rustic sourdough breads and artisan pastries

Renard Bakery is located on the busy, cosmopolitan Fernand Cocq Square in the heart of Ixelles. The entire world passes by to taste the artisan sourdough breads and delicate pastries. Laurent and Sophie took over the Former bakery in 2015 and “converted it into their own bread palace” (Knack Weekend). They Belong to the new generation of bakers who are restoring traditional bread baking to its former glory. 

Laurent attended hotelschool,  against the wishes of his parents. Yet after studying political science and earning a law degree, Laurent decided that what he really wanted to be was a baker of sourdough bread to be precise. The reason? It’s more difficult, more challenging. And the results are immediate: when the bread comes out of the oven, you see right away if it turned out right. Laurent studied and apprenticed in Paris, and worked in several bakeries in Belgium. A year later, he and Sophie found the perfect location in Brussels.

'The beauty of rising bread'

Lifestyle, interior, art, fashion... Sophie enjoys all the good things in life, including the joy of a loaf of bread fresh out of the oven and the beauty of rising bread. She became infected with a love of bread-baking thanks to Laurent, the most passioned person she’s ever met. Sophie was responsible for the tasteful decor of the shop, featuring lots of natural materials and a beautiful old baking table. A range of products are displayed on the table, including artisanal honey, homemade jam, and tea. Sophie gets her inspiration as well as from international blogs as from local farmers.

'When the bread comes out of the oven, you can immediately see if it turned out right'

A lifelong love of baking plus a good dose of entrepreneurship are the ingredients that describe Laurent. During his childhood holidays at the belgian coast, he would ride his bike to his uncle’s bakery. And as a student, he worked at various bakeries in Brussels and in his hometown.