Kevin Stickley from the Cottage Loaf Bakery in Eccleston

This months foodie is Kevin Stickley from the Cottage Loaf Bakery in Eccleston, Chorley. Kevin is very shy like most bakers so we don't actually have a picture of Kevin. Needless to say he's an earlier riser like all craft bakers and proudly still bakes on the premises.

I have been at the bakery since April 1989, when my family moved from Northampton. After getting married in 1998, my parents and sister retired and left me in sole charge. With a good team of staff and help from my wife, Lesley-Ann, the bakery is still going strong today.

We produce traditional bread, cakes pies and sandwiches, and also supply local businesses as well.

What is your favourite cookery or food book or publication ?

The Craft Bakers Book of Bread Making.

What sentence sums up Lancashire Food to you ?

It’s straight forward, tasty and well worth searching for a good producer.

If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you like to be ?

I nearly joined the Navy before I became an apprentice baker, so, a Naval officer by now.

Which piece of kit could you not do without ?

I need my oven and mixer, but I have a scotch scraper that I have used for 27 years, it’s still got a few years left in it.

Who would join you at your ultimate dinner party and why?

Paul Hollywood, to keep the wife happy, and Peter Kay, very funny man and I think he appreciates a good pie as well.

What advice would you give to your younger self ?

Choose staff more wisely, don’t be frightened to experiment and try new ideas, take more time out.

Describe your style in three words

Laid back, traditional and dedicated

What was your latest foodie gadget purchase ?

My 1955 Hobart mixer has died, so I have joined the world of spiral mixers.

What is your greatest achievement to date ?

Surviving for 27 years, while 6 bakeries around us have disappeared.

What is the worst mistake you have made ?

Putting business before family.

Tell us a secret about yourself ? may be something we wouldn’t expect !

Considering the fact I get up at 1AM, I hate early mornings.