The Spence Bakery
160 Stoke Newington Church Street, Stoke Newington, London N16 0UH
The Spence bakery may be small, but it’s a friendly, very local, place that attracts a loyal crowd, and with counter seating, huge picture windows and outdoor tables right on Church Street, it’s the perfect place for a quick pick-me-up as you watch the world go by. Baked on the spot, different loaves appear on the racks each day – try the campagrain, made with rye, oatmeal and barley flours and decorated with sunflower, sesame and flax seeds; the slightly sweet, brioche-like carrot loaf; or the very savoury garlic and thyme. Other tempting snacks, to eat in or take away, include almond croissants, chocolate brioche, pizzas and savoury tarts. The veggie sausage roll, made with spinach and walnuts, is delectable, while the Romarino, a little bun flavoured with rosemary, is deliciously simple. They also have pretty tarts and good slabs of homemade cake, including a very appealing lemon polenta cake.