Alternative Bread Company

The Alternative Bread Company is a family-run bakery stall in Cork’s English Market, the historic covered food market in the centre of Cork city, County Cork. It was established in 1997 by Sheila Fitzpatrick and has become one of the market’s long-standing traders, marking 25 years in business in 2022.

The stall is known for its large range of handmade breads and baked goods. Alongside traditional Irish soda bread, the counter carries organic sourdoughs, Syrian flatbreads and an extensive selection of gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free and sugar-free products, making it a useful stop for shoppers with particular dietary needs. Members of the Fitzpatrick family have worked on the stall over the years, and it has built a reputation for friendly service within the market community.

A visit fits naturally into a wider wander through the English Market, where dozens of traders sell fresh produce, fish, meat, cheese and speciality foods under one roof. The bakery also offers a call-and-collect service, so orders can be arranged ahead of a visit.