The Art and Soul of Sourdough
- Alistair Chevalier
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
At Le Bonheur Pâtisserie, our sourdough is not merely bread — it is a living reflection of patience, precision, and passion. Crafted through the meticulous nurturing of a natural leaven, our sourdough embodies the perfect harmony between nature’s simplicity and culinary artistry.
The Specialty of Our Sourdough
Our sourdough loaves are crafted from an 85% Hydration Sourdough, made with a carefully balanced blend of four distinguished flours: French White Flour, Wholemeal Wheat Flour, Whole Grain Rye Flour, and English Barley Flour. This quartet of grains, combined with mineral water and a touch of Guérande coarse sea salt, creates a loaf of remarkable depth, texture, and character.

Every element is chosen with intention: the French white flour lends elegance and lightness; the wholemeal wheat flour adds hearty, rustic notes; the whole grain rye flour introduces an earthy complexity; and the English barley flour imparts a gentle sweetness and distinctive aroma. Together, they weave a tapestry of flavours and aromas unique to Le Bonheur.
Our sourdough undergoes a slow, natural fermentation process, allowing complex flavours to unfold naturally without the addition of commercial yeast. This slow rhythm not only develops a more digestible and nutritious bread but also brings out elegant notes of toasted grains, slight tanginess, and a hint of natural sweetness — characteristics that distinguish Le Bonheur’s sourdough from the ordinary.
Crafted by hand, perfected by time.
What Makes Our Sourdough Unique?
• Four-Flour Craftsmanship: Our signature blend — French white flour, wholemeal wheat, whole grain rye, and English barley — delivers a complexity of flavour rarely encountered in a single loaf.
• Natural Leavening Only: No shortcuts, no compromises — only the authentic beauty of wild fermentation, respectfully guided by hand and intuition.
• High Hydration Mastery: With an 85% hydration, our dough achieves an open, airy crumb and a delicate, moist texture, elevating every bite into an experience.
• Time as an Ingredient: Our dough is given ample time to ferment, often up to 24 hours, allowing flavours to mature gracefully. In our philosophy, time is not an obstacle but a vital ingredient.
• Baking with Heart and Science: Each loaf is the result of a perfect balance between artisanal craft and a deep understanding of fermentation science, creating a consistent excellence that our patrons have come to treasure.
• The Toasting Ritual: For an unforgettable experience, we recommend toasting our sourdough in a steam toaster. The result is a crisp, caramelised crust enveloping a warm, aromatic, and tender crumb — a simple luxury to savour.

Luscious Companions to Elevate Your Sourdough Experience
To further enhance your sourdough indulgence, Le Bonheur also offers a selection of carefully curated accompaniments. Each companion is thoughtfully created to complement the character of our bread:
• Strawberry Vanilla Conserve — a bright, fragrant spread brimming with the sweetness of ripe strawberries and the soft allure of vanilla.
• Pâte de Foie — a luxurious, silky spread, perfect for a decadent savoury pairing.
• Sugar-free Confiture du Soleil — a sun-kissed medley of fruits, crafted without added sugar to capture the purest essence of nature.
• Boeuf Truffé — our signature minced beef creation enriched with the opulence of truffle, offering a rich and savoury complement.
• Secret House Pickles — our exclusive recipe of artisanal pickles, adding a vibrant, refreshing contrast to the bread’s depth.
Each accompaniment is crafted with the same philosophy as our sourdough: a celebration of authenticity, fine ingredients, and the joy of slow, thoughtful preparation.

Fun Facts About Le Bonheur Sourdough
• A Living Heritage: Our natural leaven is nurtured daily, much like a cherished companion. It reflects the unique environment of our kitchen, the seasons, and even the invisible poetry of the air.
• A Symphony of Flavours: Depending on the season and the hydration level, the profile of our sourdough subtly shifts — from brighter, citrusy notes in warmer months to deeper, maltier tones as the weather cools.
• Perfect Pairings: Whether enjoyed simply toasted with Échiré A.O.P. butter or adorned with one of our house-made companions, every bite reveals new layers of flavour and texture.
• Sustainably Crafted: Using wild yeast fermentation not only enriches the bread but also supports more sustainable, low-intervention baking methods, respecting both nature and tradition.
• A Humble Yet Noble Craft: In an age of instant gratification, the creation of true sourdough remains a timeless act of devotion, teaching patience, attentiveness, and gratitude with every loaf.
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