We’ve Moved! A New Chapter Begins for Cultured Bakehouse in Garvagh

From Our Family to Yours: Why This Move Matters

 

In 2020, Cultured Bakehouse was born out of a deep need we saw in our community—families, individuals, and children who couldn’t safely enjoy baked goods due to food allergies and intolerances.

My name is Zilka, and together with my husband Thomas and our five children, we run this bakery as a family. We know what it’s like to juggle many roles: parenting, working, teaching, nourishing, and caring.

That’s why Cultured Bakehouse is more than just a business. It’s our family’s way of making others feel seen, safe, and included—especially when food often does the opposite.

This move from Newry to Garvagh, Coleraine is not just a new location. It’s a step into a bigger, bolder vision.

 

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Why We Left Newry

Newry gave us our start. It was where the first brownies were baked and where we learned, adapted, and grew. But as demand increased, so did our need for:

• More space to bake and pack safely

• A better delivery route for reaching families across Northern Ireland

• A location that gave our family room to live and homeschool without chaos

 

Garvagh offered all of that—and more.

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Why Garvagh?

• Quiet town, close to Coleraine

• Access to beautiful countryside that inspires our slow-living values

• A supportive local community

• Easier access to the North Coast for local deliveries and potential pop-ups

But the biggest reason? We found a home where Cultured Bakehouse could grow without compromising its values.

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What Makes Us Different?

We focus entirely on those often left out:

• People with coeliac disease

• Children with multiple allergies

• Parents who don’t want to take risks with food

• Anyone avoiding gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, sesame, or soy

We’re a fully free-from bakery—meaning we don’t “offer” gluten-free products on the side. Everything we bake is:

✅ Free from the 14 main allergens

✅ Made-to-order to avoid waste and cross-contamination

✅ Handled in a safe, controlled kitchen (no shared surfaces, ever)

✅ Loved by people who don’t even have allergies—because taste matters, too

 

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Our Values

We run Cultured Bakehouse based on:

• Inclusion: Food should welcome everyone to the table

• Safety: No shortcuts. No contamination. No risks.

• Honesty: Every label means what it says

• Nourishment: Whole ingredients, minimal sugar, no fillers

• Joy: Eating should still feel like a treat

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What We Offer (So Far)

Our most-loved products include:

• Famous Allergy-Friendly Brownies – No one believes they’re free from everything

• Rustic Sourdough Loaves – Fermented slowly, full of flavour

• Churros & Caramel – Yes, even these are gluten, dairy, and egg free

• Seasonal Treats – Easter cookies, autumn pavlova, Christmas fruit tarts

• Custom Orders – Because birthdays, weddings, and milestones deserve inclusion too

All made by hand. All safe. All tested on my own family first—especially my picky testers: Thomas and our first two boys.

 

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What Has Changed Since the Move?

 

1. Faster Deliveries

   We’re now better connected to Coleraine, Derry, Belfast, and the Causeway Coast. Orders reach more homes faster.

2. New Packaging

   We’ve made our eco-friendly packaging stronger for shipping. Brownies arrive in perfect condition—even by post.

3. Better Workflow

   Garvagh allows us to bake, cool, wrap, and store everything more efficiently. That means fresher products and more time for customer care.

4. Room to Dream Bigger

   We’ve started working on:

   • An allergy-free recipe ebook

   • Workshops for children and families

   • A local pickup option for nearby customers

   • A subscription box service (coming soon!)

   
   

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You Asked, We Listened

Here are some of the most common questions we’ve gotten since the move:

“Is everything still allergy-friendly?”

Yes. In fact, our standards are even stricter now. We continue to avoid all 14 EU-recognised allergens, and nothing enters the kitchen that could compromise that.

“Can I still get delivery in Belfast?”

Absolutely. We deliver all across Northern Ireland. In some cases, we now reach Belfast even faster.

“Do you do local pickups now?”

Yes. If you’re in or near Garvagh, you can collect your order at a scheduled time. This has helped families in Coleraine and Ballymoney reduce delivery costs.

 

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Our Family Life Here

This move wasn’t just for the bakery. It was for our children.

We homeschool our children. Garvagh gives them:

• Nature walks

• Space to explore

• A calmer environment

• Time with animals and creative projects

Our business and family life are woven together. Some days we bake and pack together. Other days, the kids help with labels or photography. Even our workshop ideas are inspired by what works with them.

 

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Looking Ahead

We’re not stopping here. Some exciting plans in the works:

• International Shipping (testing chocolate-safe packaging now)

• Workshops for schools and allergy-awareness events

• A new bakery brand (non-allergy) run by Thomas

• More educational content for families managing allergies

• Affiliate opportunities for allergy bloggers and recipe developers

We believe Cultured Bakehouse can become a global leader in allergy-safe food—without losing the personal, human touch we’re known for.

 

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A Personal Note from Me

When I started baking allergy-friendly food, it was for friends.

When I turned it into a business, it was terrifying.

Now, years later, moving to Garvagh, running the bakery with my husband and children—it feels like coming full circle.

We’re still learning. Still growing. But we haven’t changed what matters:

Inclusion. Nourishment. Joy.

From our kitchen to your table—thank you for trusting us.

Love,

Zilka

Cultured Bakehouse

 

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