Nestled in the heart of Chiswick, Ma Ma Boutique Bakery has redefined what it means to be gluten-free.
From starting as a small, family-run business to becoming an award-winning bakery known for its artisanal bread, cakes, and pastries, we speak with Marzena and Nigel, owners of Ma Ma Boutique Bakery about their inspiring journey in creating a gluten-free haven where taste and quality are never compromised.
Inspiration for starting a gluten-free bakery
I’ve always had a passion for baking and come from a family of bakers. When some family members including myself needed to switch to a gluten-free diet, I began converting our traditional recipes. It became clear how much of a need there was for delicious, high-quality gluten-free options.
The history behind Ma Ma Boutique Bakery
Driven by their personal experience with the challenges of gluten-free living, Nigel and Marzena founded Ma Ma Boutique Bakery to bring delicious gluten-free options to the community, without compromising on taste or texture.
From the start, their mission has been clear, and they have succeeded in delivering a menu that proves gluten-free can be both indulgent and satisfying. Every item is freshly baked on-site in their dedicated kitchen, eliminating any risk of cross-contamination.
Nigel oversees the front of house, warmly welcoming customers and managing the cafe, while Marzena focuses on recipe development, menu planning, and baking. Together, their balanced teamwork ensures everything runs seamlessly.
The story behind the name Ma Ma Boutique Bakery
When discussing the story behind the name, they responded:
The name “Ma Ma Boutique Bakery” holds a special place in our hearts. “Ma” pays tribute to both me, Marzena, and my beloved sister Margaret, whose memory we cherish after her unfortunate passing due to Covid in 2021. The “boutique” signifies our personal touch, an embodiment of our tastes and the love we pour into every creation.
As I often reflect, “By intertwining Ma from my name and Ma from Margaret, we ensure she remains a part of our journey always.” So, whenever you indulge in our bakery delights, know that you’re sharing a piece of our heart and story.
Developing gluten-free recipes
Marzena began by transforming her family’s traditional recipes into gluten-free favourites. It took numerous trials to capture the same rich flavours and textures, but with her background in baking, she had the expertise to keep experimenting until they got it just right.
Ma Ma Boutique Bakery Menu
Ma Ma Boutique Bakery sets itself apart as the only establishment in the area devoted exclusively to gluten-free offerings.
Their freshly baked bread selection includes sourdough, boules, and poppyseed loaves, while a daily-changing menu adds variety, offering everything from feta and spinach rolls to cinnamon swirls, blueberry or raspberry sponge slices, and a zesty orange and almond cake.
Favourite item on the menu
It’s hard to choose, but I’d say our award-winning mini white baguettes hold a special place. The texture is so close to traditional bread, and I love that our customers can enjoy it without missing out on the real thing.
Award-winning bakery
In 2024, Ma Ma Boutique Bakery earned a gold medal for their gluten-free mini baguettes and a silver medal for their plain sourdough bread at the prestigious Free From Food Awards. This remarkable achievement reflects the exceptional quality of their baked goods.
How do you come up with new flavours and ideas for your baked goods?
As a fully gluten-free bakery, Marzena focuses on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible within gluten-free baking. She takes inspiration from seasonal ingredients, family recipes, and customer feedback.
Each new product is carefully crafted to ensure it meets their gluten-free standards while offering something fresh and exciting. Marzena said that she also experiments with dairy-free and vegan options to make sure they can cater to a wider audience.
Sourcing the ingredients
Wherever possible Marzena and Nigel use local and organic ingredients. They believe that using natural, premium ingredients results in the best quality, taste, and nutrition for their baked goods.
Running a gluten-free bakery
When asked, what is the most rewarding aspect of running a gluten-free bakery, they responded “hearing from customers who have struggled to find great gluten-free options, and seeing their faces light up when they realize they don’t have to compromise on taste or texture. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know we’re making a difference in people’s lives.”
Demand for gluten-free options
When asked if they’ve noticed a shift in demand for gluten-free options in recent years, Marzena and Nigel shared, “Definitely! More people are becoming aware of gluten intolerances, and even those without specific dietary needs are seeking gluten-free options as part of a healthier lifestyle.”
Catering to customers with other dietary restrictions
Many of the products at Ma Ma Boutique Bakery are also dairy-free and vegan, like their new lemon drizzle and pumpkin cake.
Additionally, their sourdough breads are not only gluten-free but also yeast-free, gum-free and cellulose-free.
We want everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, to enjoy our baked goods.
Click and Collect
In addition to their cafe—where customers can pop in for a quick bite, takeaway, or a relaxed coffee—Ma Ma Boutique Bakery also offers click-and-collect on select products, including their award-winning signature plain sourdough and mini white baguettes.
They also take orders for bespoke gluten-free celebration cakes.
Future goals for Ma Ma Boutique Bakery
Marzena and Nigel are committed to continually innovating and expanding their range of delicious gluten-free products. Looking ahead, they hope to grow further — possibly opening more locations or even offering nationwide delivery for our baked goods.
What do you think is special about Chiswick?
Chiswick is such a vibrant, community-focused area, and we love being a part of that. There’s a strong appreciation for artisan and local businesses, and the support we’ve received from the community has been incredible and is very much appreciated.
Learn more about the benefits of living in Chiswick here.
