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 Poilâne, read on to learn more about this traditional French bakery!
The Art of Sourdough: Poilâne’s Legacy and Craftsmanship
For nearly a century, Poilâne has been synonymous with exceptional sourdough bread, crafted with time-honoured techniques and a commitment to quality. From its humble beginnings in Paris to its flourishing presence in London, Poilâne continues to delight bread lovers with its signature loaves, baked in traditional wood-fired ovens. Here’s a closer look at the story behind Poilâne and what makes their bread so special.
A Heritage of Baking Excellence
Poilâne was founded in 1932 by Pierre Poilâne in Paris, with a simple yet profound mission: to create exceptional, traditional sourdough bread. Using wood-fired ovens and time-honoured baking methods, Pierre established a legacy of craftsmanship that his son, Lionel Poilâne, carried forward in the 1970s. Under Lionel’s leadership, Poilâne expanded internationally while remaining faithful to its artisanal roots.
In 2000, Lionel Poilâne brought this tradition to London, opening a bakery that continues to produce Poilâne’s iconic loaves using the same wood-fired methods as the original Paris location. Today, Poilâne supplies its breads across London to five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, delis, and retailers, including Bayley & Sage, where we’ve been selling their loaves since 2002.
The Magic of Wood-Fired Ovens
At the heart of Poilâne’s baking process are its hand-built, wood-fired ovens. Crafted from refractory bricks, these ovens retain and evenly distribute heat, ensuring a gentle yet thorough baking process. This method enhances the bread’s aroma, creating a perfect balance of crust and crumb.
Unlike conventional ovens, wood-fired baking provides a steady, radiant heat that gives Poilâne’s bread its signature golden crust and deep, complex flavor. The combination of wood smoke and natural fermentation imparts a unique character that is impossible to replicate with modern baking methods. Furthermore, Poilâne embraces sustainability by using recycled hardwood offcuts—untreated and dry—sourced from industries that no longer need them, making their baking process environmentally friendly.
Perfect Pairings: Enjoying Poilâne’s Walnut Bread
One of Poilâne’s standout offerings is its walnut bread, a rich and nutty loaf that pairs beautifully with a variety of gourmet foods. If you’re shopping at Bayley & Sage, consider these perfect pairings:
- Cheese Selection: The creamy textures of Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese complement the nutty depth of the walnut bread. Our Bayley & Sage cheese hampers offer an excellent assortment to explore.
- Chutneys & Spreads: A touch of chutney adds a hint of sweetness that balances the savoury notes of the bread and cheese.
- Fine Wine: A glass of French red wine rounds out the experience, enhancing the flavours and making for an indulgent treat.
Experience the Tradition
Poilâne’s legacy is built on a passion for exceptional bread, crafted with authenticity and care. Whether you’re enjoying a slice of their walnut bread with fine cheese or savouring the rich aromas of their wood-fired sourdough, each bite is a testament to nearly a century of dedication to the art of baking. Find Poilâne’s exquisite breads at Bayley & Sage and experience the magic for yourself.