Movers & shakers: A spring into summer round-up
New kids on the block, publications, jobs & events
When I was in the process of creating Dulcify Journal, one of the publications I looked to was Akin, founded by Alice Daisy Pomfret. Alongside Akin (a beautiful printed magazine) Alice also created an online and printed newspaper publication called Nozza News, which is all about championing independents in the city of Norwich. With many strings to her bow (including her own design practice), she now purely runs Nozza News and it is this newsletter/newspaper that has inspired this piece today (and a potential future series).
As someone who is fully immersed in the food and coffee culture here in Scotland, my notes app is full of lists of places I’ve been recommended or that I’ve spotted while out and about or read about online. I also have the incredible privilege of interviewing creatives connected to the food industry each month and I often find those conversations introduce me to new independent businesses or makers that I haven’t come across before.
So this piece is a round-up of things that are happening with the Scottish food and coffee community. A mash-up (excuse the pun) of new kids on the block, upcoming food publications, events and job listings that have caught my eye. Ultimately, it’s an opportunity to showcase more of the talent on our doorsteps.
Thank you as always for reading our words and supporting our work.
Our printed publication (and Substack) update
Before we kick-off the round-up, we have a couple of updates about our printed magazine. We have 100 copies left of our print run (!) which we would so love to sell-out off before a new arrival comes this summer and takes over our stock-room/office/second bedroom. Dulcify Journal Issue 02 is available to order through our website (we can include hand-written personalised messages on request if you’re looking to gift a copy to a loved one) and there’s also the option of buying a copy through our stockists - we have a number dotted across Scotland and as of last week, also have the incredible Stephen O'Neil Art store onboard, which is located in Glasgow’s Southside.
Behind the scenes, we have been researching, interviewing and pulling together content and have so many conversations that we truly can’t wait to share - from florists, to bakers to graphic designers to food stylists (and more). As we are pausing production of our printed publication for the next year or so, we will have more time, headspace and creativity to pour into our Substack space and continue to uplift the creative talent that exists within our community.
Finally, we had a couple of boxes that were damaged in transit from the printers - they have tiny flaws on their spines or small marks on the covers - nothing that would prevent them from being read but aesthetic flaws that make me unwilling to sell them at full price. We’d so appreciate any thoughts on what to do with this damaged stock - we’ve debated selling them at half-price, donating a % of each sale to a local Scottish charity, dropping a few copies into the free library boxes - open to ideas, so please do drop us a note.
Right onto our Spring round-up!
New kids on the block
Wild Hearth Bakery
Wild Hearth Bakery has opened a new shop in Comrie (open 8.00 -3.30, Tuesday to Saturday). Founded by John Castley, their bakes are dedicated to the world of natural sourdough. Each bake is slowly and carefully created by hand from organic flours and wild starters and they are passionate about the pleasure of real baking – creating bakes that are ‘natural, nourishing and delicious’.
Arete Cooking
I can’t find a huge amount of information online about Arete, other than the fact that private chefs George and Neil are behind it - based between Edinburgh and London and specialising in pop-ups and events. Looking at their Instagram, it’s clear they are firm believers in fresh, seasonal, local produce and are keen to collaborate with food businesses across Scotland. Definitely one to follow and watch.
Eastfield
In our second issue of our printed journal we featured Harris McNeill, one of the Head Chefs at Ballintaggart. He has since gone on to open his own place on Perth Road called Eastfield - a place to eat delicious food and drink excellent coffee. Will be making the journey there as soon as possible!
Books
Sift by Nicola Lamb
Before I started Dulcify Journal, there was a brief period where I toyed with the idea of baking professionally after enrolling in Puff School during lockdown. Most of what I’ve learnt about baking has came from Ravneet Gill and Nicola Lamb, particularly when it comes to viennoserie. I’ve avidly followed Nicola Lamb’s Kitchen Projects Newsletter since its launch and (like many other home-bakers and professionals) have been counting down the days until her cookbook, Sift, is released. Nicola is travelling to Scotland to launch her book at Topping and Co, Edinburgh on the 29th May and Topping and Co, St Andrews on Thursday 30th May. Both Topping and Co bookshops are beautiful and Nicola is an incredible creative force - I’m positive it will be a brilliant book launch.
Between two waters by Pam Brunton
For 5 years, I worked in the Scottish book publishing industry and so got to know a number of brilliant Scottish publishers, including Canongate who really are such talents in the publishing world. They are publishing Pam Brunton’s (owner of Inver Restaurant) first book Between Two Waters, which will be released on 12th September 2024. It promises to look at ‘modern’ ‘Scottish’ food through a broad lens, tracing the sticky fingerprints of capitalism and colonialism, gender roles, family and national history as they shape the food choices we all make today. It will also look at her work at Inver, about what goes on within the restaurant’s stone wall, her creativity and the connection we have to the landscapes that buoy us. Very excited to get my hands on this.
Events
Edinburgh: 101 Bakery: The Pie Shop, 25th May
Everyone’s favourite slices alongside some brand new flavours (all veggie/vegan), a signature tiramisu and a Campari soft serve are back on May 25th. In the past, they have sold out very quickly so be sure to get there for 6pm, or earlier if you can to get your hands on their tasty offerings!
Inchture: Guardswell Farm: Pasta with Eastfield, 9th June
The first of a small series of Cookery Classes taught by the incredible Harris McNeil, of Eastfield Dundee. A day focused entirely on pasta, starting with a coffee and chat in the Steading, learning a little about the theory of pasta, followed by learning to make a few different shapes and sauces. Then a pause to eat a pasta heavy lunch, then back to kitchen for a final flurry of making to ensure you have some delicious bits to take home with you. After the workshop, there will be time to wonder around the farm and take in the beautiful views.
Dykehead: Fodder and Farm: Long Table Feast, 15th June
Kick off the summer with Fodder and Farm as they celebrate the bounty of the season - creating a proper feast for you to enjoy with family and friends. Cooked by talented chef Lucy Pattinson (another chef you might recognise from our second issue) they will use the freshest ingredients straight from the farms, fields and forests around Gartur to create a bespoke menu celebrating the best of local food. Find out more here.
Edinburgh: Elliott’s Summer Series: 29th June, 14th July and 20th July
There are still a few dates left for Jess’ Summer Series where she’ll take you step by step through her Summer menu, using produce and foliage from her garden in the Scottish Borders and local growers. As well as tasting each course, you’ll receive guidance on how to recreate each dish in your own kitchen and will pick up loads of handy tips from her many years of cooking at Elliott’s, writing cookbooks, testing food columns and food styling for commercials and TV.
Jobs
The Palmerston: Baker
The Palmerston are looking to hire a baker to join their bakery team with an immediate start. Ideally, they are looking for someone who has a couple of years experience working with bread and pastry. Drop bread baker Alex an email at bakery@thepalmerstonedinburgh.co.uk if this sounds like you.
Hobz Bakery: Experienced barista/FoH server
The Hobz team are recruiting an experienced barista/FoH server to start in mid-June. They have some exciting news coming in July and are looking for a fab caffeine slinger to help them develop their coffee programme. Sound like your cup of tea (or coffee)? Send your CV to hello@hobzbakery.com (they’ll be looking to start interviews in 2-3 weeks).
Aeble Cider Bar
Aeble are looking for someone to their team! The position is part time - primarily Sundays with occasional Friday, Saturday evenings and events. They are ideally looking for someone with an interest in fine drinks, foods and great customer service. Email them a CV to info@aeble.co.uk if this sounds like the role for you.