Italian chef with a passion for bread opens micro bakery

An Italian chef and his wife have opened a micro bakery at Holme Grange Craft Village in Wokingham.

Jo and Luca Nervi opened the doors to their bakery earlier this month and have been receiving rave reviews ever since.

Luca has a wealth of experience, having worked for world-renowned chefs, royalty and ran his own restaurants in Tuscany and Cheshire. But it was during lockdown that they decided to take stock of their lives.

“I had done my fair share of corporate life and wanted to do something I am passionate about. I wanted to make the most of my time during lockdown,” said Luca.

“Sourdough is my passion so I used my time to perfect my technique, documenting and making dough with different scientific formulas.”

Orders started to roll in and they ex- panded to offer afternoon teas as well, which received rave reviews.

Luca, who comes from Lake Garda and moved to London when she was 17, said: “The science of breadmaking means mass production causes cramps and blating. I use only quality flour and ingredients to make quality bread that doesn’t have all these side-effects.

Living in Bracknell, a friend and tenant at the craft village let them know a unit was about to become available and they jumped at the chance.

They now not only offer a range of sourdoughs but also do focaccia, ciabatta, Sicilian lemon and blueberry cake, English muffins and brownies and are planning on growing the range still further.

With special orders, afternoon teas and platters as well as catering for parties and functions, the couple are pretty busy – but they admitted they have a better work/life balance.

For more information or to place an order, call 07948 626289.