Peter Ridley, baker extraordinaire, is producing the most formidable foccacia, fougasse, spelt, rye and speciality loaves, brownies and Portuguese custard tarts in Kitchen - the best thing since sliced bread to hit the market town of Langport.
“I’m just so passionate about baking. I’ve been cooking from about the age of five and I just love it. I get into a routine when I’m baking and I really enjoy it.
Peter started as a butler at Buckingham Palace at the tender age of 18, having qualified in Hospitality Management in Newcastle.
From there he went on to run his own private dining business where he cooked for a whole host of celebrities and royalty. Later he was instrumental in setting up Seattle Coffee Company shops, which was later bought by multi-national brand Starbucks.
The pace of life in sleepy Langport is a far cry from that of London, but Peter embraces it. “It’s a slower pace of life here, I just love it and I love going back to London as well for inspiration.”
In London, Peter enjoys patisseries such as Maison Bertaux and Laduree, and having trained in Paris to perfect his macarons, he brings an elegance and style to his baking.
Peter can bake to order, using produce from the local area wherever possible, it’s the beauty of being small and artisan.
Custom in Langport is thriving already, Kitchen only having been officially open for a matter of days. “I just can’t believe how many people have been in to see us already. The shop is doing so well and people have been so supportive.”
For a couple of Peter’s recipes to try see July’s Somerset Life.
