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Sourdough might still be the self-respecting bread fiend’s loaf of choice, but actually making it is a slow,labour intensive process that flummoxes many an amateur baker. Thank our yeasty pagan gods for Bread Ahead, then – because the famous-for-their-doughnuts bakers are holding free ‘Summer of Sourdough’ bakery classes this summer.
The lunchtime classes will take place every Tuesday and Thursday lunchtime at their Borough Market hub, and every Thursday at their newest bakery on Chelsea’s Pavilion Road, from Thursday July 6 until Thursday August 17 (alas, there’s nowt going on at their Seven Dials spot, though). Each session will be 20 minutes long, and operate on a first come, first served basis. No bookings – just turn up.
Aspiring bakers will be taught how to make a sourdough starter (based on BA’s own ‘Mother’ dough – aka, that which they use to kick off all their own loaves). At the end of the class, you’ll name and take home your own starter so you can make a yeasty, floury mess of your own kitchen for years to come.
What’s more, the Summer of Sourdough will end with a Bread Ahead Birthday Party on Saturday August 19, where head honcho Justin Gellatly will be judging loaves made with starters from the free classes. How’s that for slightly terrifying encouragement?
Starter-making classes will take place at 12pm, 12.30pm and 1pm at Bread Ahead’s Borough Market (Cathedral St, SE1 9DE) and Chelsea (249 Pavilion Rd, SW1X 0BP) bakeries, from Thursday July 6 until Thursday August 17.
Want some filling for your bread? Check out our list of London's best cheese toasties.