Bakery Tourism
TRANSCRIPT
Bakery Tourism
NARRATOR:
In the UK, professional gravel cyclist Maddy Nutt usually rides to compete and chase personal bests. But she’s found a new prize that motivates her just as much: pastries.
UPSOUND:
“This is quite tricky. Okay, I think I'm gonna go for the blueberry and almond croissant.”
“Sure.”
“Because that's a little bit different.”
NARRATOR:
During long training rides that can last more than nine hours, Maddy plans routes that end at bakeries, where she can enjoy a well-earned treat.
SOUNDBITE – Maddy Nutt:
“I find the satisfaction of getting a really good baked good, like, almost, like, amazing motivation for riding. Once I actually rode from northern Spain to France for a croissant because I really wanted like a traditional French croissant. It was a two-day ride.”
NARRATOR:
And she’s not alone. Across the UK, more food lovers are travelling for bread, cakes and croissants. The trend, sometimes called “bakery tourism” or “bakery crawls”, has brought new customers to small independent bakeries.
SOUNDBITE – Cristina Wood:
“Definitely an increase of bakery crawls. It's also joyful seeing people travel. I think this kind of shows some sort of recognition for craftsmanship.”
NARRATOR:
The boom in bakeries began after the pandemic, when home baking became a national hobby. It inspired writer Milly Kenny-Ryder to create a guide to some of Britain’s best bakeries.
SOUNDBITE – Milly Kenny-Ryder:
“Britain, I feel, has so many interesting bakeries in little towns and outside cities and all over the country that I wanted to showcase and champion so many great bakeries that are worthy of a trip.”
NARRATOR:
And for many, those trips are now part of the fun.
SOUNDBITE – Vox pop 1:
“Travelling for bakeries is a new thing for me. I used to be a chef, so certainly when I travel, the first thing I look up is food.”
SOUNDBITE – Vox pop 2:
“Amsterdam has amazing bakeries. Paris with its patisseries. This is like on a par.”
NARRATOR:
Whether it’s a short walk or a long ride, people are discovering that good food can make any journey worthwhile.