Some of you will recognise Ben already as our super knowledgeable course host, but he was recently promoted to head baker – congrats Ben!
Who are you and what do you do at GILDA?
My name is Ben and I am the head baker at Gilda. My role involves making sure all our fantastic bakers are well looked after, hearing their creative ideas and working together to keep all our baking up to the high standards our customers expect.
How did you get into baking?
I was an enthusiastic home-baker and learned to make sourdough bread from books and YouTube videos. After enjoying working from home during lockdown in 2020, I realised I didn’t want to go back to the office and it was time for a change. I was generously given my first baking job and got stuck in. You learn fast in the bakery – you can practise on 100 loaves a day instead of just 1 or 2 a week at home.
What’s your favourite thing about your job? What do you enjoy baking the most?
I have quite high standards so it’s quite rare that something comes out exactly how I want it. But when a batch of bread or a tray of buns comes out perfectly it’s so satisfying! I love baking for Christmas and Easter – seasons where food is central to the time families and friends spend together. I never get bored of making mince pies or hot cross buns, even after making thousands!
What do you do outside of work?
When I’m not baking, I’m cooking instead. I’m always planning the next meal! We have 2 young children who keep us busy, but when I get free time I’m usually watching a film from my very long list, listening to a political or philosophical podcast, or playing music at my local church.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?
My son was born rather quickly so I ended up delivering him myself at home – I caught him in my bath towel!
Ben loves to chat about what we do so say hello next time you pop in!
