Latest news with #BanditBakery
The Herald Scotland
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Thousands raised after death of Scots baker and family man
Aberdeenshire native Steven Buchan, who founded the bakery in 2019, died earlier this week at the age of 33, leaving behind his wife Zoe and three young children. An outpouring of support for the family has seen thousands of pounds raised via JustGiving. As of 2.40 PM on Thursday, £15,045 had been donated, in less than one day. Zoe Buchan said: "I lost my beautiful husband Steve suddenly and unexpectedly this week. As most of you will know he was the Vegan Bay Baker. He leaves behind myself and our three beautiful children. "I am hoping to raise enough money to give him the funeral he deserves and to have for our children. I am so overwhelmed by all the offers of support and help, all the lovely messages I've had. "I really appreciate everyone who has been so kind, sharing stories of him, how wonderful he was, he was the best daddy to our kids and husband to me. We already miss him so much." Childhood friends Steven and Zoe grew up in the small town of Balmedie, ten miles north of Aberdeen. The couple set up Scotland's first vegan craft bakery from their kitchen table, eventually expanding to brick and mortar locations in Aberdeen, Balmedie, and Peterhead. In 2022, the shop was honoured at the Scottish Bakers Awards, winning top prize for their sourdough bread. Five hundred people have contributed to the fund, including fellow Aberdeen pastry shop Bandit Bakery, who donated £200, as did Ellon-based pizza restaurant The Gaff and Peterculter artisans Crust Bakery. Anna Smith said on Facebook: "I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Steven kindly delivered us some delicious food during lockdown and really made my little boy so happy he could enjoy croissants and cakes for the first time with his dairy allergy." Rebekilla Duncan added: "My family and I met Steven in the Banchory food market a few years ago and he was so wonderful. It was the first time my daughter who has severe allergies could eat a croissant, he made her so happy and we ended up talking to Steven for a while about his business and how wonderful his products were."
Press and Journal
02-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
8 Aberdeen bakeries to visit for butteries, cakes and more
Few things are better than a freshly-baked buttery, loaf, cake or pastry. And Aberdeen is full of some amazing bakeries offering delicious baked goods. To save you the hassle of hunting them down, I've pulled together a list of businesses to visit if you're in need of some tasty treats. Social enterprise The Bread Maker, an artisan bakery and coffee shop, is kicking things off. The Rosemount Viaduct spot sells rowies, focaccia, and everything in between. There are gluten-free loaves, oaty bread, sourdough, crusty bread rolls, ciabatta and much more. As for sweet options, the bakery sells cupcakes, scones, pancakes, empire biscuits, muffins traybakes and some delicious strawberry tarts. Address: 50-52 Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, AB25 1NT Since the Cookie Cult shop opened its doors back in 2023, owner Amanda Charles and her enthusiastic team have been serving up delicious cookies to hungry customers in Aberdeen. The St Swithin Street spot is colourful, cosy and you will be spoilt for choice on your visit. As well as some tasty coffees – hot or iced – Cookie Cult serves huge loaded cookies absolutely stuffed with filling. These change up seasonally (there was even a cookie with a whole creme egg in it for Easter) and there is always something delicious to choose from. Be sure to stop by early doors as stock often sells out! Address: 12 St Swithin Street, Aberdeen AB10 6XD If you haven't stumbled across or heard of Bandit Bakery, then we'll have done you a solid by including the business in this listicle. Pete Leonard, who runs the Rose Street venue with his wife Sarah, is constantly introducing new products to the bakery's counter. The bakery is known for some mind-blowing cinnamon rolls, but you can also find sourdough, cookies, focaccia and more on their shelves. To top it all off, everything is plant-based. Address: 51H Rose Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1UB This spot might not be on your radar yet, but it absolutely should be. One of my absolute favourite places in Aberdeen, the cute and colourful Hong Kong and Macau-style bakery is run by Candy Leong and her husband, Herman. The authentic menu at Candy's Dream Cake features scrumptious pineapple buns, Hong Kong style egg tarts and Basque cheesecake that is honestly life-changing. There are savoury options to choose from too, including chicken or pork sandwiches, which are delicious. The couple also bake adorable cakes for celebrations to keep them in mind for your next birthday. Make sure to try the cheesecake on your visit! Address: 77-79 John St, Aberdeen AB25 1LP The Bread Guy is thriving, to say the least. It quickly became one of the most well-loved bakeries in the north-east when owner Gary McAllister started the business six years ago. Once you try their products, it's easy to understand why. They sell bread, doughnuts, pies, pancakes and epic butteries. The business recently started selling these butteries at Costco. I would recommend getting your hands on a yum yum on your visit. Addresses: Ross Bakery on Chapel Street is a handy wee shop packed with filled rolls, pies, sausage rolls and wraps. They also offer baked potatoes and sandwiches. The family business sells many a sweet treat too, including apple pies, scones, sticky toffee pudding and trifle. Address: 44 Chapel Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1SP We are so lucky in Aberdeen to have such an amazing range of bakeries to choose from, and Vegan Bay Baker is up there as one of the best. All the bakes are vegan – you might have guessed by the name! – and their vegan butteries rival other non-vegan alternatives in the city. The Vegan Bay Bakery offering also includes delicious brookies, cupcakes, pretzels doughnuts and almond croissants. You can also find them in Balmedie and Peterhead. Address: 33 Castle Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5BB Family-run bakery Fat Batch on Aberdeen's Elmbank Terrace is co-owned by Eve Smith. The bakery regularly has queues going out the door. But with products like lemon drizzle blondies, and flake brownie Millionaire's slice on offer, it's easy to understand why… The colourful spot is also known for amazing drinks, including hot chocolates, brookie milkshakes and even banana bread matcha. Address: 57 Elmbank Terrace, Aberdeen AB24 3NL
