The Hampshire Real Bread Co.

01/02/2023

It is with a heavy heart that we write to you all that on Sunday 29th January our dad and husband lost his battle with cancer. He was an amazing dad, husband, brother, uncle and most importantly everyone’s favourite baker. He loved running this successful business knowing that even just a cinnamon swirl on a bad day could turn it into a good day… and i’m sure you’d all agree. From doing our markets in Petersfield and Emsworth to supplying amazing coffee shops, farm shops, and many more… that was when he was at his happiest. Darrin was always providing an outstanding service, ensuring each croissant was perfectly flakey, each sourdough was baked to perfection, and each doughnut was filled to the brim.
Darrin always had a passion for baking ever since we can remember. I remember the first ever batch of doughnuts he made for a family gathering and the excitement he had knowing he had baked something truly amazing, that was when his passion grew massively and we all knew how happy he was whenever he was baking.
Apart from being an incredible baker, he was truly the best dad and husband we could ever ask for. He was the most selfless, caring, and genuine person you’d ever meet. He raised 4 amazing girls with his incredible wife and always gave them the absolute best.
We as a family are finding solace knowing how much Darrin meant to all of his customers and friends and that we will always feel his warm presence around us. There really are no words to describe how much Darrin will be missed and the outpour of love we have received already shows how much we all adored him and his talent. We are finding comfort as a family knowing he will be remembered for the glorious pastries and bread he made, his resilience and strength, and his amazing sense of humour (but that got him in trouble sometimes!)
We as a family would like to say a massive thank you to all of Darrin’s supporters for always believing in his incredible brand and making his dreams come to life! He loved every single one of you!
He fought the hardest battle ever and we will always be so proud of him for that, but he is no longer in pain and now in a better place. We know his legacy will live on forever.

Funeral arrangements haven’t been discussed yet, but if you’d like to attend then please message myself Josie Hills, Niamh Hills or Andrea Hills

09/01/2023

Not really being one for long expressions of maudlin self-pity, but I did think it was important to let people know why things have been so quiet on here for me of late.
Heaven knows, the amount of love and support shown to me has been truly humbling and a source of great positive vibes.
Unfortunately my health over the break has deteriorated, due to various factors, but I am now back on chemo, which has really hit but hopefully the good effects will kick in soon.
Consequently, things with the business remain ‘up in the air’ but hopefully, with the love and support of my INCREDIBLE family, I’ll be back soon (if I can still afford to turn the ovens on!)
Love to you all, love your family and take every day as a blessing ❤️

15/12/2022

I’m afraid that we are going to be unable to attend Farmers Market this Saturday
Managed to contract COVID this week which, not only delaying my latest chemo treatment, has completely laid me out this week so unfortunately I’m still not well enough to prep for the stall.
Sorry folks x

18/11/2022

Catch us tomorrow at 9-1……all the usual treats available!
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12/11/2022

Its a wrap!
First batch of classic panettone baked and wrapped and its as light a feather.
Made over 3 days, the egg & butter rich dough is made with a little yeast and a stiff sourdough, then laced with dried fruit, soaked overnight in rum, orange juice and panettone oils.
All topped with an almond glaze, flaked almonds and nibbed sugar.
Its Christmas in bread form!
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12/11/2022

Who doesn’t want light buttery layers in their life with the BEST coffee in
Pastries and breads heading out to this morning folks.

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11/11/2022

Always a nervy moment in the kitchen…..
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03/11/2022

Unlike this bad boy, we’ve not been hanging around this morning.
Deliveries of bread and pastries made to and a new venue for us
Go check out these amazing places…..I’m off for a brief lie down!!
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02/11/2022

If you could spare a couple of minutes to potentially help the wonderful Tuppenny Barn

We need to ask you for a favour...

Can you take two minutes of your time to nominate Tuppenny Barn to help us be in with a chance of winning a £5,000 draw?

The more nominations we receive, the better our chances of winning! What do you need to do? Click here: https://eco.movementforgood.com/index.php?cn=1172846&ct=environment_and_climate and fill out the form.

The draw closes on Friday... thank you! ❤️

02/11/2022

Thank you Matthews Cotswold Flour for sending us your best-selling Cotswold Crunch🙌

Can’t wait to give it a go

02/11/2022

First panettone trials complete!
Bit of work still to do to make the crumb a little more open but otherwise nice and light and tasting great (perhaps a little more rum in the fruit soaker next time😀)
Rolling these out later this month and December ready for a Christmas treat 🎅🎄

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