AN award-winning baker has added another accolade to his collection after winning one of the most prestigious bread competitions in Britain.
Dan ‘The Bakerman’ Booth, director and head baker at Bakerman in Clark’s Yard, Darlington, was successful in Britain’s Best Loaf competition, which sees the best bakeries in Britain compete in a range of categories, all hoping to win the highly prestigious overall Best Loaf award.
Bakerman entered three loaves into the competition and won the Innovation category with their Turmeric, Red Onion and Nigella Seed Sourdough.
It was also successful in the Sourdough with Other Ingredients category after judges were impressed with its Parmesan and Black Pepper Sourdough, which was also crowned the overall award of Britain’s Best Loaf 2022.
Read more: Darlington Bakerman crowned North East Bread Hero
"I had a good feeling when I was making the dough, said Mr Booth of his success.
“It felt great and came out of the ovens lovely in the morning so I thought I was in with as good a chance as I could give myself, but there are always brilliant bakers here, so I’m delighted to have won.
“We have sold out all week and now have new customers who want to try our winning bread. All my customers are amazing. I like to think we are like a big family that love bread.”
Mr Booth had been head baker at Clervaux Artisan Bakery and Cafe on Coniscliffe Road, and was slowly working towards opening his own community-orientated bakery but his plans were hindered by the coronavirus pandemic.
The baker, then faced with redundancy as Clervaux closed its bakeries across the country, launched a crowdfunding campaign and initially raised £8,000 for Bakerman.
Bakerpeople, trading as Bakerman, is a community interest company whose profits will go back into serving the community by offering six-week work experience schemes to 18 to 25-year-olds who need additional support to get them into the workplace.
And last year, Mr Booth was named a North East ‘bread hero’ and tells of some exciting future plans for the business.
He added: “We have lots of plans for the Bakerman Darlington including joining a few other competitions. You’ll have to follow us online to find out what’s coming.”
The Bakerman is a non-profit organic bakery specialising in sourdough, sweet bakes, focaccias as well as seasonal bakes.
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