Grain & Hearth Bakery Whitstable — Restaurant in Canterbury

I can't say enough good things about this perfect little spot - it's become somewhere very special in Whitstable in such a short space of time, and that is just testament to how great what they've created is. The attention to detail and the fact they have thought about every kind of customer is clear throughout the bakery; big wide open doors and a spacious bathroom for accessibility, plenty of room to park your bike outside, as well as benches and tables to sit at and soak up the sunshine, watering cans for the little (or big!) ones to help water the plants and herbs. There's a very large table which allows you to have your own space but also seems to help encourage conversation with strangers every time I'm there! There are also higher stools facing out of the windows to people watch. There's a big chalkboard at a low height for children, as well as books which I think is great. It's always the perfect temperature in there, and I'm always very comfortabe. There's a noticeboard for locals to pin things onto, and they sell a range of flours, cookbooks, (currently) their own blend of coffee, as well as ceramics made by local creators which shows how much they champion local talent, something also very clear in their collaborations and workshops, which include pizza nights with Minno Kitchen, ceramics workshops and events for mums and mums to be. So the food - just wow. You know how certain places have their 'hero product'? I couldn't place my finger on what G&H's is, as everything I've had is flawless! Some staples that never move from what they offer include silky custard tart, croissants and chocolate croissants and cinnamon buns, all of which are great. Every week new things are trialled and put out, all of which have been interesting and so tasty. I've had a maple and pecan custard tart which had me pretty speechless, as well as a mint chocolate croissant! They also offer some lovely hot bits, including cheese and kimchi cheese toasties, big sandwiches and soups. Staff are always friendly, kind and accomodating and it's great to be able to see the kitchen so clearly and see all the work that goes into making such wonderful treats. Oh, and they allow dogs which means you often end up being able to pet some soppy ones under the table while you have your breakfast! Something very special created by a local couple, championing honest and wholesome food. Can't praise it enough (clearly!!) - get...

As with many artisanal bakeries now (thankfully) opening up in the area, this is not a bakery for your daily bread. Well, perhaps for some in the peculiar enclave that is Whitstable it is. The markup for its location is noticeable. Previously I encountered their cruffins (why and when did this become one of the key pastries of choice?) at Macknade's. Grain and Hearth's version certainly acted as a great business card. Their Whitstable sourdough is a firm and crusty loaf, quite open textured, but full of flavour. The glazed white buns are truly worthy of recommendation. The flavour of these little guys makes them worth eating just as they come! On two occasions now we have also tried their toasted sandwiches, usually they offer one or two less usual options. These attract an elevated price, yet some can end up being less filling than one might like. For example, the merguez recently was lacking in feta. The toasted sourdough slices have a tendency of hardening up, not aiding in the eating and enjoyment of such packed product. I recommend taking a pocket knife to help you along. All in all, I would hope to feel a little more indulged on the occasion of a lunch out. You can sit out and eat in the little courtyard, which is rough and ready and might benefit from some tlc. Still, it doesn't put off the punters on a nice day. Finally, despite the cruffin luring me there, it is in the pastry department where I find things are a little hit and miss. The impressive looking cinnamon buns, almond croissants, or glazed croissant dough buns all do not quite reach the standard hoped for. This is a combination of flavour, bake and texture, often being a little too dry, too firm, or too fatty. My takeaway then is that one should go here for loaves, bread buns, and to...

Grain and Hearth in Whitstable is an absolute gem of a bakery that we stumbled upon during one of our walks, and it has become a regular haunt for us ever since. The consistently outstanding quality of their bakes and coffee has left us in awe, and it's remarkable how they manage to elevate their delicious treats with each visit.

One thing that has impressed us is the continuous expansion of their selection. With every visit, we find ourselves trying to sample more of their delectable offerings. The addition of labels on all items is a thoughtful touch, although it doesn't make the task of selecting just a few items any easier!

We're so dedicated to Grain and Hearth that we travel all the way from Essex to savor their delights. As bakery enthusiasts, we can confidently say that Grain and Hearth ranks among the best. Their commitment to excellence shines through, and we have yet to encounter a bake that falls short of our high expectations.

Among our favorites are the cruffins and fruit Danish – absolute must-tries! And don't forget to grab a loaf of their bread to take home; it's a guarantee that you won't be disappointed.

Lastly, we must commend the cheerful and helpful staff at Grain and Hearth. Their warm and welcoming service adds to the overall wonderful experience of visiting this exceptional bakery. We can't recommend Grain and Hearth enough, and it's a true delight for anyone with a passion for baked goods and a warm,...