WHO?

Northern Rye is the brainchild of Robbie Livingstone and his wife, Alex. Originally from East Kilbride, Robbie spent 18 years in the printing industry before a redundancy in 2016 prompted a career change. Pursuing his passion for food, he enrolled at The School of Artisan Food, graduating in 2017. Later that year, Northern Rye was born in his Newcastle kitchen.

Starting with pop-up stalls and baking from home, Robbie balanced early operations with a job at Sainsbury’s. By summer 2018, he committed to baking full-time, moving into a unit at the i2 Byker Business Centre. The bakery’s growth led to a larger space in 2019 and, in 2020, the opening of their first shop in Newcastle’s Ouseburn district, supported by a successful crowdfunding campaign.

In 2024, to meet increasing demand, Northern Rye expanded to a new production facility in North Shields’ Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate, tripling their capacity and enhancing their ability to serve wholesale clients.

CRAFTSMANSHIP AND QUALITY

Northern Rye’s philosophy centers on slow fermentation and high-quality ingredients. Their sourdough breads are made using only flour, water, and salt, with fermentation times ranging from 16 to 28 hours to develop rich flavors and improve digestibility. Pastries undergo a similar meticulous process, taking up to three days to perfect.

The bakery sources ingredients from esteemed suppliers, including regeneratively grown Wildfarmed flour and sustainable butter from Estate Dairy. They also collaborate with local producers like Gilchesters and Shipton Mill for organic, stoneground flours, ensuring each product reflects their commitment to excellence.

WHAT DOES NORTHERN RYE SUPPLY?

Country Sourdough
A staple in their lineup, this loaf boasts a dark, caramelized crust and an open, chewy crumb. Its balanced flavor—mildly tangy with subtle sweetness—makes it versatile for various culinary applications.

Poppy & Flax Sourdough
This loaf combines the nuttiness of toasted poppy and flax seeds, offering a hearty texture and rich flavor profile. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a wholesome, seed-enriched bread.

WHY WE WORK WITH NORTHERN RYE

Northern Rye’s dedication to traditional baking methods, quality ingredients, and continuous innovation has earned them accolades, including being named one of Britain’s best artisan bakeries. Their growth reflects a commitment to scaling up without ever compromising on craftsmanship—making them an ideal partner for The Modern Milkman.

By working with Northern Rye, we’re proud to offer our customers authentic, artisan sourdough breads that balance timeless techniques with modern values. Their loaves resonate with both tradition and contemporary tastes—just like we do.