
News / Bread
Seasonal sourdough from Bristol bakery named Britain’s best loaf
A prune and cardamom sourdough from a bakery in Bristol has been named Britain’s best loaf of 2021.
The seasonal loaf from Joe’s Bakery on Gloucester Road was praised by the judges for the technical expertise demonstrated, delightful texture and moreish flavour.
It secured top spot in the Sourdough With Other Ingredients category in the Britain’s Best Loaf 2021 awards and was also crowned the ultimate champion.
is needed now More than ever
British Baker editor Amy North said: “The competition was tough this year but we have found a deserving winner of the Britain’s Best Loaf 2021 title in the prune and cardamom sourdough from Joe’s Bakery.
“It’s the second year in a row a seasonal sourdough has topped the competition and we’re thrilled that interesting flavours and techniques are being explored by those who enter.”
Every product entered was assessed by a panel of judges – which included past winners, bakery technologists and industry experts – on its appearance, internal structure, aroma and taste..
Category winners were then pitted against each other as the judges decided on the entry to be named Britain’s Best Loaf.
Joe’s Bakery’s mild white sourdough was also highly commended in the awards but it was their prune & cardamom sourdough that won the top award.
The seasonal product is based on the bakery’s brown sourdough loaf, featuring whole rum-soaked prunes and ground cardamom.
The judges praised it for its beautiful balance of flavours, which they acknowledged as a particular achievement given the use of cardamom.
From a technical standpoint, they also highlighted that the proving was on point and the bake was “perfect”.
“It was the bread I could imagine sitting down and eating with my family at Christmas,” one judge said.
Main photo: British Baker
Read more: Joe’s Bakery to open second shop on Gloucester Road