At 10am, a bell rings out across Borough Market. It’s a member of staff at Bread Ahead enthusiastically shaking a brass handbell to signify the stall’s fresh doughnuts are ready for sale. A crowd has already gathered to be first in the queue for the bakery’s raspberry jam, vanilla custard and crème brûlée treats. On a typical day, the stand will shift 4,000 doughnuts and 1,000 pastries.
They are not only available here. From its humble beginnings in the Southwark gastronomic citadel 13 years ago, Bread Ahead has grown into a sizeable business. Its turnover runs into many millions and there are now seven branches across London along with three overseas, in Bangkok, Riyadh and Dubai. Baking classes are held at some branches, including Borough.
