Welcome to our monthly “Meet the Maker” series, where we spotlight the incredible suppliers that we work with at Bayley & Sage. This month’s feature is on Paul Rhodes Bakery, read on to learn more about this fantastic bakery team!
The Story of Paul Rhodes Bakery: Crafting Excellence Since 2003
In the heart of London’s bustling food scene, Paul Rhodes Bakery has carved out a reputation as one of the city’s leading independent bakeries. Since their inception in 2003, they have dedicated themselves to perfecting the art of handcrafted breads and pastries. Rooted in tradition and committed to quality, every creation is crafted using the finest ingredients and time-honoured techniques.
From their Greenwich bakery, Paul Rhodes serves a diverse range of customers, from Michelin-starred restaurants and neighbourhood cafes to specialist delis, luxury hotel groups, and major foodservice companies. Their goods even grace the tables of world-renowned venues. Each day of the year, virtually without exception, their fleet of drivers ensures freshly baked delights arrive early in the morning, ready to delight customers across London.
A Legacy of Passion and Evolution
Paul Rhodes Bakery began as a vision to bring artisanal baking to the forefront of London’s culinary landscape. Over the past 22 years, this vision has evolved into a thriving business that combines traditional craftsmanship with a modern commitment to sustainability and innovation. Their bakery has remained steadfast in its mission: to provide products that celebrate the beauty of simplicity while embracing the complexity of exceptional flavour.
From the beginning, they prioritised using the finest ingredients and building relationships with their customers, no matter the size of the order. Today, this ethos continues to guide their operations, ensuring they remain a trusted partner for their diverse clientele, ranging from small local cafes to some of the most prestigious dining establishments in the city.
We had the pleasure of touring the bakery with Sergei, the Head of Artisan. Not only was he incredibly knowledgable about the products, but his passion and excitement around what he was sharing with us shone through. It’s clear that he truly loves what he does and that passions is evident in each and every loaf that he bakes.
Going ‘Back to Basics’: A Philosophy of Provenance and Quality
In a world where mass production often overshadows artisanal craftsmanship, Paul Rhodes has doubled down on their commitment to quality with a renewed ‘back to basics’ approach. This philosophy, exemplified in their Mastercrafted range, emphasises the importance of provenance and true artisanal production.
Their team regularly collaborates with farmers, millers, and other ingredient suppliers – whether sourcing olives or fresh seasonal fruits – to ensure every product reflects their dedication to sustainable and natural processes. This careful curation of ingredients not only supports local and ethical sourcing but also guarantees exceptional taste, ensuring their baked goods are as wholesome as they are delicious.
Pairing Suggestions
Paul Rhodes’ rye bread with sunflower seeds is a crowd favourite, and it pairs wonderfully with our products at Bayley & Sage. While smoked salmon is a classic choice, their rye bread offers versatility for a variety of delicious toppings.
For a Scandinavian twist, consider smørrebrød-style combinations such as cream cheese, pickles, and fresh herbs, or something peppery like watercress. Seafood lovers can elevate their rye with prawns, Marie Rose mayo, and dill. For a sweet contrast, toast the rye bread and spread it with butter and a sharp jam like gooseberry or blackcurrant.
The possibilities are endless, and each pairing underscores the bakery’s commitment to creating bread that enhances every meal.
The Heart of Paul Rhodes Bakery
At its core, Paul Rhodes Bakery represents more than just bread and pastries – it’s a celebration of tradition, quality, and community. Over two decades of dedication have shaped them into a cornerstone of London’s culinary scene, serving customers with care, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Whether you’re enjoying their handcrafted loaves at a Michelin-starred table or in the comfort of your home, Paul Rhodes continues to prove that the simplest things, when done with love and precision, can leave the most lasting impressions.