A popular Newcastle bakery hailed by a famous food critic has announced plans to open a second shop in a Newcastle suburb.
Sourdough and croissant connoisseur FAB Bakery has become part of the community since opening in Fenham, a move triggered when the Covid lockdowns led to the company’s wholesale customers – a long list of upmarket restaurants and cafes – closing their doors for months on end.
Owner Shynara Bakisheva’s switch in business strategy was the hospitality trade’s loss but the Fenham community’s gain, with lengthy queues forming outside the shop on a regular basis for the firm’s freshly-made produce. Demand for its focaccia, sourdough loaves, ancient grains breads and patisserie treats – including its almond croissants which TV and newspaper food critic Grace Dent says is "maybe the North East’s greatest" – has seen FAB’s original team of three grow to 12, and more jobs will now be created as the bakery expands.