Brave Bakers: An Unforgettable Experience of Tasty Treats from Around the World
Omar Malik
27/03/24
(The Bakery’s Inviting Exterior, Image Credit: Brave Bakers)
From Nutella croissants to smoked sausage rolls, Brave Bakers in Glasgow's Saltmarket is an immersive culinary experience that you won’t be forgetting in a hurry.
Opening its doors in October 2018, the bakery’s owner, Petru Blaj, was determined from the beginning to make his business a roaring success.
We sat down with Petru to discover more about the bakery’s journey - as well as what it means to be a brave baker!
(Video credit: Omar Malik)
Before even entering the whimsical premises, the bakery has an unmistakable presence. An assortment of businesses adorn Saltmarket's streets - with a pronounced international focus.
Yet standing out is Brave Bakers, with its vibrant and inviting signage commanding the attention of passers-by. Then as you cross the road and get a more detailed glimpse inside, you are welcomed to a truly magical display of continental baked goods.
This fascinating culinary experience, inspired by a vast range of cultures, made us eager to discover their story!
How One Pretzel Transformed Brave Bakers
(The First Pretzel Being Proudly Presented, Image Credit: Brave Bakers)
As soon as we entered the bakery, there was a multitude of Parisian-esque aromas, and Petru was both friendly and welcoming before the conversation even began.
As we explored the place itself, there was an intriguing plaque nestled above a cutlery clock. Petru informed Blether that this was, in fact, how the Brave Bakers journey emerged.
Upon moving to Glasgow from Romania, Petru had determined ambitions to thrive as a business owner. But with the potential hindrance of a lack of expertise, he explained: “We didn’t have any background in business and baking - hence the ‘brave’ in the name.”
It certainly is commendable to travel to an unfamiliar city without a solid plan in place, but remain resolutely focused on creating a steady business with dedicated customers.
(Petru Holding a Branded Cuppa, Image Credit: Omar Malik)
Making observations while walking along Saltmarket’s streets helped to make the premises stand out during the initial months, Petru says: “By checking on the sidewalks to see the general age groups of people, or the days of the week that are most busy was important as we were still new to Glasgow.”
Petru credits friendly Glasgwegian customs for creating the business’ lasting presence: “The fact that we’re still here after so many years is a testament to Glasgow being welcoming. On a personal and a business level, Glasgow is so supportive. In the shop, you meet various people on a daily basis, but it’s incredible how friendly people are.”
Though it wasn’t merely observations and customer relations that were a turning point for Brave Bakers.
Trialling different interior designs and decor was necessary to make for a thriving business, Petru told Blether: “We’ve changed, adapted and re-adapted. We changed the in-store look about three times. The only thing that has remained the same was the colour scheme, because that’s what represents us - you can see that with our logo.”
(Brave Bakers' Outdoor Signage and Branding, Image Credit: Omar Malik)
The initial layout of the bakery reflected Romanian eateries, according to Petru: “At first, we had no seating and everything was visible; we had a conveyor oven, so from outside the window you could see everything we made from scratch - from the flour up to the end product. The setup was very presentable.”
Yet realising the cultural differences between Scottish and Romanian culinary preferences influenced Petru to alter the layout: “We soon realised that, culturally speaking, people here are much more used to coming in, getting their coffee, taking a seat and having a chat. It’s totally different to what I imagined - as in watching what we do, seeing the process and then taking the items away.”
Along with implementing a seating area, Petru created a means of getting the immediate attention of passersby - a window display consisting of floating baked goods.
Brave Bakers’ owner soon divulged: “It’s a funny story. We tried this out and it had a great effect - especially as the floating foods are on eye level. We see a lot of people walking by, just stopping and looking at the displays. So it was quite a good move.”
Good move it certainly was, as during our visit to Brave Bakers, we witnessed countless people outside whose eyes quickly became transfixed with the floating display!
The Cultural Richness of Brave Bakers
(A Mish-Mash Of All Things Continental Europe, Image Credit: Brave Bakers)
Pistachio macarons, falafel & hummus bakes, smoked sausage rolls and salted sesame pretzels are just some of Brave Bakers’ diverse menu items.
With the bakery’s team being proudly multinational, Petru decided early on to embrace the influences of international foods.
This inspiration came not only from researching different countries’ recipes, but also in the form of a business trip: “We managed to do a trip across Europe, visiting nine or ten countries. We did this to get a grasp of different arrangements and ingredients; to experience what other people want - and what others have to offer.”
(The Famous Smoked Sausage Roll, Image Credit: Brave Bakers)
Unique creations have culminated from learning more about different cuisines - including the smoked sausage roll pictured above. The item has become so popular with customers that it has become the bakery’s signature menu item.
Enjoyed by customers and staff alike, the smoked sausage roll is a different - but tasty - take on the sausage rolls most of us are accustomed to.
This international approach to baking has earned Brave Bakers widespread praise: “We have photos coming in from customers from various countries, which is fantastic. While our Apple Roses - an Australian recipe - worked for us, representing something cute and international. One Australian lady came in and recognised them at once.”
With freshly baked savoury and sweet tasty delights - with a uniquely international influence - being offered at the welcoming bakery, it’s no wonder that many international students are now regular customers.
(Some Freshly-Baked Nutella Croissants, Image Credit: Brave Bakers)
The vibrant, multicultural and relaxed aspects of Brave Bakers are all features which appealed to their now-loyal young customers, says Petru: “You don’t come here just to buy a croissant - it’s an entire experience. We’re not just a bakery around the corner. It’s also about making the customer feel like we’re a friend of theirs. If that comes with a good cup of coffee and a fresh baked good, then that’s fantastic.”
For some longtime younger customers, who built up a friendship with the bakery’s staff, employment soon followed: “We’ve made a lot of friends - a lot of staff we’ve had over the years were regular customers who came from student environments, perhaps having around six months to finish their studies.”
That’s the case with Vicky, a former customer-turned-dedicated employee, who Petru credits with propelling the business’s popularity boom in recent months.
A Brave Bakers Franchise?
(The Eye-Catching Food Cart, Image Credit: Brave Bakers)
Petru’s ambitions for Brave Bakers are not slowing down anytime soon, especially as they were recently nominated for Best Bakery at Scotland’s Business Awards 2024.
On the nomination, Petru told Blether: “That nomination was a real surprise - we had no idea that that was going to happen. It gives you not only visibility, but also a boost of trust by helping you and your team know that what you’re doing is right. It’s a really good boost of energy.”
Along with implementing wholesale ventures, deliveries and branded on-the-go food carts, Petru also revealed to Blether that by the end of summer, a cafe may be on the horizon: “The second location will be far more inclined towards seating than baking. We’re still going to have the same products that we sell here, but it’ll be more spacious and cosy.”
(A Witty Promotional Banner, Image Credit: Brave Bakers)
In the meantime, menu additions and improvements are taking effect imminently, according to Petru: “We’re trying to improve the services within the bakery. We’ll start off with other exciting types of coffee, and with new menu items - and that’s going to be happening within the next couple of weeks.”
Petru’s ambitions for Brave Bakers extend even to the potential for the brand becoming a franchise - but he’s taking things gradually for now.
If you’re as enamoured with Brave Bakers as we are, be sure to check them out at 112 Saltmarket in Glasgow's city centre. Or if you just want to see more of their tasty treats, the bakery’s Facebook page has plenty of mouth-watering photos to gaze at.