Being French and living in England I’m always excited when I hear of new foodie ventures that are based on authentic values. So last week, I found myself at Modern Baker, a brand new organic bakery, café and health-food shop, which turned out to be a fantastic find.

The bakery is set in a cool, Scandinavian-inspired interior behind a striking shop front in Oxford’s up-market suburb of Summertown. It actually makes a pleasant change not to be drinking coffee and eating cake in shabby-chic surroundings. Cool hasn’t yet come to Summertown, so Modern Baker stands out like a beacon.

The inspiration behind the café is Melissa Sharp, whose journey to good nutrition was triggered by a serious illness and her commitment to her cause is immediately evident in everything about the bakery.

First and foremost, and this is the French in me talking, the bread is exceptional. Using imaginative ingredients and all made with unmodified, ancient grains – all organic, of course. You must check out their Life-Changing and Kamut loaves. For me, this is the best bread I have found since moving to England.

Then there are the cakes and pastries, all of which are actually healthy for you! Yes, no refined sugars anywhere on the premises (only natural, low-GI sugars) and all other ingredients are thoughtfully chosen for their nutritional benefits, without any loss to indulgence. The sweet potato brownies and Kamut croissants are delicious. Oh yes, and very importantly, the organic Origin coffee is great too!

Images courtesy of Modern Baker