Once you try fresh bread from Downie Street Bakehouse in Stratford, you realize what ‘real’ bread tastes like

Sourdough bread from Downie Street Bakehouse topped with avocado. Jaan Pill photo

As you walk or drive south along Downie Street in Stratford past the YMCA and across the railway tracks, you arrive at the Downie Street Bakehouse.

Once you try fresh bread from the Bakehouse, you realize what ‘real’ bread tastes like.

Over the years I’ve brought bread from many different places.

In years past I’ve also been reading about the special qualities of sourdough bread.

When we moved to Stratford, we soon learned about the Downie Street Bakehouse, which sells freshly baked goods including baguettes, cookies, pastries, and different types of sourdough bread.

Downie Street Bakehouse. Jaan Pill photo

All the sourdough breads – including both the round loaves and regular ones – have a characteristic chewiness, a different kind of texture, that makes the eating of bread a decidedly different experience. The other breads and the pastries are equally outstanding.

Compared to bread that is available at standard outlets, this is an altogether different experience.

Note that it’s closed Sunday (except at the Slow Food Market May to October) and on Monday and Tuesday.

On Wednesday and Thursday it’s open 10:00 to 6:00, on Friday 10:00 to 7:00, and on Saturday 8:00 to 2:00.