Lavender and Honey Kitchen
A Charming Bakery Café in Winston-Salem
What started as a humble pop-up tent at the Winston-Salem Cobblestone Farmers Market is now a brick-and-mortar establishment. Nestled in Winston-Salem’s West End neighborhood, Lavender and Honey is the embodiment of deliciousness in a homey atmosphere. “We specialize in nostalgic cakes, pies, and bread reminiscent of our grandmother’s table, with modernized twists influenced by European food trends,” explains Naomi and Natalie Gingerich, the mother-daughter owners of Lavender and Honey. The Gingerich ladies are the duo behind Lavender and Honey and, alongside their skilled staff, have grown the bakery into what it is today. Aside from their dazzling dessert displays, Lavender and Honey is more than just a bakery: it’s a family. The bakery’s Instagram account is managed by Naomi, and most of the posts aren’t simply about “selling” – they often reveal beautifully written descriptions about the owners’ upbringings, what inspires them in the kitchen, and how love is baked into everything that leaves the storefront.
All of the treats from Lavender and Honey are made from scratch. Several of the recipes used in the kitchen are inspired by the owners’ grandmother with a focus on local ingredients. “We are committed to supporting our fellow local businesses by using as many of their products as we can,” Gingerich says. Most days, you’ll see a parade of desserts on display, such as salted chocolate chip cookies, Nanaimo bars, brown butter Rice Krispie treats, cheddar rosemary scones, cakes, and pies showcased at the counter. Fresh flowers crown many of the cakes, and the flavors are often seasonally inspired: sour cherry pies in summer, pumpkin spice latte for fall, strawberry whoopie pies in spring. One of the treats nearly synonymous with the cafe is the Amish cinnamon roll: fluffy, hand-rolled dough topped with gooey icing goodness. You wouldn’t know it when you bite into one, but one of the main components of the cinnamon roll dough is mashed potatoes. Coffee drinks are brewed at the counter, as well, and there’s always a daily special that tempts guests to try something new.
There’s no shortage of seating inside (and outside) the bakery. Small round top tables are perfect for smaller gatherings, and a picnic-style table anchors the center of the room. When the light streams through the floor-to-ceiling windows, lazy geometric shadows grace the bakery’s interior. Black-and-white striped umbrellas offer shade to outdoor tables arranged at the front and in the back. When asked about the future of Lavender and Honey, the Gingeriches explained that they hope to expand their brand beyond food. They desire a larger commercial kitchen that would allow them to build a nationwide shipping program for their famous cinnamon rolls, as well as other beloved bakes. “Everything we do takes a lot of time, hard work, and creative energy, so when people show appreciation for that, it brings us a lot of happiness,” Naomi says.
If you visit during peak time (I’m looking at you, Saturday morning), don’t be dismayed by the line. The staff ensures that guests are served at a reasonable pace. So, whether you’re sitting down to catch up with friends or seeking a place to hunker down and get work done, Lavender and Honey is waiting with open arms.
Hungry for more? Check out Lavender and Honey’s website here.
