Bridge Baker (Bakery and Pizzeria)

While many high streets around Britain are sadly dying off, small independent shops, boutiques and restaurants are still buzzing and thriving on Fulham Road, in no small part thanks to the residents who tend to shop locally, keeping their community alive, which is so nice to see in this day an age of online shopping.

One such local eatery is Bridge Baker, which is a more recent addition, following the success of the original store close-by on Wandsworth Bridge Road, which has been around for just over 5½ years now, and where everything is baked, cooked and made from scratch in-house. They also support local businesses, from the nearby brewery and wine supplier to SW6 Honey from South Park.

As soon as you walk through the door you are greeted by the friendly staff, warm atmosphere and family feel to the place, with the bakery and shop at the front and small cosy café/restaurant to the rear, with a larger seating area downstairs.

We had been to the cinema close by to see one of the latest new releases and Bridge Baker turned out to be the perfect place for a warm post-movie meal as we recounted some memorable scenes from the film. It was also the first day that Bridge Baker had their homemade Christmas cakes and other goodies on display, all of which looked deliciously tempting!

However, we were here to try their excellent thin crusty pizzas from the pizzeria, which they have given some rather creative names to. There is of course the ever popular ‘Margherita’, but you can also choose the Chèvre, made with goat’s cheese, mozzarella, caramelised onions, walnuts and rocket. The ‘Forest’ has mixed mushrooms, mozzarella, fontina, truffle oil and thyme.

Then there is ‘The Italian’, which is made with San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, Parma ham, parmesan and rocket. They also have a ‘Hot Honey SW6 Special’ made with San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, salami, goat’s cheese, black olives and homemade hot honey. Their other local special is the ‘Bridge Baker Feast’ which is a wonderful mix of San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, Italian sausage, nduja, Brindisa chorizo, peppers, mushrooms and black olives.

If, however, you fancy something a little spicier, then how about the ‘Spanish Tapas’, which consists of San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, Brindisa spicy chorizo, crispy potato, some garlic oil and chilli flakes. There is also ‘The Hot One’, made with San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, jalapeño peppers and black olives.

Vegans are also catered for with the ‘Marinara’ which is made with San Marzano tomato, garlic, garlic oil and oregano.

And if one of these pizzas is not quite to your liking, then fear not, as they have a wide range of toppings you can add to make your perfect pizza!

I liked the selection of healthy salads and started with a Fresh Burrata wrapped in Parma ham, sitting on a bed of rocket, which was delicious. But be warned, this is quite a large portion, so it’s ideal for sharing. Other starters include Flat Breads, Dough Balls and a Charcuterie Platter with a selection of cured meats, Fontina cheese, marinated olives and dip, again, ideal for sharing.

We kept with the Burrata theme though and chose the excellent ‘Sicilian Burrata’ pizza made with San Marano tomato, mozzarella, roasted Sicilian cherry tomatoes, pesto and of course lots of fresh creamy burrata cheese! It did not disappoint.

Bridge Baker have a carefully thought out selection of reasonably priced wines (starting at £16.95 a bottle) from Italy, France, Spain and South Africa as well as a local Wimbledon Gold Lager and Pale Ale, BrewDog Punk IPA and slightly further afield Italian Birra Moretti lager.

Whilst my friend opted for a Bundaberg Ginger Beer from Australia, I enjoyed a very pleasant 2021 Montepulciano which is available both by the glass (£7.25) and bottle (£18.50). They also have a 2020 Organic Rioja Crianza (£22.95) and 2021 Bourgogne Pinot Noir (£28.95) amongst other decent labels including some nice white wines, a couple of Rosés, as well as some Proseccos and Champagnes.

And if you still have a little room left after all that then may I recommend their homemade Tiramisu. We also had a slice of a fabulously tasty homemade Pecan Pie which they make every year around Thanksgiving.

So, if you happen to be out and about in Fulham in the evening and fancy a great tasting pizza with all the toppings in a warm, cosy eatery with a family-friendly atmosphere or late morning Brunch or you just want to pick up some fresh bread, cakes, pastries, coffee or tea to takeaway or have delivered, then look no further than Bridge Baker, as you won’t be disappointed.

The Details

Bridge Baker, 811 Fulham Road, London, SW6 5HG, England.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7285 5815

Website: www.bridgebaker.co.uk

Email: hello@bridgebaker.co.uk

Bridge Baker is on the left hand side as you walk down Fulham Road from Fulham Broadway. The closest Tube stations are Parsons Green and Fulham Broadway.

Open Monday and Tuesday from 7:15am to 7:00pm (Pizzeria closed); Wednesday and Thursday from 7:15pm to 9:00pm (Pizza from 4:00pm to 9:00pm); Friday from 7:15am to 10:00pm (Pizza from 4:00pm to 10:00pm); Saturday from 7:30am to 10:00pm (Pizza from midday to 10:00pm) and Sunday from 8:00am to 9:00pm (Pizza from midday to 9:00pm).

Type of Restaurant: Bakery and Pizzeria

Price Band: Medium

Insider Tip: You can bring all the family as they are dog-friendly too!

Reviewer’s Rating: 9/10

Author Bio:

Simon Burrell is a UK-based travel and motoring journalist and editor, a former member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.

Photographs courtesy of Bridge Baker