Luckily for us all, artisan bakeries in Ireland are most certainly on the rise. We can now choose from traditional Irish to francophile boulangerie, show-stopping cakes to humble scones, and the options when it comes to bread have certainly come a long way from just picking between white or brown. Baking is a labour of love, and nowhere more so than at Marmalade where small batches of breads, pastries, tarts and other treats are crafted with care and made from the best ingredients.
The owner, Michelle Crehan Kavanagh, is already well known as head chef and proprietor of The Kitchen at Galway City Museum, a well established, friendly café where Michelle's extensive travels bring an eclectic mix of flavours to the table.
Her second concern, Marmalade, is a boutique bakery just a stone's throw down from that very different but equally interesting bakery, the famous Dough Bros. Michelle is joined here by her daughter Ava and their small, dedicated team make a range of artisan breads in their inviting little shop where they also offer light breakfasts and great coffee.
At Marmalade Bakery, they take their bread seriously. No additives or preservatives go into these handmade loaves, made with extended proofing times to ensure more flavour and a great texture. The sourdough is particularly good and all their breads and sweet treats follow the same ethos. They produce delicious pastries, sweet treats and tarts - and even special treats baked for your canine companions.
The breakfast menu, like the shop, is small but perfectly formed. There is creativity with a clear commitment to the provenance and quality of their ingredients which are sourced from local suppliers whenever possible. For breakfast there are fresh and exciting options, including their own sourdough toast with a choice of toppings, cinnamon or marmalade pastries and granola. You'll have to get there early if you want one of their sausage rolls though, as competition for these is fierce and they are usually all sold out well before noon.
Marmalade draws a mixed crowd and is kept busy all day, but especially at breakfast. It's a great little bakery where there is a respect for ingredients and pride in the product. Another fine addition to Galway city.
