Kent Prepared Food of the Year Finalist: The Bakehouse at 124's Kentish Pasty

Based in the heart of Kent, The Bakehouse at 124 is an independent artisan bakery where everything is made from scratch using the finest natural ingredients sourced locally where possible.

Set up in 2015 by owner and head baker Clare Barton, The Bakehouse uses traditional methods and techniques to specialise in producing a range of sourdough breads, pastries and cakes that are all made to a very high standard - demonstrated by an impressive award tally.

In the last two years the business has both grown and diversified to increase its customer product range with fantastic accompaniments to the baked goods. Jams, preserves and chutneys are now a much-loved addition to our shop.

So we’ve all heard about how good the Cornish are at making pasties, but have you ever tried a Kentish Pasty?!

The Bakehouse Kentish Pasty was born during lockdown. Missing the chance to go on holiday coupled with the want to create a crowd-pleasing family-friendly food during one of the long walks we all did in the Kent countryside, an idea was sparked by our manager, Liz Reid, who then began to research and test-bake some new recipes…

In true Bakehouse style, we wanted to create a product that used local ingredients – it’s filled with beef skirt from our local butchers, Maris Peer potatoes, swede and onions all locally grown. And then encased in a 'pasty pastry' that’s light and uses real butter (we don’t use lard), robust enough to carry around on a walk and tastes delicious.

After a few tests and trials, the Bakehouse Kentish Pasty was born.

The Bakehouse Kentish Pasty is now a hugely popular product; it makes regular sell-out appearances at the monthly Penshurst farmers' market and has often been described as tasting better than those made in the West country! Plus, we have now created a vegetarian version using sweet potatoes, black beans, feta cheese, spring onions and chives with a light cumin and chilli spicing. What’s next….?! Watch this space!