What makes bread sourdough?
It rises with a starter, not commercial yeast. A starter is just flour and water left to ferment until it’s full of wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria. Bakers feed it to keep it alive, sometimes for years.
Dough made this way rises slowly, and that’s where the flavour comes from. You get a gentle tang, a chewy crumb and a crust that crackles under the knife.
Every loaf we bake in Scarborough is naturally fermented with our own starter and baked fresh daily. Take one home, or taste it in a focaccia sandwich.
From the bakery shelf
Loaves and focaccia to take home, plus pizza dough and croutons.
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Meet Penelope, the starter behind every loaf
Vince Stalteri worked in construction as a project manager and engineer. On May 17, 2017, he walked away to cook. In 2018 he made his first starter and named it Anastasia, then nearly lost it. He brought it back and gave it a new name: Penelope.
By 2023 Penelope was raising the doughs at Penelope Social, our cafe and bar in Woodbridge. We opened the Bakehouse in Scarborough in 2026, and it now bakes all of Social’s sourdough. The bread you buy on Howden Rd is the bread they serve in Woodbridge.
Penelope sourdough vs supermarket bread
Plenty of loaves say sourdough on the bag. Here’s how ours is different.
| Compared | Penelope sourdough | Typical supermarket loaf |
|---|---|---|
| How it rises | Naturally fermented with our starter, Penelope | Usually commercial yeast |
| How long it takes | A slow rise, so flavour has time to build | Often a fast rise, made for volume |
| Where it is made | Shaped and baked at our Scarborough bakery | Often baked elsewhere and shipped in |
| When it is baked | Fresh daily, Monday to Friday | Often days before you buy it |
| Who you can ask | The team that baked it, at the counter | The label on the bag |
Order ahead or feed a group
Want a loaf waiting for you? Order online and pick it up, with a latte from our espresso bar if you like. You can buy gift cards online too.
Got a meeting or a party? The catering menu has full-size pizzas at $45 to $55 and focaccia sandwiches cut in four (six minimum). Give us 24 hours’ notice and collect it at the bakery.
Visit the bakery
We’re closed on weekends, so make it a weekday bread run. Pick up a loaf, some focaccia and a coffee while you’re here.
- Hours
- Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
- Phone
FAQs
Can I buy a whole sourdough loaf?
Yes. A sourdough loaf is $9 and a specialty loaf is $12. Focaccia and sweets are on the bakery menu.
Are you open on weekends?
No. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm.
Where is Penelope Bakehouse?
71 Howden Rd, Scarborough, ON M1R 3C7. Hours and contact details are on our Scarborough page.
Can I order bread ahead for pickup?
Yes. Order online and collect it at the counter.
How is your sourdough made?
Slowly. Every loaf rises with our own starter, Penelope, and we bake fresh every day we’re open. Read how Penelope began.
Is this the same bread as Penelope Social?
Yes. The Bakehouse bakes all the sourdough for Penelope Social, our cafe and bar at 125 Hawkview Blvd in Woodbridge.
Do you do catering?
Yes, with 24 hours’ notice, for pickup at the bakery. Send a catering enquiry or see the catering menu.
Need a loaf today?
The counter is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm. Stop by, or order ahead and we’ll have it ready.
