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Isle of Skye Baking Co.
Barry is in the bakery at around 2am in the middle of summer, ready to begin making dough for the day’s bread. As all the breads are proved naturally, it is a time-consuming process. And of course they need to be ready for purchase from 10am, and earlier on market days. It is a labour of love, but rewarded each day by the smell of the first batch baking, taking the hot loaves from the oven and laying them in baskets ready to eat.
Once the bread is ready, Barry is joined in the bakery by Kirsty, and they soon get on with lunch breads, scones, bannocks and cakes to fill the counters in the Food Shop Café and at The Bread Shed. On Market day the production doubles, and by the time the mere mortals begin to arrive (9am) every surface is hidden under piles of deliciousness.
Then the production team (Sam and the rest of the staff) tackle shortbread, oatcakes, biscotti, lavosh and anything else that comes to mind, for the remainder of the day.
All the recipes are either developed in-house or contemporary versions of traditional classics. We believe in simple, trustworthy production methods, ‘clean’ ingredients and local provenance.
There is a viewing window into the bakery, though Barry is likely to invite customers (especially the kids) into the kitchen for a peak into his world. And by arrangement he will be happy for you to pop in in the wee hours to share a cup of coffee and watch the proceedings.
The Isle of Skye Baking Company was established in a home kitchen in 2007. It has grown considerably, but still maintains it’s core ethos of using traditional recipes combined with contemporary flavours, great quality ingredients, and creating sustainable local employment.
The company uses no preservatives and everything is made by hand in small batches.It has grown from being a ‘kitchen table business’ to having a wonderful kitchen and café in a renovated woollen mill on the outskirts of Portree.
Upstairs is Skyeworks Gallery, which with the same approach, houses a variety of local, design led arts and crafts.
In Broadford you will find a tiny, quirky version of the café and gallery, The Bread Shed, which is full of freshly baked bread, foodie delights and a selection of arts and crafts.
The Café – or Food Shop with Seats – serves a small menu based around the baking of the day. Light lunches, wholesome soups, cakes and plenty of artisan bread. All of our food is served on compostable plates, with wooden cutlery. The food is always the star in this eco-friendly environment. The coffee is great too!
The Baking Company is well known for its shortbread, oatcakes, tablet and preserves, sold alongside Scottish charcuterie and cheeses, and various foodie essentials.
The Gluten-free counter always offers breads, soups, biscuits and cakes.