Glasgow baker wins title of 'Scotland's Best Croissant'

Run from a small home kitchen, Maple Leaf Bakery has built a loyal following with its wide selection of baked goods,  including its award-winning croissants.

The bakery focuses on quality over quantity, crafting small batches with a dedication to traditional techniques and quality ingredients.

Pictured: A selection of pastries ready for judging (Image: Supplied) Yesterday, Monday, October 28 following a first-of-its-kind competition sponsored by the Edinburgh Butter Company, Maple Leaf Bakery is said to have excelled among a strong field of competitors at the Balmoral Hotel's Esk Suite.

This included entrants from across Scotland such as Jeju Baked Goods, Kaf Coffee, Dune Bakery, The Palmerston, Freedom Bakery, The Sheraton, Outlier, and Wild Hearth who were all tasked with presenting six plain croissants for judging. 

Pictured: Maple Leaf Bakery owner, Rebecca Slade (Image: Supplied)

Upon news of her win, Maple Leaf Bakery owner Rebecca Slade said: “It means so much to me to win this competition, particularly as a small home-based bakery.

"There is so much talent and dedication to the craft among the amazing artisan bakeries we have in Scotland, which is why I’m honoured to be recognised by these incredibly skilled judges. 

"I am also indebted to Edinburgh Butter Company, whose pastry butter I’ve used since the very beginning. 

"For me, baking has always been a labour of love, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to share that with others.”

Pictured: The judges considered shape, colour, pastry development, texture, and taste (Image: Supplied) A panel of distinguished judges, including Ross Sneddon, executive pastry chef at The Balmoral; Darcie Maher, owner of Lannan Bakery; Kayleigh Turner, head pastry chef at the two Michelin-starred The Glenturret Lalique; author of “Britain’s Best Bakeries”, Milly Kenny-Ryder and director of Edinburgh Butter Company, Chloe Black, carefully evaluated each entry based on shape, colour, pastry development, texture, and taste to determine their winner.

Kayleigh Turner said: “All of the entries were remarkable, and each bakery should take pride in their achievements. However, Maple Leaf’s croissant truly stood out as a clear favourite, receiving high scores across the board.”

The competition was supported by further sponsors including The Balmoral Hotel, Rackmaster Baking & Catering Equipment, Mark Murphy, and Blackthorn Salt.

Pictured: A bespoke trophy created by O&Co Blacksmiths (Image: Supplied) Organisers have said that the range of entries from talented bakers across Scotland, 'reflects the strength and creativity within the country’s artisanal baking scene'. 

Chloe Black of the Edinburgh Butter Company said: “We were thrilled to award Rebecca with a restaurant voucher for top Edinburgh restaurant Tipo alongside a specially commissioned trophy created by O&Co Blacksmiths.

"We wanted to create a special trophy for the winner to proudly display in their bakery and we are really pleased with what Olly fabricated for us.”

For more information about the competition and the Edinburgh Butter Company, visit scotlandsbestcroissant.co.uk. 

Find the Maple Leaf Bakery on social media @mapleleaf.bakery.