2024 Award Winners CASUAL DINING AWARD 2024 - BAKERY-CAFE

Ursa Minor Bakehouse, Ballycastle, Co Antrim

All over Ireland, there’s been an exciting increase in the number of small bakeries with a deli or café in recent years and this one, run by Dara and Ciara O’hArtghaile right up on the North coast near the Giant’s Causeway, is one of the most interesting. Named after the ‘Little Bear’ constellation Ursa Minor, it’s a small business with a big heart. Specialising in sourdough and fresh yeast breads along with rustic-style patisserie, they are among just a handful of Real Bread Ireland (realbreadireland.org) members in Northern Ireland and the secret of their popularity is, as they say themselves, “We like to keep things simple and try to do just a few things - but do them really well.” Those few things include experimenting with different Irish flours from small millers to find the best local/Irish alternatives to imported flours for their sourdoughs, and serving delicious light vegetarian lunches showcasing seasonal local produce, as well as the irresistible pastries and sweet bakes that go so well with their speciality teas and coffees. And, not only do they also offer tours and workshops to help to spread the word on Slow Food and sustainability, but there’s even a new bread school in the making nearby. Magic.