A Note From Me...

Hi everyone,

The past few months have been a season of quiet transformation for Cultured Bakehouse.

After last year, I knew I needed to pause. Not because the love for this work had faded, but because I wanted to build something sustainable, joyful, and aligned with who I am today.

Baking full time had become heavy under the weight of rising costs and relentless pressure. I realised what brings me the most joy isn't just making food: it's empowering people to feel confident with it. Teaching them. Sharing with them. Gathering around a table together.

So Cultured Bakehouse is stepping into this next season with intention.

From February, I'm launching a new series of hands-on workshops across Northern Ireland. I'm currently finalizing venues, with one very close to confirmation.

These workshops bring together everything that matters to me: food that's safe and inclusive, recipes free from the top 14 allergens, stories from my own heritage, and the threads of culture, connection, and learning woven throughout.

One of the first events will be a Latin American culture evening at Infuse Tea Bar in Coleraine, one of my favourite places. It will be an evening of food, stories, and shared experience, inspired by the countries, flavours, and traditions that shaped who I am.

These aren't just classes. They're spaces to slow down. To cook. To learn. To feel welcome.

This approach feels sustainable for me, and it lets me serve people more deeply. I can reach more people. I can teach families to cook safely at home. I can build community instead of burning out.

Cultured Bakehouse has always been rooted in inclusion. That hasn't changed.

This is simply a new expression of that heart.

If something else is needed down the road, I'll listen and pivot. For now, this is where I'm meant to be.

Thank you for walking alongside me as this journey unfolds.

With love,

Zilka Gerritsen
Founder, Cultured Bakehouse