Nestled within the cozy embrace of Saturday Club lies a delightful secret: Saturday Bakes. This bakery, reborn in June 2023, is a cherished addition to the club's offerings, a place where nostalgia and taste meet to create an enchanting experience. Its very name, ‘Saturday Bakes’, is a product of the club's essence. Members participated in a competition to christen the bakery and design its logo. It's a name that's not just catchy but homegrown, reflecting both a sense of belonging and identity.
Saturday Bakes offers a large variety of confectionery, breads, and savoury items
This bakery's story is intertwined with the club's history. The Saturday Club bakery was initially supplemented by a Flurys counter tucked away in the club’s parking lot. However, the transition to Saturday Bakes marks a shift back to the basics, a return to the heart of the club. The new location, beside the badminton court with its high ceilings, has become a natural gathering spot, conveniently placed along the path of entering and exiting the club, resulting in a tenfold increase in footfall.
Tapan Maity, the master baker, is the craftsman behind the creations. With a resume that includes stints at prestigious establishments like Taj Bengal and Kookie Jar, his expertise infuses every item with an artisanal touch. Assistant baker Santu Mondal adds to the magic, ensuring that each treat is crafted to perfection.
(L-R) Santu Mondal, Tapan Maity, Premjit Kumar Singh
The fragrance that greets you as you enter might be reminiscent of your grandma's kitchen on a Sunday afternoon, or Saturday as the case may be. The aroma of bread, fresh and warm, wafts through the air, mixing with the rich, comforting aroma of chocolate.
Saturday Bakes boasts a remarkable selection of bread -- from traditional sandwich loaves to healthy multigrain and olive-punctured focaccia, they cater to every palate. The rich parsley and herb loafs are particularly tasty, and paired with toppings of your choice, are a meal by themselves. You'll find treats like patties, chicken envelopes, and veg puffs in the savoury section, for which, excitingly, there are plans to expand further.
The bakery’s bread selection ranges from simple sandwich breads to hearty focaccia and herbs
But the true stars here are the pastries and confections. The apple pie and walnut brownie reign supreme as best-sellers, a testament to their irresistible allure. The cheesecakes, available in many flavours including blueberry, strawberry, and lemon, are rich but not overwhelming. Don't miss the mudpies, chai-infused cakes, carrot cakes, red velvet cakes, pista cakes, lemon tarts, and the classic chocolate boats. For the cookie connoisseur, there's a tempting array: chocolate cookies, cornflake cookies, coconut cookies, red velvet, orange, pista cookies, and jeera cookies, each one packed with flavour. The newest introduction is a purely eggless line, crafted from a plant-based German alternative. This means there's something delightful for everyone, regardless of dietary preferences or restrictions. It's a testament to Saturday Bakes' commitment to inclusivity.
The apple pies, which are bestsellers, are quickly sold out as soon as they hit the racks
Behind the counter, you'll find Premjit Kumar Singh, the smiling face who warmly greets you. At the core of Saturday Bakes' transformation lies the dedication and vision of Manash Borthakur. As the convenor of the Saturday Club, Manash poured his heart and soul into bringing this bakery to life. His commitment to the project and his relentless pursuit of excellence have resulted in a bakery that has quickly become a cherished gem within the club. "Today I feel that our bakery is, if not the best, at least among the best bakeries in the city. Our goods are fresh, tasty, and healthy!" said Rahul Johri, president of the Saturday Club.
The rich strawberry cheesecake, one of many flavours
The man behind the magic, the baker Tapan Maity, is a humble artisan who prefers to let his creations speak for themselves. His passion for confectionery is palpable in every item he curates, especially those with a chocolatey twist. Among his creations, the cheesecake holds a special place in Tapan's heart. These luscious desserts are a reflection of his dedication to perfecting the delicate balance of flavours and textures. Tapan took no time at all to settle into his new workspace and claim the bakery and its production unit as something very close to his heart.
These cream rolls offer a crunchy shell which gives way to a creamy, nutty centre
According to Shayak Gupta, the vice president of the club, it's not just about the taste but also about the unbeatable combination of quality and affordability. He emphasised the strategic advantage of the bakery's location, a factor that enhances the overall experience for club members and visitors alike.
For many, the Saturday Club is a home away from home, and Saturday Bakes is a delightful extension of that warmth. It's a place where the aroma of freshly baked bread and the sweetness of memories linger in the air. So, when you visit Saturday Bakes, remember that you're not just indulging in sweets; you're savouring the passion and expertise of a baker who pours his heart into every creation. It's this dedication to the art of baking that elevates Saturday Bakes to a league of its own, making it a place where every bite tells a story of craftsmanship, tradition, and a love for all things sweet.
