News / Wilsons
Tributes paid to ‘incredibly talented’ baker Ben Martin
Tributes have been paid to Ben Martin, the head baker at Wilson’s Bread Shop, who has sadly died.
Ben led the development of the bakery in Redland which is owned by the same team as Wilson’s restaurant, just a few doors away on Chandos Road.
The Wilson’s team said that Ben’s “kindness, compassion and humanity was only matched by his incredible talent and brilliance for a job he loved”.
is needed now More than ever
Ben helped the bakery become well-known for not just its bread but also menu items such as Koji bacon rolls.
Wilson’s co-owner Jan Ostle previously said that Ben made sure that the Bread Shop was a culmination of two things: “Our own produce and really good vibes.”
Inside Wilson’s Bread Shop, which will be closed for a minimum of a week but will open its doors for anyone who wants to sign a book of condolences for Ben – photo: Martin Booth
Ben used to be at work by 3am most mornings to feed the sourdough starter at the Bread Shop.
Speaking to Bristol24/7 in 2022, he said it was “a long-old process but… very much a labour of love”.
Ben Martin outside Wilson’s Bread Shop with their famous bacon roll and bloody Mary – photo: Wilson’s
Writing on Instagram on Tuesday, the Wilson’s team said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to let you know about the passing of our dear friend and colleague Ben Martin.
“I don’t have adequate words to express how loved and cherished he was, and how missed he will be.
“Ben’s kindness, compassion and humanity was only matched by his incredible talent and brilliance for a job he loved.
“We have had the absolute pleasure of working with him for the last three years (and) he has made Wilson’s and the bread shop what it is today.”
“He leaves behind his mother Dee and father Sean, and too many friends to count… We love you sweet prince.”
Ben and a Battenberg he made with almond sponge, rose sponge, apricot jam and marzipan – photo: Wilson’s
Vanessa Kimbell of the Sourdough School said Ben “was everything that you could ever imagine a baker might be – curious, kind, brilliant, creative, humble”.
Writing on Instagram, she said: “He was meticulous in his delivery of his bread, and I enjoyed every minute that I spent with him, both in person and online.
“He came to the psychiatric ward at Bethlem Royal Hospital to support the opening of our bakery in the hospital, and to pick up some miso after @xantheclay introduced us.
“We had much in common, especially with loving fermentation.
“He gave me so much of his time and energy in developing and perfecting the Panettone recipes that we use here at the Sourdough School with Lilo and Adam.
“This is a moment captured – just a small moment of that amazing, beautiful person. My heart goes out to his family and his friends.
“Ben was due to come and work with me next week. I will miss him terribly. I know he knew how proud I am of him.
“My most sincere condolences. We have lost an amazing, incredible person.”
Main photo: Wilson’s
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
