They work through the night at Swiss baker Jonas Hein and his Irish wife Layla O’Brien’s certified organic bakery and, thanks to the excellence of their rustic continental breads and their hard work selling directly to the public through farmers’ markets and the Lough Boora Farm (see entry) vegetable boxes, this small bakery’s reputation extends well beyond the immediate area.
Specialising in traditional continental yeast and sourdough loaves, Coolfin Gardens use the best possible ingredients and no additives. Some customers favour their robust spelt, rye and seeded breads while others love the ciabattas, rolls, and burger baps but, whichever you buy, the difference is in the taste and texture.
You’ll see them on discerning menus and find them at a surprising number of farmers’ markets, also at some selective stores including The Organic Store in Birr, Co Offaly.