By Elspeth Chapman
Photo by Elspeth Chapman
North London’s artisanal bakery scene is rising, thanks to Sophia Handschuh, widely known online and on Instagram as Sourdough Sophia.
Photo via @sourdoughsophia Instagram
The bakery owner and entrepreneur has been steadily expanding her bakery brand across London after its humble beginnings in Crouch End, North London, during the pandemic.
What started in 2020 as a micro-bakery in Sophia and Jesse’s quickly grew into a neighbourhood favourite. With nearly 600 crowdfunding backers, the first brick-and-mortar site opened in Crouch End and in the following years they opened in Essex Road, Highgate and Hampstead.
Sourdough Sophia prides itself on its community spirit and growth. Leslie, Head Barista said, “despite being a growing company, emphasis is always on remaining a friendly neighbourhood café where our regulars feel at home.”
Instagram, where Sophia regularly shares behind the scenes glimpses of her bakeries and team, has become a home for loyal fans to watch the business grow. Her account showcases bakery interiors, staff, baristas and queues of customers waiting for sourdough loaves and pastries, helping build a following that is now well over 200,000 followers.
In summer of last year Highgate and Hampstead was opened. Located on Perrin’s Court, the new Hampstead space boasts the largest seating area yet and has quickly become a destination for coffee and pastries in the area, as well as child-friendly spaces and outdoor tables.
Beyond North London, Sophia’s Instagram has hinted at ambitious plans for 2026 and beyond. Sourdough Sophia has revealed that the team has been preparing a 7,000 sq ft central bakery and production hub in Bermondsey a major step toward scaling operations.
They’ve also teased up and coming sites in Primrose Hill and South Molton Street in Mayfair, signalling expansion beyond the brand’s original North London roots. “Sourdough Sophia is trying to build a home away from home, a cosy, calming sport where customers feel welcome”, Leslie, Head Barista adds.
Photo via @sourdoughsophia Instagram
Sourdough Sophia’s rise is part of a broader London bakery culture, where artisanal bread and baked goods are getting crowds and acknowledgement across the capital. Time Out and Condé Nast Traveller both list the brand among London’s standout sourdough destinations, testament to its popularity and quality.
From a lockdown passion project to a small local bakery chain, Sourdough Sophia is proving that good bread and community spirit can be a recipe for success. The delicious confections are even winning over people who thought they’d be happy to never see another bakery again.
Dr Ruth Webb, who lives in Hampstead but teaches Classics at a French University, said that the last thing the village needs is another bakery. She adds, however, that she might be open to persuasion.
“But I also said that when Gail’s opened in Hampstead and look what happened,” she said.
Photo by Elspeth Chapman
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