We stopped by Aran Bakery on a side trip to Dunkeld. The bakery is owned by a baker who was on the Great British Baking Show, so I had high expectations.
Those expectations were met: we bought a loaf of their house sourdough bread and a fennel shortbread cookie. We dug into them so quickly I forgot to take pictures, which is a shame because they were beautiful as well as delicious.
The sourdough had the crunchiest exterior I've encountered in a loaf, encasing a very soft crumb inside. It was very satisfying and was nicely sour, though it would be easier to manage with a bread knife than tearing off pieces to munch on (as we did on our walk). The fennel shortbread was a revelation: mildly sweet, tender, and packed with fennel seeds. I could have easily eaten a lot more of these.
The store is quite small, and so the offerings are not many. Understandable, though I was hoping for a couple more savory options. Nonetheless, I would say it is well worth a stop in this charming town. read more