Business Details
29 Years
experience
Artisan Bakery in Brighton | Real Patisserie
Established in 1997 by Paris-trained patissier Alastair Gourlay and his wife Annie, our bakery embodies a passion for quality ingredients and authentic baking traditions. Over 25 years, we have maintained our commitment to slow, time-honoured techniques while expanding our range of artisan breads, pastries, and tarts. Our dedication to honest pricing and sustainable practices ensures every product reflects both craftsmanship and integrity.With a focus on local partnerships, we curate complementary artisanal goods, reinforcing our role as Brighton's original destination for exceptional baked goods. Our team's expertise, rooted in classical French training, guarantees consistent excellence in every loaf, pastry, and cake we produce.
Services
Artisan Bread
Catering Services
Custom Cakes
Fresh Pastries
Wholesale Supply
Seasonal Specials
Tart Production
Lunch Offerings
Gift Hampers
Pre-Orders
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in artisan baking
- We use time-honoured techniques and superior ingredients
- We offer a curated selection of local and artisanal products
- We are committed to sustainable practices
- We provide honest pricing with no hidden costs
Services
Artisan Bread
Our breads use slow fermentation and premium flours for superior texture and flavour. Each loaf follows traditional French methods perfected over 25 years. Ideal for toast, sandwiches, or pairing with artisanal cheeses, our range includes sourdoughs, seeded loaves, and classic baguettes. The extended proving time enhances digestibility and develops complex tastes unachievable through industrial processes.
Custom Cakes
We create bespoke celebration cakes for weddings and events using fresh cream and seasonal ingredients. Our three-chocolate mousse and vegan chocolate raspberry options demonstrate technical expertise. Each design balances visual appeal with balanced flavour profiles. All cakes require 3-day notice for preparation and collection from our Brighton shops.
Catering Services
Our catering packages include breakfast pastries, savoury platters, and afternoon tea arrangements. Options range from corporate meetings to private celebrations with minimum order quantities. We offer sandwich platters on our signature Chewy Brown bread and vegan-friendly selections. Delivery available through partner services like Deliveroo.
Fresh Pastries
Daily-baked pastries feature buttery croissants, almond pains au chocolat, and vegan alternatives. Our New York roll and blackcurrant cruffin showcase innovative flavour combinations. All pastries use high-quality ingredients with clear allergen labelling. Available for morning consumption in shops or pre-order collection.
Wholesale Supply
We supply premium baked goods to local businesses through our wholesale channel. Partner establishments receive consistent quality and exclusive access to our signature products. The service extends our commitment to traditional baking methods while supporting Brighton's hospitality sector through reliable distribution networks.
People
Alastair Gourlay
Founder
Paris-trained patissier with 25+ years experience in artisan baking. Established Real Patisserie in 1997 to bring traditional French techniques to Brighton. Continues developing recipes using time-honoured methods.
Questions
What makes your bread different from supermarket brands?
Our bread uses slow fermentation, premium flours, and traditional techniques developed over 25 years. This creates superior texture, enhanced digestibility, and complex flavours unavailable in mass-produced alternatives.
Do you offer gluten-free options?
We provide some gluten-reduced options like our Vegan Croissant and selected pastries. However, our kitchen handles gluten-containing ingredients, so cannot guarantee complete gluten-free environments.
Can I order custom-sized tarts for events?
Yes, we create custom tarts from 4 to 10 portions with 2-3 days notice. Seasonal fruit options and classic flavours like lemon meringue or chocolate salted caramel are available for pre-order collection.
Are your ingredients ethically sourced?
We prioritise local suppliers and sustainable ingredients. Our partnerships focus on ethical farming practices while maintaining the quality required for our traditional baking methods.
Do you cater for dietary restrictions?
We offer vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-reduced options across our product range. Allergen information is clearly displayed for each item, including nuts, dairy, and gluten-containing products.
How should I store your cakes after collection?
Refrigeration is required for all cream-based cakes. Keep cakes chilled during transport and store at 4°C until serving. Allow 30 minutes at room temperature before serving for optimal texture.
