Joe’s Bakery in Bishopston, Bristol won the title of Britain’s Best Loaf 2021 with their Prune & Cardomom Sourdough.
The bakery fought off competition from loaves across six categories to take the ultimate prize. The loaf was praised by judges for “the technical expertise demonstrated, delightful texture and moreish flavour”.
“The competition was tough this year but we have found a deserving winner of Britain’s Best Loaf 2021 title in the Prune & Cardamom Sourdough from Joe’s Bakery,” said British Baker editor Amy North. “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.
“Well done to all of the winning and highly commended loaves, and a huge thank you to the judges and sponsors who made the day possible.”
Every product was assessed by a panel of judges including Lee Smith, baker and four-time Britain’s Best Loaf winner, Poppyseed Bakery; John Lognonné, senior baker, Davidsons of Darras Hall; and Katie-Joy Woods, subject matter expert – bread ingredients, Jacksons Bakery.
The Prune & Cardamom Sourdough from Joe’s Bakery is a seasonal product based on the bakery’s brown sourdough loaf and featuring 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 bake was “perfect”. “It was the bread I could imagine sitting down and eating with my family at Christmas,” one judge said.
