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Couple hopes to open Bristol’s first dedicated gluten-free bakery
A baking business is hoping to open our city’s first dedicated gluten-free bakery after building a loyal following at markets and festivals.
Creamberry Artisan, founded by Özlem and Volkan Abak, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the move into a permanent premises in Old Market.
Their range focuses on reimagining international recipes for gluten-free and dairy-free diets, something they say is still lacking in the market.
The couple’s crowdfunder aims to help cover the costs of professional equipment, a new frontage and scaling the business up.
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Chatting to Bristol24/7 in between serving customers at Whiteladies Road market, Volkan said the business began almost by accident.
“Before moving here, my wife had some courses of world food and pastries and sweets and world bread, et cetera.
“But to be honest, that was always plan B for us because the main reason we come here was my software business.
“But when we see that it’s a good business and it’s going well, I also joined and now that’s the only main business we do.”
The couple moved to Bristol from Istanbul, Turkey, seven years ago and now have a toddler
Özlem and Volkan have spent six years baking from an annex in their garden while travelling across the South West to sell their products.
“We were on the road for six years, and we did more than 600 events,” recounted Volkan. “Last year, we had 150 events. Sometimes we have three or four in a day.”
The decision to focus on gluten-free baking is also personal.
Volkan said: “When you eat Turkish pastries for years and years, you have an intolerance. I have more intolerance than Özlem, which makes me sleepy and exhausted and tired.”
The couple said Bristol has proven to be the right place for their business and there is a strong demand for gluten-free products.
Opening in a space on West Street which has been empty for more than 15 years, the new site will initially operate as a production hub and collection point with future plans to expand into a fully operational cafe.
To donate to Creamberry Artisan’s crowdfunder, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/creamberry-artisan-bristols-first-gf-bakery
All photos: Betty Woolerton
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