It’s no secret that bread is a universal love language. Believed to date back to Neolithic times, the role of this wholesomely crafted staple remains at the heart of all things gathering and feasting to this day. Yet somewhere along the way, many of us have lost this ancient culinary artform at home. Reigniting a love of baking, this is something that Brittany-born Richard Bertinet is on a mission to change.
The Bertinet Kitchen
Hugged by eye-catching yellow limestone façades, The Bertinet Kitchen resides in a quiet corner of the historic city of Bath. A must for those retreating in the city, the kitchen has been tantalising passers-by with aromatic scents of freshly baked bread and attracting students from across the globe for more than twenty years. With owner Richard Bertinet, at the helm and hearth, it is the go-to place for those looking to reconnect, unwind and learn everything about dough. Open throughout the year, it serves a range of flagship and seasonal courses of the educational and edible variety. Needless to say, it’s a veritable baking haven and an unmissably unique experience for those staying at a Boutique abode near Bath.
An Introduction to Breadmaking
One of the best courses for bakers of all abilities, Bertinet’s one-day Introduction to Breadmaking encourages bread lovers to relight their relationship with bread and step up to the flour-dusted podium. Embracing the opportunity one June afternoon, Boutique Retreats visited The Bertinet Kitchen ready to do just that as the sun streamed through open patio doors. Attending the cookery school for the first time, a unique baking journey awaited: exploring the importance of bread and how to create the finest artisan loaves.
Joining for the day au four, a mixed class of enthusiastic beginners and trained professionals settled in the kitchen. With students of all aptitudes and from all corners of the globe ready to learn Richard’s personal style of baking, it made for an instantly inspiring environment. Decorated with perfectly arranged shelves of baking ingredients and accoutrements and filled with apron-clad apprentices, the perfect scene was set.
Programme du Jour: The Power of Loaf
Led by Richard and his wonderful team, the Introduction to Breadmaking course offered a comprehensive overview of bread. From the difference between strong flour and plain flour, to learning about the effects of salt on yeast, to dissecting additives and E-numbers, each aspect was masterfully curated. Of course, there was also plenty of romantic rumination about the joy of French culture and the dreamy pastime of collecting fresh baguettes from the boulangerie each day.
Curiosity spiked and appetite even more so, the next phase of the day was one of the most eagerly awaited. Having closely watched Richard easily and expertly demonstrate how to work the dough, the baton was passed to the students to have a go. To really cement the process, everyone was encouraged to talk through each step with fellow tablemates to ensure a considered, deliberate approach. This helped to create a fundamental understanding of each stage and support more fluid, natural movements.
Of course, this was easier said than done, and hands were often quick to dive into respective mixing bowls with unabated enthusiasm. Hands plastered in dough, eyes would then roam imploringly to the nearest help for guidance on how to mould, move, and shape it properly. This was always available, incredibly helpful, and endlessly patient. Both Richard and his team had an unrivalled way of teaching, coupled with an easy-going approach and lots of constructive feedback.
First up on the list of culinary creations was a white dough, later followed by an oil-enriched dough. From these, a mouth-watering array of petite tin loaves, fougasse, olive and pecorino bread sticks, and herb-infused focaccia were made. Each attentively worked, left to rise, shaped, and baked to golden perfection, the results were as impressive as they were delicious.
Particularly decorative, the leaf-shaped fougasse made for an especially appetising showstopper. A type of bread most-often associated with Provence, it is dubbed the French cousin of focaccia and is recognisable by its distinct aesthetic, shaped like a leaf or ear of wheat. Made by rubbing yeast into strong white flour, adding salt and water, and working the dough before shaping it and baking in the oven, it makes for the perfect table centrepiece.
Après le Four
Once each baked delicacy was propped on cooling racks, everyone gathered around the kitchen once more to indulge in a delicious charcuterie spread courtesy of the kitchen team. Curated with fresh salads, cold meats, cornichons, cheese and, of course, stacked pyramids of freshly baked bread, it proposed the perfect way to round off the afternoon. Complementing the selection were also glasses of chilled rosé wine infused with red fruits and dry whites with notes of peach and pear – perfect.
As the moreish repast was luxuriously savoured, an even greater appreciation for home-baked creations was unanimously shared. Having grasped the key fundamentals to breadmaking and commenced the mastery of the art of dough, conversation trilled with excitement and pride. As everyone enthused over their hauls of golden-crusted bread, each freshly inspired student left the door as a more confident and eager baker – ready to rise to the challenge and harness the tools to produce the best artisan bakes.
Bath
The city of Bath is one of the most enchanting in the UK. Founded by the Romans, it was placed on the map for its natural thermal pools, which can still be seen today and relished through luxury spa experiences. A popular destination for centuries, its streets are paved with history and parade magnificent architecture. Particularly notable are the neoclassical Palladian buildings and yellow limestone townhouses composed of ‘Bath Stone’ which you can see on leisurely walks throughout the city.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city of Bath today blends rich heritage with contemporary culture. A beautiful place to visit and savour spellbinding staycations, it promises something for everyone with its array of boutiques, bistros, and beauty spots. Extending a wealth of things to do in Bath, from the iconic Roman Baths and Grade I listed abbey, to Michelin dining and the famous Christmas market, it weaves dream experiences into the everyday. Book onto your favourite Bertinet course and curate your heavenly retreat in Bath, ready to make magical memories in Boutique style.
Feeling inspired to bake with Bertinet? Take a look at our luxury retreats in Bath.
