London celebrated its own exclusive Fête du Pain on Monday, 11 May 2026—aptly named Bakers' Day—at the historic French Residence at 11 Kensington Palace Gardens. It was the first event of its kind.
The driving forces behind the celebration were the Residence’s Head Chef, Gilles Quillot
@gquillot , and renowned Breton baker and chef, Richard Bertinet
@richardbertinet . Business France also played a pivotal role in organizing the project.
Attendees were both educated and entertained by seminars including "The Baguette de Tradition: UNESCO Heritage Status Three Years On" and "The Benefits of Growing and Baking with Heritage Wheat."
On the French Ambassador’s porch, the wood-fired oven company
@manufacture_ephrem baked three of Gilles’s signature loaves using French volcanic stones. Once heated, these ovens retain their temperature until the following day—we would definitely love one for our next garden party!
@moulin.astreia , the provider of the mill Gilles uses to process his wheat at the Residence, demonstrated their artisanal stone flour mill process. Judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden (Bake Off: The Professionals) were particularly intrigued by the craftsmanship.
As most would agree, the best was saved for last: a grand buffet featuring French cheeses, charcuterie, and a spread of bread so vast, it felt as though there could be peace on earth for a lifetime.
#londonevent #bakersday2026 #breadbaking #franceintheuk #breadlovers
