M&S has announced its new range of Collection sourdough loaves, which have been launched to satisfy the nation's yearning for the bread, developed during lockdown. The sourdough is exclusively made for M&S stores by North Wales-based Jones Village Bakery.
One of the only high street retailers to create authentic sourdough, M&S is now set to break boundaries with a brand-new range of Collection sourdough following its rise in popularity during the pandemic. Now, our lives may have hit fast forward once again but our love of sourdough has not waned.
Each loaf takes 36 hours to make, so the bread develops an exquisite flavour and irresistible texture. Made from stone-milled heritage wheat flours, from Marriage’s - a family producer that’s been milling flours for nearly 200 years - these ancient grains were first used in the UK as early as 1620.
The bread proves slowly, and nothing artificial – like commercial yeast – is added. It’s folded by hand, which develops the protein in the flour, creating an open texture with signature air bubbles with a deep, dark crust. The bread is baked on Italian marble in thermal oil ovens which gives a solid bake and nutty crusty texture. These ovens are also energy efficient and any excess heat is captured to heat water across the bakery
Run by brothers and third-generation bakers Robin and Christien Jones, Village Bakery has worked with M&S for 14 years, first crafting Welsh Cakes, which they still make for M&S today.
Harry Peak, M&S bakery product development, said: “The UK is really starting to understand what great, simple bread tastes like – no additives, no extras. Great bread is all about time - the more time, the better – and every moment counts for these game changing loaves.
"Once you try real, authentic sourdough, you may just get hooked – and that’s what we’ve created. We’ve worked together with master bakers to craft something truly special and we know our customers will never look back.”
