Island Bakery to open in Delgany

Island Bakery bringing it's “Bread Revolution” 

to the mainland 

Recession, what  recession? This may be an exception, but on Heir Island off the Coast of West Cork, business is going from strength to strength for The Firehouse Bakery & Bread School.

It is not yet 9 months since The Firehouse Bakery opened its doors and in that time Patrick Ryan and Laura Moore (left) have seen people from all walks of life turning up at Cunnamore Pier to take the short ferry journey to beautiful Heir Island for a days bread making. Some have come out of interest, others out of intrigue but everyone has left with a renewed passion for real bread and as much baked goods as they can carry.

Laura says “ We have been overwhelmed by the support and interest which we have received since  our doors opened on June 30th. Even through the depths of winter people have been coming, something we never expected”

But this appears to be only the beginning for the West Cork duo as plans are under way to bring their 'Bread Revolution' to the mainland. In early April Patrick will be expanding his Firehouse bakery to Delgany in Co. Wicklow with the opening of a new bakery, coffee house and patisserie.

With an open plan bakery everything that goes into your loaf will be on show for all to see. “Real bread is bread that has nothing to hide” says Patrick. “Pick yourself up a loaf, grab a cheeky pastry or simply sit back and watch the world go by, we intend to bring a bit of island life with us”

Based on the site of the old Delgany Inn The Firehouse bakery is teaming up with Emma Stone of The Romany stone and Jackie Spillane to create a go to destination. Spread over two floors 'The Delgany will offer a bakery, café, coffee house, grocery and restaurant. The concept is based on quality, local, seasonal produce but most importantly reasonably priced. What we intend to offer says Patrick “Is comfort food with a touch of class”

Firehouse bakery will continue to offer regular one day hands on baking courses from their home on Heir Island  as they intend to extend their offering to include 1 on 1 baking days as well as family baking; where adults and kids bake together.

Looking ahead to 2013 Patrick says “ It looks like the plan to hide out on a beach in Thailand till summer may have to wait”

The Firehouse Bakery's  'Bread revolution' is currently seeking recruits. Real bread bakers, pastry chefs, baristas and passionate foodies get in touch at Info@thefirehouse.ie