Crumbs! The Bakery Bringing Bishop’s Stortford Together - Maria Garman
Show notes
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Maria Garman is the founder and CEO of Crumbs, the modern artisan bakery and café now based in Miller’s Maltings in Bishop’s Stortford. With its open kitchens, handmade food and strong sense of warmth, Crumbs has quickly become one of those places many local people now fold into their weekly routine.
In this conversation, Maria explains how the Bishop’s Stortford site came about and why it felt right straight away. Having previously traded here at farmers’ markets and on North Street, she already knew the town and the people. When the opportunity came up by the river, she saw the potential immediately and said yes.
The episode also explores the deeper idea behind Crumbs. Maria talks about bread, craft and fermentation, but also about something bigger: creating food that brings people together. She reflects on the role a café can play in daily life, from the regulars and families who return each week to the conversations that begin around a shared table. What comes through clearly is that Crumbs is not just about baking. It is about building a place people want to be.
Links
Website
https://crumbsbakery.co.uk
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/crumbsbakeryandcafe/
Stortford Spotlight
Billboard in Jackson Square
“Life’s too short for bad coffee and fake sourdough”
Maria’s message is for all of us. Her point is simple: people have normalised food that does not serve them well, and forgotten how good proper bread and coffee can actually be.
Secret Spot
The quieter corners of Castle Park
Maria highlights Castle Park for its open space, greenery, water and sense of calm. For her, it is one of those places in town that helps people slow down and reset.
Local Legends
EAT17 - https://www.eat17.co.uk/bishops-stortford-2/
Maria gives a strong shoutout to EAT17 for the atmosphere, the independent spirit and the mix of good food and good energy. She describes it as a place that feels lively, varied and rooted in the town.
Support the Podcast
You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.
Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.
Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic