A Conversation with Hart's Bakery
We've been working with the lovely people at Hart's Bakery since 2018 and love everything they do. From incredible pastries to coffee, they do everything to such a high standard. Here's our conversation with owner Laura on all things Harts!
TELL US ABOUT HART'S BAKERY
We are a bakery and cafe in a railway arch at Temple Meads station in Bristol. We make everything on site and products go straight from the oven to the counter, customers can see (and smell!) everything and feel part of the process. We are very tucked away so new customers are often shocked at how busy we are but we have lots of regular customers plus workers and commuters from the station.
IF YOU WEREN’T RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS, WHAT JOB WOULD YOU BE DOING?
Good question! I was mad about animals as a child and worked with horses before getting into hospitality so probably something outdoors.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO ENJOY COFFEE?
Filter at home and then a cortado at the bakery or out at another cafe.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING WITH EXTRACT?
Extract have been a fantastic partner to work with (over 15 years now!), from helping us get set up in the early days to ongoing support with kit and training. Coffee is a key aspect of our business and their knowledge and passion for what they do has kept our quality of offering consistently high. They are constantly evolving and their commitment to being the best they can is very inspiring as a business owner.
SWEET OR SAVOURY?
WE BRITS HAVE THIS ODD OBSESSION WITH THE MEAL DEAL. WHAT’S YOUR DREAM COMBO?
Never understood this one sorry! Not a meal deal but coffee + croissant = dream combo for me.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR?
It’s a double edged sword but Christmas! It is an extremely busy time for us but I also love it, the bakery is extra cosy, the smell of mince pies and we know we are going to be closed for 2 weeks at the end of the year so everyone is focussed on getting through the madness and making everything the best we can.
SINCE STARTING YOUR BUSINESS, WHAT’S BEEN YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Seeing the team take it to a level we could never have imagined. We started (with my husband Pete) by doing everything ourselves and gradually the team has grown and the whole idea has snowballed into something bigger, better and with more longevity than we could have achieved on our own.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT STARTING THEIR OWN BUSINESS?
Hire people better than you and look after them. Hospitality is hard work but there’s lots you can do to make it a fun, rewarding and sustainable place to work.
ASIDE FROM YOUR OWN BUSINESS, WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPOT TO GRAB A BITE TO EAT OR A COFFEE?
We are spoiled for choice in Bristol but current favourite spots are Tocayo in Old Market (excellent Mexican inspired brunches) and Chez Candice in St Werburghs (hard to explain, just go..)
If you'd like to find out more about Hart's Bakery, we suggest checking out their Instagram here.