Our Story
The concept for Hearth & Hug Bakery began many years ago, when our owner’s family read her the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. As a child, she was so enchanted by the idea of fantastic sweets (and an entirely edible chocolate room), that she vowed to be the most magical of chocolatiers when she grew up. Her love of chocolate soon led her to discover the world of baking, and her enthusiasm for the craft has never waned since. While she eventually learned that the magic of Willy Wonka’s factory existed only in fiction, she found that there was a different kind of enchantment that came with baking; the pure joy and happiness that a good pastry can bring to people. She then decided to spread as much of that joy as she could by going to culinary school and opening a bakery. In 2023, the opportunity arose, and she was able to start Hearth & Hug Bakery.
Our storefront is located in the Boston Public Market, right across from Farmhouse Meats and Cheeses and Red’s Best Seafood.
This bakery is a culmination of years of trial, error, home, and professional kitchen experience, and most of all, love. We are so happy to finally be able to share that love with you!
Our Mission
Our mission is to spread love and joy in our community through a great experience, and even better food. We believe that great food should not only taste good, but it should also make you feel good. We aim to do this by making product that makes all of our customers feel at home, wherever home may be.
Food plays a part in the most important moments of our lives, and we are honored to be here to make those times memorable.
Meet the Owner
Natalie Hug is the owner and pastry chef at Hearth & Hug Bakery. She has dreamed of opening a bakery since she was 5 years old, and is finally making that dream a reality!
Growing up, Natalie baked out of her parent’s kitchen for family, friends, and anyone else who was nearby and hungry. After high school, she left her home state of California to attend Newbury College in Brookline, MA. and she graduated in 2019 with an A.S. in Baking and Pastry Arts, and a B.S. in Culinary Management. While in school, and since graduating, Natalie has gained experience in some of the most well-known bakeries in the Greater Boston area, such as: Flour Bakery and Cafe, Modern Pastry, and Union Square Donuts. She is very excited to take everything she’s learned over the years and use it to make Hearth & Hug Bakery a unique and comforting experience for all. Her favorite thing to bake is focaccia bread, and her favorite pastry to eat is a ham and cheese croissant.
Outside of the kitchen, Natalie enjoys reading Sci-Fi books, going to comedy shows, and cooking and eating with her husband and friends. She loves to travel anywhere she can, and always makes sure to try the local bakeries wherever she is!
