sweet treathaven

Located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Flora Bakehouse is a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. The owner, Nat Stratton-Clarke, wanted to create a special place where customers could escape their daily routine and indulge in some delicious pastries and coffee.

The name of the bakery perfectly matches its ambiance. Flora, which means "flowers" in Latin, is home to an array of flowers grown on its rooftop garden. The bakery's interior is decorated with colorful flowers, creating an environment that feels like springtime in the Northwest. Customers rave about the bakery's welcoming aesthetic, which feels both homey and airy.

"I think so often kitchens are tucked in the back of a bakery. You never see the person that's actually making the food you're eating," said Stratton-Clarke. "These people are artisans. They're craftspeople. It's so fun to see these kids plastered up against the window, just watching the magic. Just take butter and flour and turn it into a chocolate croissant – again, as an adult, I think it's magic."

Flora Bakehouse's menu is not limited to pastries, bread and coffee. The bakery highlights seasonal produce and offers seasonal Danish pastries that are perfect for showcasing the variety of berries grown in Washington. Washingtonians are lucky to have access to an array of berries that are not commonly found elsewhere. This makes every visit to Flora Bakehouse a unique and delightful experience.

"The baguette is among the best I've had in Seattle," said one customer. "I'm here about four times a week."

Flora Bakehouse is not just a bakery, it is a destination. The bakery's porch is adorned with flowers, and customers can sit outside and enjoy their pastries and coffee while basking in the beauty of the surroundings. The bakery's roof deck is another perfect spot for customers to sit and enjoy their food while gazing at the breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier.

From its beautiful interior, fresh flowers, seasonal pastries, and top-quality baked goods, there is something for everyone at Flora Bakehouse.

DID YOU KNOW?

The tulip industry got its start in Holland. In the 1500s, Carolus Clusius, a botanist at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, received some tulip bulbs from the ambassador to the sultan. Clusius grew the plants in his private collection, but he would not share his bulbs or sell them. As a result, the gardens were repeatedly raided, and the bulbs sold. Holland’s tulip industry was born.