Pershore Patty meets co-owner and head baker Peter Cook at Peter Cooks Bread to ask a few personal questions and for a general nose.
Tell me a little bit about how you came to own or work in your business.
I was a partner in a bakery in Ludlow for 15 years before leaving to open my own business. My business partner, Shona, and I believed that the Herefordshire/Worcestershire area was ready to welcome our Real Bread.
What achievements, awards or accolades are you proud of?
Making the final three in the Baker of the Year at the Baking Industry Awards was pretty special.
Any news announcements, or events that you’d like new and existing customers to be aware of?
Peter Cooks Bread is just settling into our brand new bakery at The Hop Pocket. It’s amazing to have our own purpose-built space to operate from.
What makes your business unique?
We make Real Bread and pastries, that contain only natural ingredients, so no artificial baking aids, or shortcuts. Our sourdough loaves are made with just flour, water and salt.
Favourite restaurant to visit if you get a night off?
The Walnut Tree near Abergavenny. I have known Shaun Hill for about 20 years and his cooking never fails to impress, He is a master.
Last thing you watched on TV?
CBeebies, with our 2 year old son, Billy.
Which person in your life do you most admire and why?
My mother Joyce. She is a marvel, still running her B&B near Ludlow and finds time to enter flower arranging competitions around the region. She even won the World Championships held in Barbados this year!
What was the last gift you gave someone?
6 eggs and a bag of damsons from our garden for my Mum.
What’s your favourite smell in the whole world?
The interior of a classic car with leather upholstery.
What’s your favourite kind of sandwich?
A bacon sandwich. Bacon from Wallers in Colwall, and our Ledbury loaf, of course.
Who would you want to cook your last meal on earth, and why?
My wife to be and best friend, Mavis,because it would mean we were together.
What is the most annoying habit that other people have?
Prejudice.
If you could eat only 3 foods for the rest of your life, what would they be?
Bread, Apple crumble and wine gums.
What’s your claim to fame?
I’ve met quite a few famous people over the years, but I’ll never forget being introduced to the other Peter Cook by my father when I was about 10 years old.
Which food & drink business (other than your own) do you wish you had created?
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
It’s not specific advice but my father set me an example to be one of the good guys.
If you could be anywhere else right now, where would it be?
In bed.
What’s the best thing that happened to you last week?
I had some great news from my eldest son, Sean, but I can’t share it.
As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?
A racing driver. I was a big F! fan when I was younger.
What is the perfect combination of pizza toppings?
Mozzarella, tomato, basil. Classic.
What was the worst job you ever held and why?
A bouncer at a hotel nightclub in Torquay when I was a student. I wasn’t really cut out for it.
Favourite band?
The Beatles.
What was the last thing you ate?
Leftover Pumpkin risotto for lunch.
Favourite cut of steak?
I had the most fantastic Tomahawk steak from The Beefy Boys Steak night pop-up in Hereford in the summer. It will live long in the memory.
What website do you visit most often?
Facebook and Shedweb, the hangout of Gloucester rugby fans.
What is the most impressive thing you know how to do?
Make a great loaf of bread.
What do you hope never changes?
Families and friends sitting down together for meals.
Any finally a question from those who are married to you…When are you coming home?
About 10 am.
This award winning bakery in Bishop’s Frome, Worcester, produces high quality hand made loaves of bread and pastries. Launched in 2014, they use the finest basic ingredients to produce their basked goods. Sign up for workshops and spend a day learning how to make bread!
The Foodie Card offer: 10% discount on loaves sold at the door both through orders and walk-ins.
The Foodie Card gives you access to offers at your local food & drink independents. Grab your card here for £15 (or two for £25) for year long savings whilst supporting local!