Kneaded with love, risen with care, shared with joy
Small batch, big dreams, full hearts - Welcome to Happy Belly Bakery
Our Story Begins
We’re Zelah and Michael — the hands, hearts, and (sometimes flour-dusted) faces behind Happy Belly Bakery. Our story began long before the first loaf was sold — in a warm, slightly messy kitchen in Tavistock, Devon, with a cat called Mabel silently judging us. Zelah’s been baking since she was tall enough to peek over a mixing bowl. Michael was growing his love for good food (and good board games) long before fate and a sourdough starter brought us together. After years of gentle nudging from family and friends, and a lot of dreaming, Happy Belly Bakery finally rose.
Good things take time. Our bread is no exception.
A happy belly is a happy heart.
Why Happy Belly?
Happy Belly means more to us than a full belly — it means a nourished one. Both of us live with IBS, and discovering the gut-friendly magic of fermented foods changed our lives. We want to share that joy, one lovingly baked loaf at a time. Our sourdough rises gently over four days, capturing deep flavour, beautiful crusts, and that little crackle you can hear when you tear it apart.
Rooted in Devon, Raised by Community
Living in West Devon gives us more than a beautiful place to live — it gives us a community. Every market day, every kind word, and every shared loaf fuels our passion. We proudly source from local businesses whenever possible, weaving Devon's soil and spirit into every bake.
Baked in Princetown, shared everywhere.
One foot in tradition, one dancing toward new flavours.
Our Baking Philosophy
We stay true to traditional methods: slow fermentation, careful hand-shaping, and deep respect for the craft. At the same time, we stay curious — playing with seasonal flavours, creating focaccias topped with garden herbs, or letting a jar of kimchi inspire a whole new loaf.
What Makes Us, Us
Happy Belly Bakery is proudly small, family-run, and built from scratch. No mass production, no shortcuts — just real food made with care. Every loaf we bake is an invitation to slow down, tear a piece, and share a moment of joy.
Every loaf has a story - and it starts with a slow, careful hand.
