Pump Street BREAD: A Complete Guide to Their Artisan Loaves and Bakery Selection

When you think of Pump Street Chocolate, your mind likely goes straight to their award-winning single-origin bars and baking chocolate. But this East Anglian bakery and chocolate maker has another side that deserves just as much attention: their artisan bread. From crusty sourdough loaves to buttery pastries, Pump Street's bread selection reflects the same commitment to quality, fermentation, and local ingredients that defines their chocolate.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about Pump Street's bread offerings. Whether you're a seasoned home baker looking for inspiration or simply curious about what makes their loaves special, you'll find practical advice on choosing the right bread, understanding their baking philosophy, and even pairing bread with chocolate for a truly unique tasting experience.

The Pump Street Bakery Philosophy: Why Their Bread Stands Out

Pump Street's journey began as a bakery in 2010, long before they became known for bean-to-bar chocolate. Their bread is made using traditional methods, with long fermentation times that develop deep flavour and a chewy, open crumb. They use organic flour sourced from British mills, and many of their loaves are naturally leavened with a sourdough starter that has been nurtured for years.

What sets Pump Street apart is their willingness to experiment. They incorporate ingredients like rye, spelt, and even chocolate into their doughs. This creativity extends to their pastries, where they balance sweetness and texture with the same precision they apply to chocolate making. The result is a bakery that feels both rooted in tradition and refreshingly modern.

• Long fermentation (24–48 hours) for better digestibility and flavour
• Organic, locally milled flours from British farms
• Natural sourdough starter, no commercial yeast in many loaves

A Tour of Pump Street's Bread and Pastry Selection

Pump Street's bread range changes with the seasons, but you can typically expect a core lineup of sourdough, rye, and seeded loaves. Their classic sourdough has a tangy, complex flavour and a crisp crust that shatters when you cut into it. For something heartier, the rye loaf is dense and earthy, perfect for open-faced sandwiches or toast with butter.

Pastries are another highlight. Their Pain Aux Amandes 38% is a standout—a flaky, almond-filled pastry made with white chocolate from Ecuador. It's a perfect example of how Pump Street blends their chocolate expertise with traditional French baking. The pastry itself is laminated with care, resulting in layers that are both crisp and tender.

• Classic sourdough: tangy, crusty, versatile for any meal
• Rye loaf: dense, earthy, excellent with cheese or smoked fish
• Seeded loaf: packed with pumpkin, sunflower, and flax seeds for extra crunch

How to Choose the Right Pump Street Bread for Your Needs

If you're new to artisan bread, start with the classic sourdough. It's the most versatile and pairs well with everything from soup to jam. For a more robust flavour, try the rye loaf—it's particularly good with strong cheeses or cured meats. If you're looking for something sweet but not overly indulgent, the Pain Aux Amandes 38% is an excellent choice for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Consider how you plan to use the bread. For sandwiches, a sourdough with a tight crumb holds up better. For toasting, a more open crumb like the classic sourdough gives you that perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior. And if you're entertaining, a loaf of rye with a side of Pump Street chocolate—like the Uganda 78% Dark Caramelised Hazelnuts - 100g—makes for an unexpected but delightful pairing.

• For sandwiches: choose a sourdough with a tighter crumb
• For toasting: classic sourdough with an open crumb
• For entertaining: rye loaf paired with dark chocolate

Pairing Pump Street Bread with Chocolate: A Savoury-Sweet Adventure

One of the most exciting ways to enjoy Pump Street's bread is to pair it with their chocolate. The bitterness of dark chocolate complements the tang of sourdough, while milk chocolate brings out the nutty notes in rye. For a simple but memorable snack, toast a slice of sourdough, spread it with butter, and top with shavings of their Haiti Dark Milk 60%. The 60% cocoa content strikes a perfect balance between sweet and bitter, making it an ideal partner for bread.

You can also use bread as a base for chocolate-based desserts. Try making a chocolate bread pudding with leftover sourdough and chunks of Pump Street's Peru 72% dark chocolate. The bread soaks up the custard beautifully, and the chocolate adds richness without overwhelming the palate. It's a comforting, sophisticated dessert that highlights both the bakery and chocolate sides of Pump Street.

• Sourdough + Haiti Dark Milk 60%: a classic pairing with balanced sweetness
• Rye toast + Uganda 78% Dark Caramelised Hazelnuts: nutty and earthy
• Pain Aux Amandes 38% + a cup of coffee: a perfect breakfast duo

Tips for Storing and Enjoying Pump Street Bread at Home

Artisan bread is best enjoyed fresh, but with proper storage, you can extend its life without sacrificing quality. Keep your loaf in a paper bag at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a sealed bag. When you're ready to eat, toast the slices directly from frozen—they'll come back to life with a crisp crust and soft interior.

Avoid storing bread in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature accelerates staling. If your loaf has gone a bit stale, don't throw it away. Turn it into croutons, breadcrumbs, or the chocolate bread pudding mentioned earlier. Pump Street's bread is too good to waste, and a little creativity can turn day-old bread into something special.

• Store in a paper bag at room temperature for 1–2 days
• Freeze sliced for up to 3 months; toast from frozen
• Never refrigerate—it dries out the bread faster

Whether you're a bread enthusiast or a chocolate lover looking to expand your horizons, Pump Street's artisan loaves and pastries offer a world of flavour. Their commitment to traditional baking methods and quality ingredients shines through in every bite. To start your journey, explore their bakery selection and don't miss the Pain Aux Amandes 38%—a pastry that perfectly captures the spirit of Pump Street's craft.