Meet Stephen Walsh, the owner of Celtic Cravings, a local bakery that specializes in from-scratch nostalgic goods. Pick up some delicious breads and desserts when he visits the Downtown Farmers’ Market.
How would you describe your business?
“Celtic Cravings is an Edmonton-based bakery focused on traditional Irish and British baking. We make everything from scratch in small batches, with a big focus on breads that are hard to find here—Irish potato bread, Dublin batch loaves, Guinness brown bread, soda bread, sourdoughs, baps, farls, and old-school bakery sweets.
“We also make things like Bakewells, millionaire’s shortbread, cheesecakes, scones, custard slices, and seasonal pastries. Most of what we make is based on recipes and styles I grew up with or worked with over the years as a chef and baker.”
What makes your business stand out?
“A lot of people here have never had proper Irish or British baking before, so we try to bring something genuinely different to the market. Our breads and desserts are less sweet, more traditional, and made for eating rather than just looking pretty on Instagram. We also make a lot of things that trigger nostalgia for Irish, British, and East Coast customers—especially potato bread, batch loaves, brown bread, and classic traybakes.
“Everything is handmade in Edmonton, and we’re constantly experimenting with new sourdoughs, seasonal specials, and traditional recipes.”
Out of all your products, which is your favourite?
“Probably the Dublin Batch loaf. It looks simple, but when it’s done properly it has a dark caramelized crust and a really soft, feather-light interior. It’s one of those breads that people don’t realize they miss until they try it again.
“Close second would be the Guinness brown bread because so many people say, ‘This tastes exactly like the bread I had in Ireland.’ On the sweets side, I’m a big fan of the millionaire’s shortbread—simple but dangerously good.”
What does it mean to you to be a part of the Downtown Farmers’ Market?
“The Downtown Farmers’ Market has been a great way to connect directly with people who care about local food and handmade products. You get regulars, tourists, homesick Irish people, curious customers trying something new for the first time—it’s a good mix. Markets let small businesses build real relationships with customers, and that personal connection is a huge part of what makes this kind of work worthwhile.”
Learn more about Celtic Cravings on their Facebook, and follow them on Instagram here.
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