Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame’s iconic Spitfire Amber Ale is among the ingredients in a new savoury Hot Cross bun made by a fellow Kentish business.
Award-winning bakery Gilda, which is set in Bishopsbourne in the countryside near Canterbury, is launching a special collaboration highlighting some of Kent’s finest produce – Ashmore Cheddar and Spitfire Ale Hot Cross Buns.
Spitfire Amber Ale infuses the buns with rich, malt flavours, while the inclusion of Ashmore Cheddar from the Cheesemakers of Canterbury adds a savoury twist on the traditional fruit hot cross bun.
Known for its creamy texture and subtle nutty undertones, Ashmore cheese perfectly complements the hearty flavours of the ale.
The collaboration embodies Gilda Bakery’s commitment to supporting and championing local businesses that share a passion for quality and tradition.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be collaborating with such iconic Kent suppliers,” said Jon Warren, Managing Director and Founder of Gilda Bakery.
Shepherd Neame Brands Marketing Manager, Rose Davis, added: “Using locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible and partnering with local suppliers is something we strive to do, and we are delighted that our iconic brand, Spitfire, is helping this truly local collaboration fly high this Easter.
“We have enjoyed a long association with the Cheesemakers of Canterbury ourselves, as they are among our local suppliers, and we are delighted to combine this with such an innovative take on such a traditional favourite with Gilda Bakery.”
Gilda’s Easter collection also features Chocolate Hot Cross Buns with chocolate brownie chunks as well as traditional fruit hot cross buns, a hot cross bun loaf, a contemporary take on the classic Simnel Cake, and a classic sticky toffee pudding.
The Easter Collection is available for pre-order at www.gildabakery.com and at the bakery in Bishopsbourne, near Canterbury. A selection of these products will also be able to be purchased at Faversham Market every Saturday and through various wholesale customers including Macknade in Faversham, Gibson’s Farm shop in Wingham and Perry Court Farm shop near Ashford, recent winners of Farm Shop of the Year in the Kent and Medway Food & Drink Awards.
ENDS
For more information and photos, please contact: Ashleigh Britten ashleighannbritten@gmail.com or jon@gildabakery.com
About Gilda Bakery
Gilda is an artisan bakery nestled in the charming village of Bishopsbourne, Kent, where it focuses on handcrafting quality bread and pastries using locally sourced ingredients. Situated within a renovated farm building, Gilda prides itself on its modern open-plan bakery, which serves as the perfect backdrop for its commitment to excellence. All its products are made in small batches by their passionate team of bakers.
Each team member bringing a wealth of experience to the table, Gilda employs time-tested methods to create its signature bakes. The bakery takes great pride in its support of local producers and supplies leading restaurants such as The Bridge Arms, The Pig, The Marquis of Granby, The Dog at Wingham and Eastwell Manor. Additionally, Gilda showcases its finest offerings at Faversham Market every Saturday.
Gilda Bakery won the Taste of Kent Awards Gold award in 2023 for its Country Sourdough. It was founded in 2022 by Jon Warren and currently employs 12 staff.
About Shepherd Neame
Shepherd Neame has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. Perhaps best known for great British classic ales such as Spitfire Amber, which carries the Royal Warrant, its diverse portfolio includes Five Grain Lager, Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale and Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager, and the Whitstable Bay Collection. It also brews international lagers under licence including premium Thai lager Singha. The independent family business boasts an award-winning visitor centre and more than 300 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline.
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content on third party websites.
For further information please contact Senior Communications Officer Angela Cole on 01795 542142 or email acole@shepherdneame.co.uk or visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk
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