Industry experts have named a socially-conscious North London bakery among the top artisan bread shops in the UK

The Dusty Knuckle is among the 'Bakers' Dozen' of businesses announced on January 30 at industry title British Baker’s The Artisan Collective event.

It started off in a 40 foot shipping container in Dalston and now has two cafe/bakeries in Dalston and Harringay Green Lanes, which provide on the job training and mentoring for at-risk young people hoping to improve their lives.

Ham & High: The Dusty Knuckle has been named among the top 13 artisan bakeries in the UK by industry title British BakerThe Dusty Knuckle has been named among the top 13 artisan bakeries in the UK by industry title British Baker (Image: Archant)

Favourite items range from loaded sandwiches made with freshly baked bread to woodfired pizzas, pastries, and sourdough loaves with the Green Lanes cafe turning into a pizza and wine spot by night on Thursday-Saturday.

Meanwhile the bakery in Abbott Street Car Park, Dalston Junction, now includes outside seating, a bakery, cafe and popular baking school with all day, weekend or evening classes where you can learn how to make bread from scratch, ferment veg and turn out fresh pasta.

They also run a vintage 1984 milk float which tours to Walthamstow, Leyton, Homerton, Hackney Wick, Bow, Angel and Clissold Park and Highbury selling their wares.

The artisan collective event celebrates the people behind bakeries where baked goods – such as bread, buns, pastries, and cakes – are made with skill,  by hand, often using traditional processes.

“Each of the 13 bakeries on the list has been recognised by industry experts and their peers as a beacon of dedication, passion, and skill, as demonstrated through lovingly handcrafted products and the people who make them,” said Amy North, editor of British Baker.

“It’s great to see such a diverse range of bakeries, which span the width and breadth of Britain from Berwick in Scotland down to Eastbourne in the south of England, on the list meaning communities across the nation have access to some wonderful baked goods.”

The mark of an artisan bakery is where quality of ingredients and products is lovingly maintained often by keeping production small.