At the Newington Green flagship of the renowned Jolene brand, is our Portuguese boy Marcelo Rodrigues, showing the world that it’s not where you start but where you end. And what an incredible journey this has been — it’s just the beginning.

Originally conceived as a bakery (that - let’s admit it - stole the show when first launched), Jolene Newington exploded during the challenges of the pandemic, emerging as the culinary powerhouse that everyone’s talking about these days.

From pastries, biscuits, and cakes to freshly milled bread, the bakery offers all the sweet treats, so good we can’t pick a favorite. It also transitions seamlessly into a lunch and dinner spot, serving up seasonal plats paired with natural wines.

The atmosphere is relaxed, and the friendly service team ensures that every guest feels right at home. At least, that’s how we felt.

But, in our eyes, Marcelo is the true superstar here. Born in the poorest neighborhood in Lisbon, with just the right effort, dedication and a humble attitude, he moved aaaaall the way up to the forefront of Jolene.

His journey mirrors the slow, beautiful rise of the sourdough baking as we write these words.