Located in the heart of Chania, Red Jane Bakery is housed in an abandoned 1930s machine workshop, featuring a graffiti-covered façade that immediately grabs the attention. This distinctive exterior exudes an aura of mystery and intrigue, setting it apart from the ordinary bakery experience. The brainchild of Nikos Tsepetis, the visionary hotelier responsible for the nearby beach resort, Ammos, is crafted to be a culinary haven for both locals and tourists.
The interiors of Red Jane are a testament to the marriage of contemporary design and culinary artistry. Designed by London-based furniture and lighting designer, Michael Anastassiades, the bakery exudes an air of sophistication and modernity distinguishing it from the ordinary. The space underwent a transformation, with Greek marbles sourced from Dionysus and Ritsona enveloping the interior. A towering glass window serves both to separate and visually unite the production area from the sales space. A stroll across the Italian-tiled floor reveals an exposed brick ceiling, lending the space an industrial charm. The centerpiece of Red Jane, a long, red marble counter, bathed in the soft light of minimalist pendant lamps, is where pastries including chocolate-filled croissants, koulouri (Greek sesame-topped bagels), and baklava swirls are showcased.
Behind Red Jane’s menu is Eyal Schwartz, renowned as the former head baker and co-owner of London’s acclaimed E5 Bakehouse. At the heart of Red Jane’s culinary excellence lies its dedication to sourcing premium ingredients. The organic flour used for crafting their bread is procured from Cretan Mills in Chania, predominantly derived from Greek grains. The artistry behind Red Jane’s bread and pastries is a result of a collaborative effort spanning three years, with head baker Seraphim Karantziounis and his team working closely with Eyal Schwartz, and the talented pastry chef Konstantinos Kasidopoulos of Cannelait Paros. Coffee enthusiasts are also in for a treat at Red Jane, as coffee roaster Giannis Klouvidakis curates perfectly balanced blends of freshly roasted coffee, using beans sourced from small farms in Brazil and Colombia.
