EVIEDALE BAKEHOUSE AND BISTRO

Delicious sourdough from the bakery; prized handmade pizzas straight from the oven; and gelato deserts to die for . . . Like the artisan loaves they lovingly bake, the owners of Eviedale Bakehouse and Bistro have seen their ambitions rise, quickly establishing a true recipe for success.

Growing from humble beginnings in 2017, husband and wife team Philippa and Ian Porritt have overseen a continued and sustained expansion, now boasting not just a sourdough bakery, but also Orkney’s first wood-fired sourdough pizzeria.

Having just celebrated their seventh anniversary of moving to Orkney, Philippa and Ian consistently supply their local customers with quality sourdough products made in their bespoke bakery building, built by Ian himself. This has allowed them to consolidate their bakery operation, and offer a sit-in restaurant service.

The range and the quality of their bakery products are simply fantastic. Shaped by hand in the traditional way, using natural wild yeast, their organic sourdough bread and pastries include a huge variety, from rustic white and beremeal loaves to sourdough croissants, cinnamon swirls and an array of delicious cruffins.

It is not just breads and pastries though. Their reputation for excellence in Neapolitanstyle wood-fired sourdough pizzas has seen people flocking to their bistro in Evie to try out their varied and extensive menu.

Using the finest quality authentic ingredients, sourced locally where possible, they offer a sit-in evening service, with some takeaway options when space permits.

The bistro has an alcohol licence, which allows customers to enjoy a glass of wine with their pizzas in the stylish, cosy premises. They stock local craft beers and spirits with a wide range of organic and biologic wines that pair beautifully with their pizzas.

Eviedale also cater for gluten free and vegan customers.

The demand for their range of cook-at-home part-baked sourdough pizzas is also high, so Philippa and Ian continue to make them weekly. They are perfect for events and family gatherings and can also be frozen, making for a great quick snack or dinner. These can be ordered to collect at Eviedale or in The Brig Larder in Kirkwall.

For those with a sweet tooth, Eviedale’s homemade gelato is a must — a new addition to their dessert menu, and freshly made on-site using delicious creamy milk from The Orkney Dairy.

Their traditional Italian gelato, similar to ice cream but with a creamier texture, is on offer with their popular Belgian brownies and for dessert or for takeaway in a tub or cone for the season ahead.

Pizza and gelato . . . a match made in heaven. The future certainly looks bright for Eviedale Bakehouse and Bistro.