Aerated Bread Company

A historical British bakery and tea room chain

Aerated Bread Company

The Aerated Bread Company (ABC) was a bakery chain in the United Kingdom, established in 1862. It was known for its innovative use of aeration in bread making, which eliminated the need for yeast. The company also became famous for its chain of tea rooms, which were popular social venues in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

An Aerated Bread Company shop

History

The Aerated Bread Company was founded by Dr. John Dauglish, who developed a method of bread making that used carbon dioxide to aerate the dough instead of traditional yeast fermentation. This process was considered revolutionary at the time, as it produced bread more quickly and with a longer shelf life.

The first ABC shop opened in London, and the company quickly expanded, opening numerous outlets across the city and beyond. The shops were not only bakeries but also served as tea rooms, providing a place for people to gather and socialize.

Tea Rooms

The ABC tea rooms became a significant part of British social life, especially for women, who found them to be respectable places to meet outside the home. The tea rooms offered a variety of baked goods, light meals, and, of course, tea. They were known for their clean and pleasant atmosphere, which contributed to their popularity.

Decline and Legacy

The popularity of the Aerated Bread Company began to decline in the mid-20th century as competition increased and consumer preferences changed. The company eventually ceased operations, but its impact on British culture and the development of the tea room as a social institution remains significant.

Related pages

• Tea room
• Bread making
• History of baking