“The donuts give our bakers a chance to be naughty, really. We literally carpet bomb them with sugar.”
Meet Justin Gellatly, the head baker of Bread Ahead Bakery located at the popular food stalls in London’s Borough Market. Good fortune brought me to Bread Ahead early one morning in England. A wave of heavy rock blasted from the kitchen, while an army of men in white danced to the beat of their own bread making. But, I wasn’t here for the bread this morning, I was here for Justin’s legendary custard-filled donuts – a menu item so famous and so blogged about, sometimes, even Justin admittedly can’t cope with it.
My local journalist friend, Felicity Spector, suggested this story and I am forever grateful. Justin is a modern day Willy Wonka of sorts – a true craftsman who delights in the wonder of his creations. Watch as his eyes light up when talking about the experience of eating his donuts. There’s a cheeky amusement to it, a sense that he’s recreated the magical experience of being a kid again.
I tried to share one of his donuts. A novice mistake, as these are not made for sharing. In one bite, you instantly want to be alone. The gush of cream is surprising, and it ends up everywhere! On your nose, on your cheeks, all over your fingers. Moments later, you find no matter how much you’ve licked and wiped away, there is still more custard. An everlasting memory of the most famous donuts in London. Enjoy his story.
Thanks for watching food. curated.! Happy eating!