Marmion Road has welcomed a great new addition that’s already proving a hit with the local community. Crazy Crumb Bakery, which opened its doors this weekend, is a family-run bakery and cafe co-led by fourth-generation baker Adam Benammar. By mid-afternoon on opening day, almost everything had sold out. This was a clear sign that Southsea has already taken to this new spot fondly.
We arrived around 3pm, long after the morning rush, and while the counters were bare from the day’s opening buzz, we still managed to enjoy a beautifully made flat white and took home one of their meringues to enjoy later. It’s easy to see why demand was so high; the atmosphere was friendly, welcoming and relaxed, with Adam and his family greeting every customer like an old friend. Adam was joined by his father, brother and a close family friend; all part of the hardworking team who had been up baking since 3am that morning and yet Adam was still bowling us over with his excellent customer service and charming manner, flattering my mother by suggesting she must be my sister!
Originally from Portsmouth but previously working in London, Adam explained that the family wanted to bring their love of baking back home. When they spotted the vacant shop on Marmion Road (previously Toni & Guy), they knew they’d found the right place.
Many new businesses are starting to pop up and thrive all along Marmion Road, which has become a real hub for independents in recent years, businesses such as Zaytoona, Southsea Local, Hoggies and Ellie Ann’s joining the street, which are all proving to be extremely successful. Crazy Crumb fits perfectly among a growing collection of local businesses which all go above and beyond to serve their local community.
The menu at Crazy Crumb reflects a blend of influences; French, North African, Middle-Eastern and English, offering a creative mix of breakfast dishes such as shakshuka, ranchero eggs and salmon gratin, alongside freshly-made salads, smoothies and coffee roasted by Routes. There’s also great care taken to ensure their business is inclusive for everyone, with gluten-free options available in the bread they make on-site; the family really do their best to make sure no-one is left out.
Beautifully braided challah loaves are served every Friday, as well as cakes, pastries and of course, fresh bread baked daily, everything at Crazy Crumb is handmade with great care and attention to detail.
Crazy Crumb Bakery & Cafe is open every day from 7am until around 4 or 5pm, the closing time varies depending on stock. Considering the opening weekend’s success, it’s worth heading there early to not miss out on the good stuff.
Crazy Crumb Bakery & Cafe
19 Marmion Road, Southsea
Open daily from 7am-4/5pm
