My intuitive approach to baking is based on an incredible depth of knowledge, experience and continual study. Inspired whilst studying at the College of Culinary Arts in Boston Massachusetts, I went on to be mentored by experts from Grand Moulin de Paris. Yet my real training continues daily at my mixer, workbench and oven, where I perfect my craft as an artisan. I thrive on adopting old methods with a new way of thinking; such as utilising raw milks, ancient heritage grains and double fermentation within my breads.
Being an artisan allows me to pursue my passion for food, produce and travel. I have a great reputation for seeking out a quality coffee shop, a great cookery book and fellow artisans wherever I go.
Long before sourdough became fashionable, it was an essential aspect of the way I lead my life as a baker. The disciplines of blending varied flours in a quest for the perfect combination is my perpetual motivation as an artisan; just as a barista blends beans in their quest for the perfect coffee.
- Aidan Monks
Award winning baker
World Bread Awards Mature Cheddar & Chilli Gold 2016
World Bread Awards Heritage Sourdough Silver 2015
World Bread Awards Mature Cheddar and Chilli Gold 2015
World Bread Awards Seeded Light Rye ~ runner up 2015
World Bread Awards Naturally leavened Sourdough Gold 2015
World Bread Awards Oat and barley Heritage bread Gold 2014
World Bread Awards Real Bread Campaign ~ Winner 2014
World Bread Awards Traditional Baquette Silver 2014
World Bread Awards Ciabatta Gold 2014
World Bread Awards People Choice Award Winner 2014
World Bread Award Light Rye Seeded Batton Bronze 2014
World Bread Award Tiptree Mustard Glazed Miche Silver 2014
World bread Awards Tiptree Showstopper Winner 2014
World Bread Awards Smoked Potato and nigella Flatbread Bronze 2014
World Bread Awards Gold Spelt and Rye 2013
World Bread Awards Gold Potato Rosemary 2013
World Bread Awards Silver Light Rye Sourdough with Mature Cumbrian Cheddar 2013
Awards and acknowledgements
Olive Magazine 2019 - Best Baker 2019
Finalist BIA Baker of the year 2019
Finalist BIA innovative product of the year Kombucha Sourdough 2019
Winner Cumbria Food and Drinks Award 2019 - Best Producer
Bakery Business Magazine - Winner Best Bakery in Cumbria 2019
Bakery Business Magazine - Winner best Bakery in the North West 2019
Bakery Business Magazine - National Bakery of the Year 2019
Farm Shop Food Deli Show - National Bakery of the Year 2019
Finalist Cumbria Food and Drink Award 2018 - Best Producer
Finalist Cumbria Business and Family Awards 2018
Finalist BIA Baker of the year 2018
Great Taste Awards - Malted Barley Sourdough 2 stars
Great Taste Awards Cheese and Marmite Sourodough 1 star
Our Heritage
North West Best Bread 1996
North West Best Bakery 1997
North West Best Bakery 1998
Prima Magazine the Food Editors choice for most inspiring bakery 2013
Featured on Britain s Best Bakery program 2013
Lovingly Artisan awarded the Readers Choice Award in the Cumbria Life Food & Drink Awards.
Lovingly Artisan's nominated for the food producer and newcomer categories in the Cumbria Life Food & Drink Awards.
100 Best Lunches in Cumbria nominated as number 31 out of 100.