A York bakery which is praised for its sourdough is one of the best in York, according to Press readers.

Dough, in Bootham, has been nominated for our Best Bakery competition which celebrates the top venues in the city.

Readers can vote for the Best Bakery 2024 by picking up copies of The Press newspaper until Saturday, September 14, with the winner set to be announced the week of Monday, September 23.

Dave Sturgess, who took over Dough about eight years ago, said the bakery is known for its variety of bread – ciabattas, focaccias, spelt loaves, baguettes – but one has proven to be a favourite: sourdough.

Dough has attracted a loyal customer base which he said visits every weekend to pick up their freshly baked sourdough loaves.

During the week, the bakery’s main focus is lunchtime, with customers visiting for its popular sandwiches.

It also makes pizzas which have proven a hit.

For Dave, his favourite thing about the business is making the bread itself.

“It’s the first bake of the day waiting for the first loaf,” he explained.

Dave said he was drawn to Dough after wanting to open a business of his own.

He has been baking there for eight years, picking up the skills on the job elsewhere.

'We’re just thrilled'

After Dough was revealed as a nominee for The Press Best Bakery competition, he said: “We’re just thrilled to be nominated.

“The best part of the bakery is having customers coming in and praising our bread.”

After nominations opened, Nigel Burton, editor of The Press, said: “Bakeries play an important role in York’s community. From freshly baked loaves in the morning to slices of cake in the afternoon, they brighten up our days.

“The Press wants to celebrate the people behind these businesses, who work hard to keep them here.

“That’s why we’re launching this competition to recognise the best of the best.

“Over the coming weeks we’ll bring you updates on the bakeries in our competition, so keep an eye out and see if your favourite is featured.”

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The Best Bakery series follows our previous competitions, crowing York’s best chippy, best barber or hairdresser and best pub.

Other nominees include, Bluebird Bakery, in Acomb Road; Browns of Heslington, in Heslington; Cosgriff and Sons, in Tower Street; Fred’s Home Bakery, in Albemarle Road; Haxby Bakehouse, in Haxby; Heppni Bakeri, in Swinegate; Little Blondie Bakehouse, in Walmgate; Sweet Dreams Bakery, in George Hudson Street; and the Coffee Pod, in Bishopthorpe.

Each newspaper in the coming days will feature a short profile on each bakery and why they deserve to be voted number one in York.