , opened just last year at the top of the High Street and has quickly become a favourite among locals and tourists alike . Bringing a touch of London flair to the charming seaside town , Florence ’ s offers an array of delightful pastries , including their must-try Maritozzi and signature Danishes , all made in-house with love and care . They also serve up some seriously good coffee , courtesy of Routes Coffee , and offer light lunches that hit the spot every time . Whether you ’ re after a quick coffee , a delicious pastry , or a relaxed lunch , Florence ’ s is the place to be !
florencesartisanbakery
Halstead Bakery , Tunbridge Wells
Nestled on Camden Road in Tunbridge Wells , Halstead Bakery might call itself a “ backyard bakery ,” but they are absolutely nailing it . Originally known for their market stalls , they ’ ve now made a seamless transition to a brick-and-mortar shop , which they humbly described as a “ softish launch ” – though the sell-out success tells a different story . This bakery is a rising star , and is quickly becoming a local favourite . Their sourdough baguettes are delicious , and their unique pastries and cakes are truly stealing the show . Take their Honey Treacle Tart , for instance – what appears to be a simple treat reveals layers of expertly crafted wholemeal pastry and a rich , honeycomb-textured filling made with malty breadcrumbs and fragrant local honey – everything is local here by the way . Whether you ’ re popping in for a loaf or indulging in one of their sweet creations , Halstead Bakery is a must-visit for anyone in the know in TW .
www . halsteadbakery . com
Docker Bakery , Folkestone
After a recent relocation , Docker Bakery has announced its new move back to sunny old Folkestone . A front-runner in the Kent bakery scene , they first captured the hearts of locals in 2016 when the bakery opened in a repurposed shipping container on the Harbour Arm . Founded by Wes Burden and Pete Nelson and with a passion for taste , nutrition , and sustainability , Docker quickly built a loyal customer base , leading to an expansion in West Hythe alongside the picturesque canal . Inevitably , as the team and product line grew , so did their reputation , accumulating awards and a dynamic portfolio of wholesale clients , many of whom we all know and love . However , rising ( pun intended ) demand soon outpaced their space , prompting their recent move back to Folkestone to a newer , larger location , allowing the team to continue serving the community with their signature breads and pastries . Excitingly , they ’ ve also expanded their offerings to include a wider range of products , including takeaway Curve Coffees – great for starting a road trip and
www . insidekent . co . uk • 115