A Day of Sourdough, Science, and Connection at Bread with Benefits

You know I’m a lover of sourdough. It’s an incredible powerhouse of gut-friendly nutrients! That’s why I’m over the moon to be joining the wonderful Dr Alex Davidson for a very special day at Bread with Benefits in the lush green Boyne Valley, near Dublin, on Sunday, 26th October. You might think “oh, not another sourdough workshop.” And you’re right. It is not just a workshop. It’s an opportunity to explore of how ancient traditions and modern science come together to support gut health, mental resilience, and community.

From the bugs in the dough themselves and the symbiotic relationships they developed, to learning from each other’s stories, throughout the day, you’ll:

• Mix, knead, and bake your own sourdough loaves to take home.

• Enjoy fresh creations like sourdough pancakes, crackers, and plant-based spreads.

• Learn about the microbiome, fermentation, and the gut–brain connection in real life, not just in theory. And not just from me, but from an NHS GP with an incredible amount of clinical experience.

• Be part of live demos, including making your own cultured butter.

Bread with Benefits Founder and “Gentleman Baker,” Chris Brownlow brings a background in agronomy and food production (including managing potato farming for Tayto Crisps) and training from Dublin Cookery School and The Sourdough School. He hosts hands-on sourdough experiences in the Boyne Valley that connect gut health, sustainability and community.

Alex, Chris, and I will each bring our own lens to the day. Alex will share her insights as a GP on how simple, everyday choices can transform long-term health. I’ll weave in the neuroscience of food, mood, and the gut-brain connection. And Chris, our host, will guide the hands-on sourdough experience, bringing his background in agronomy, food production, and artisan baking to life.

Together, we’ll show how bread can be more than food: a bridge between science, sustainability, and community. Expect practical takeaways you can use at home, alongside plenty of good food, conversation, and laughter.

So yes, this is much more than a baking class. It’s about slowing down, reconnecting with food, and discovering how something as simple as a loaf of bread can nourish body, brain, and soul.

Save the date, and join us for a day that promises to be nourishing, colourful, and a little bit magical.