When you're in need to decompress from a hectic day at uni, Pure Knead definitely has what it takes. Originally starting out at Tynemouth Market in 2015, owner Paula Wilson began baking her wondrous treats from her kitchen at home. Now, thanks to the support from Newcastle’s fine community, she was able to expand, having a shop in Whitley Bay and her bakery on Dean Street. Offering artisan bread to die for, as well as chunky sourdough sarnies, the cakes and bakes aren’t the only things to sample when wandering towards the Quayside.
Heading down Dean Street the other day, I peered through their little window into heaven and was instantly persuaded to treat myself to a solo coffee date. The vibrant array of flower-laden tartlets, thick chocolate ganache, and impressively tiered gateaux looked awfully enticing, and, like an excited child, I pointed enthusiastically at the first gorgeously decorated pastry I saw. Ordering a cappuccino to accompany my choice, I perched myself on a stool in the slightly underwhelming seating in the back, waiting in anticipation.
My blackberry and apple Danish, and heart-adorned capp arrived promptly to my appreciation, stomach grumbling loudly.
Topped with thick whirls of what seemed to be vanilla Chantilly cream and a single plump blackberry, the artistic toppings had me hooked from first glance. The puff pastry, golden and delicately flaky, surrounded the generously filled centre, with the bottom of the Danish so perfectly crisp, Mary Berry would have been proud.
Munching down on the first oozing bite, a splendid deep earthiness cut through the sharp blackberry and apple compote. The culprit for this complex flavour? A single sprig of rosemary carefully placed on top of the cream. Such small additions as these can elevate a flavour tenfold, as it did in this case. The Chantilly, smooth and delicate, brought a luxurious richness which dreamily complimented the tart fruit filling. A final touch of a thin and crisp baby apple slice and a sprinkle of sweet cinnamon crumble topping added the extra fairy dust to perfectly contrast with the velvet of the cream topping.
All in all, Pure Knead delivered a deliciously wondrous experience packed astonishingly into a small pastry casing. With no pointers to improve the Danish itself, perhaps some better ambiance for the seating inside would truly elevate this Newcastle gem. This is not, however, enough to prevent me from continuing to return hungrily at every opportunity.
