On our pilgrimage to Canterbury, we decided to stop in Wye, Kent, for provisions. We collected our daily bread in Wye Bakery, Kent, and I found myself lost in another age. Allow me some creative liberty in my tale…
The quaint Wye Bakery is accessed via an ancient, mysterious corridor constructed three hundred years ago.
Walking through the corridor transported my imagination back in time. The Franklin, from The Canterbury Tales, invited us inside to taste the bread. Alas, we did not wish to dip the lovely bread into wine, particularly at such an early hour. We thanked the Franklin for his hospitality and bid him to return to Chaucer’s England. The ancient vision dissolved, as the aroma of fresh bread brought us back to the present day.
Inside, we were greeted by the baker, Mrs Hickson, and her daughter. Mother and daughter are passionate about the health benefits of traditional, slow baking. It is hoped that Mrs Hickson’s daughter will be able to apply her Nutrition Degree to the business.
The pastries were buttery, crumbly and utterly delicious. The bread had a wonderful robust structure and a delicate taste like sour dough. Is there anything more comforting than simple bread and butter? One could taste the attention to detail in every single crumb.
I heard Robert Browning say:
‘If thou tasteth a crust of bread, thou tasteth all the stars and all the heavens.’
Indeed, the taste of the bread is heavenly. I only wished that we could have consumed the bakery’s cakes, in the lovely coffee shop opposite.
I urge you to visit Wye Bakery. It is refreshing to listen to Mrs Hickson wax lyrical about a business that consumes sixteen hours of her day. Taste the delights of the labour of love that could be your daily bread.
I filled my bag with bread and cakes, rather than books on this day. At the time of writing this article, the adjacent shop was being renovated to house the bakery. I hope to return to see this finished, but if you have visited recently then email me about it.
What fun! I’m taking a bread baking course right now, so I can appreciate this. (I also just read a book about bakeries – A Bakery in Paris by Aimie K. Runyan)
Sticking with the Chaucer, I remembered that the knight ‘loved well a morning sop of bread in wine’, especially when in the Limousin I saw it was a French peasant tradition. I tried it – and loved it. Next aim – find your bread shop [plus rough red wine] and have me a bread and wine party.
I love bread, I love it far too much. However, I am picky. For breakfast I have Duchy of Cornwall Wholemeal Bloomer (sounds rude, Yes?) On my writing days I have M&S ready sliced farmhouse loaf to hand – costs £1 and lasts forever in the fridge. If you buy their packs of ready sliced Cornish Cove cheese, you’ll find the slices fit the bread EXACTLY. Brilliant if you’re a busy writer. I have been known to buy a loaf, try it and then give it to the birds. Picky. I told you. As for our mate, Chaucer, I studied him for A level English and always think of his Prologue to the Canterbury Tales at this time of year:
Whan that Aprill with his shoures soote/The droghte of March hath perced to the roote, (When April with its sweet-smelling showers/ Has pierced the drought of March to the root).
There’s nowt better than bread! I love it too! We cheat and have a breadmaker, so there’s always lots of fresh bread.Do you prefer the smell of bread baking or coffee brewing? I wish we lived next to a good bakery, but the local one has closed.
Perfect selection of lines from the Prologue. It’s Friday so let’s drink to the promise of spring. I am refusing to allow the Beast from the East back, in Wales. I’ve told them to close the Severn Bridge. And, I have spent the whole day cleaning the patio so he had better not dare!!!
Cheers, to the final chapter of your work in progress.
I prefer the smell of bread baking and coffee brewing. Switching off for the night & m I’m going to have a glass of wine. No stopping me sometimes ……. have a great weekend and stay safe and warm.
Have a lovely evening!