Bread Making

Our popular breadmaking courses at our bakery in Kendal are run for all those people who thought they couldn’t make bread without a bread machine as well as those who know how to do it already and want a change of style in their own baking.

Our youngest attendee is seven and our oldest eighty-one, and all enjoy the experience even if they never bake again.

This is a very “hands on” course and everyone will bake at least four loaves to take home, so you will need to bring a big box or basket to carry bread in and an apron.

We will start with one or possibly two breads in the morning and then break for lunch (provided) whilst the dough is rising. One bread is always our apple sourdough boule, stone-baked in our commercial oven and risen without any baker’s yeast using our apple culture, a starter of which you will be able to take home.

The day’s format is very flexible as we only take small groups of up to eight people or more usually six. This allows Simon to give each student plenty of time so that all the breads you take home fulfil your expectations and impress your family and friends no end! You do not have to have arms like York hams to make artisan breads at Staff of Life as Simon’s method is based on technique and gentle kneading and shaping rather than the beating and tearing approach.

Courses are held on Sundays and run from 10 am to 4.30 pm with a break for lunch. We also run private courses for companies, societies or groups of friends so please ask for more details if you are interested. Also let us know if there are any specific breads you would particularly like to make on the day and we will try to accommodate you.