With pastries and bread galore, there’s one bakery in Nottingham with a rating of almost 5 stars and community reporter Keimae Blake understands why as she reports…
It won’t be long before our hats and scarves have no use and spring makes an appearance. Taking advantage of the weeks left of winter, I visited one cosy Nottingham bakery for a hot drink and pastry.
Tough Mary’s Bakehouse on 70-72 Derby Road is the best reviewed bakery in Nottingham on Google. Some of the reviews read: “Great bread, cakes and pastries, and friendly staff”, another review said: "Great place, yummy food (loved the salmon bagel) and coffee."
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It seems to go down a treat for many people so I put it to the test!
Tough Mary’s Bakehouse is one that you just can’t miss! With a bright yellow front and mainly yellow and white interior, it isn’t just the food here that will brighten up your day.
On arrival, there were a few tables occupied and looking up at the drinks menu, I decided to go for a mocha for £3.50. The lady behind the counter complimented my winter coat and we got into a quick discussion about vintage wear as she suggested the company Vinted for me to browse for a bargains!
I could’ve just had a mocha but of course, I didn’t! I ordered a Pain au Chocolat as well for £2.50.
Sitting down and waiting for my order, it got busier and I noticed some people had massive orders as they left with paper bags filled to the brim with bread. From my seat, I could see into the bakery as workers walked up and down with whisks - I wondered if they ever get fed up with the smell of bread because I loved it!
My mocha arrived with chocolate sprinkles on the top and was just the right temperature served in, of course, a bright yellow mug and saucer. My Pain au Chocolat was crumbly, crispy and satisfying with my chocolatey mocha perfect to wash it down with.
As people continued to come in and out, walking away with their white takeaway cups, I spoke with the owner, Kate O’Shea, to hear the secret behind why the bakery is so popular. Kate said: “I love baking!
“The bakery opened six years ago and people are attracted to working here because they too have a passion for baking.” Kate said that the bakery's bestsellers are their Copenhagens.
Kate added: “We’d never take them [Copenhagens] off the menu, they’re super popular.” As many businesses find themselves in the same boat of struggling with high rents and the cost of living, Kate spoke about how business is for the bakery currently.
She said: “ Christmas wasn’t as busy as past years, I think people have really supported independent businesses heavily but now with the cost of living, they’re finding it harder which I understand.”
I can see now why Tough Mary’s Bakehouse is the best reviewed bakery. With high-end coffee and delicious pastries if you're a pastry lover that ever finds yourself on Derby Road, Tough Mary’s is worth popping into! My food and the customer service was fautless to me, everything gets five stars.
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