My name is Lawrence and I run the bakery, doing everything from sweeping the floor to shaping the loaves. I came to bread making late, having previously completed a degree in Russian studies, then training and working as a professional actor, helping to run a Buddhist vegetarian café and for the past twenty years teaching in further eduction. I have always enjoyed cooking but it was after a one-day sourdough bread making course at the E5 Bakehouse in 2012 that I really got the bug for baking; at first just for the family, but as more requests came, for neighbours, friends and colleagues at work.
Originally from London, with American heritage, I have lived in Hackney for over 20 years, I set up Hackney Bread Kitchen in 2017, baking in my home kitchen. Just before Covid lockdown hit in 2020, I serendipitously completed construction of a dedicated baking space at the end of the garden. Ably assisted by cargo bike maestro Ollie, we deliver bread once a week on Fridays to subscribers living in the local area. I also host regular sourdough baking courses in the bread shed. I continues to divide my time between baking and teaching, as well as other outreach projects. I recently completed a collaboration with Singalong Songs, named Companion, combining bread making and singing in weekend workshops for neuro-diverse participants.