Over in Belgravia a new bakery opened its doors for the first time this weekend. But it seems that Chestnut Bakery - which has taken on the old Dominique Ansel site - is trying to do things a little differently. They set out their stall as "celebrating international baking traditions in the golden age of breadmaking."
They've certainly assembled an impressive team to help them do that. Senior Baker, Mauro Gizick from Italy worked for Princi and Paul Rhodes. Their Chief Laminator, Charles Leroy trained in France and has previously worked at Pavilion Bakery, and before that Rollers Bakehouse in Sydney. And tying all that together is their Community Bakery, Yorkshire-born Kevan Roberts who's worked as a senior teacher for Bread Ahead for the past three years.
In addition to serving up all manner of gorgeous bread and patisserie - there'll be everything from tomato, olive and rosemary fougasse and lemon pie croisssants to charcoal and olive sourdough on offer - they're making a real effort to give back to the community. So in the run up to opening they've donated loaves to their local school, have raised money for the Chelsea pensioners and for everyone who signs up to their mailing list they'll donate a loaf to a London food bank.
There's room to eat inside and they've put a retractable roof over the terrace area to make it nicely British weatherproof.
More about Chestnut Bakery
Where is it? 17-21 Elizabeth Street, Belgravia, SW1W 9RP
When? Open now.
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @chestnut.bakery
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