Best Artisan Bakeries

Continuing the theme of bread after yesterday's review of the April edition of Good Food Magazine, I thought I would promote six of the best artisan bakeries in the UK. If readers are in their part of the world they may want to call-in for a loaf or two!

Hoxton Bakehouse - A young bakery in Hampshire making superb sourdoughs. Their produce can be found at Winchester Farmers' Market (www.hampshirefarmersmarket.co.uk) or by calling 07730 468228 for stockists.

Brick House - A south London bakery famous for its 'Peckham Rye' bread. They've just opened a cafe and shop in East Dulwich (www.brickhousebreads.com) and can also be found at Herne Hill farmers's market every Sunday.

Long Crichel Bakery - An established Dorset bakery known for its spiky 'hedgehog' sourdough loaves. (Call 01258 830852 or visit www.famoushedgehogbread.co.uk for stockists or buy their breads via www.abelandcole.co.uk)

Balthazar Boulangerie - Outstanding bread and pastries, French inspired but baked in London's Waterloo. Visit the Covent Garden shop (www.bathazarlondon.com)

Peter's Yard - Nordic inspired sourdough crispbreads and other cakes. Eat in their Edinburgh cafe or buy the crispbreads nationwide (www.petersyard.com)

Hindley's Bakery - A family run traditional bakery, based in Lichfield.  Today the business is run by brother and sister team, Duncan and Jackie (below). Established in 1893, they are the fourth generation of the baking family.Their speciality and savoury breads are a delight. In addition to their shop in Tamworth Street, they have market stalls around the West Midlands including Solihull Farmers' Market most weekends. Stockists are listed on their website.(www.hindleys-bakers.co.uk). They also run bread making course.