PHILADELPHIA — Historically, neighborhood bakeries serve as a hub for connection, celebration and culinary delight. The Bread Room — the latest addition to the Philadelphia culinary scene — is embracing all of these facets, bringing artisan baked goods and a community-driven workshop to the Center City neighborhood.
“Bakeries are historically a gathering place for communities,” said Ellen Yin, founder and co-owner of High Street Hospitality Group and a James Beard Foundation Award winner. “Whether it’s grabbing a cup of coffee on your way to work, a place to randomly run into your neighbors or co-workers, saying hello to the barista who remembers your order or even a place where like-minded individuals might meet — bakeries connect people.”
The Bread Room, part of High Street Hospitality Group, is led by Kyle Wood, head baker, and Christina McKeough, executive chef of sister restaurant High Street. The bakery’s menu includes more than 20 varieties of viennoiseries and baked goods, ranging from sweet croissants and kouign-amann to savory Danish and biscuits.
Beyond the pastry case, the bakery will also offer customers an assortment of whole-grain sourdough loaves from sister restaurant High Street and debut a served-by-the-pound fresh-milled local grain miche, a large country-style loaf made from whole wheat and white flour.
By day, the space will operate as a neighborhood bakery. Come night, The Bread Room will shift gears to serve as a workshop space. Programming — which will be available to book beginning Nov. 1 — ranges from hands-on baking classes for bread, pizza and pastry, a visiting baker series featuring acclaimed chefs. Additional classes include those for children, private sessions upon request and special holiday sessions for all ages. Customers can also rent out The Bread Room for an assortment of private events.
“We’re all craving a little connection these days,” Ellen said. “Our workshops and classes further this sentiment, and we’re eager to share our expertise with our community.”
The grand opening for The Bread Room will be held Oct. 20. The bakery’s operating hours following are Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
