Waterford is proud of its food and drink.
And behind every artisan product, there’s the passionate, experienced, and vibrant people who make it. And this is certainly true of Sunny South Yeast Bakery & Catering owners David Foskin and Silvia Salvana.
They supply a delicious range of sourdough bread and cakes from their premises on Barrack Street, Waterford.
Our project manager Richard Povey met with them in August. Here’s their story…
When I first met David and Silvia of Sunny South Yeast Bakery & Catering, I knew we would get along.
And it’s this instant warmth, friendliness and wanting to do the best, that’s brought in a loyal customer base over the years.
Whilst I was there, they both bounced off each other with endless quips, jokes and banter – which shines in their food and service.
Silvia said: “People come in for the bakery, and enjoy the chat too! We love hearing about their lives – and have a laugh along the way. There’s a great community here – we have schoolteachers popping in during the morning, locals grabbing a loaf, and lunchtime workers choosing a sandwich.”
They operate from their shop on Barrack Street, Waterford – but it didn’t start there.
David explained: My background is a chef – but I’ve always had a passion for sourdough baking. I absolutely love it and the artistry behind it. But it wasn’t until the pandemic that a chance came along. Following a medical episode – I thought, return to cheffing or have a go at sourdough baking. The rest is history!”
He initially started making bread and created a simple social media account to see where it would go.
And it went far: “Orders came in literally overnight – it was so exciting. The plan was just for Saturday orders, but because of the feedback, Silvia and I started a food truck.”
“It wasn’t until 2024 we heard about an opportunity that was an existing cake shop – and decided to go for it.”
It was at that point, Silvia, who was working in childcare decided to make the leap and join David.
Today, they offer a range of freshly baked bread and cakes, and work alongside the shop’s former owner, Sindy, who makes sweet and savoury treats with Silvia. They also offer coffee, and range of sandwiches, and supply local businesses, of which there is even a waiting list.
And it’s the connection with communities that shapes their food now. Silvia explained: “Our vanilla slices are very popular – but we have two options. If you’re traditional, you’ll go for no cream or chocolate. And if you prefer the modern variety – we have included it. So whenever someone orders a vanilla slice – we have to say ‘how do you like it!’”
All their hard work has shown recently in the McKennas Guides – with a mention both in the 2025 edition, and ‘The Ultimate Guide to Craft Bakeries in Ireland’.
To help them achieve this recognition, they work with quality local producers. These include Barefoot Farm, Flahavans, Mean Bean, and the butcher next door, Jack Molloy & Son, for sausage roll meat.
Back in the bakery, David was busy during the interview creating the next batch of bread. “The ingredients for sourdough bread are essentially simple, but it’s how you craft the bread – oven, temperature, moisture, that also plays a key part in the quality you need.”
It was then David introduced me to another team member, all be it kept in the fridge – Clint Yeastwood. The starter mix he’s been feeding twice a day since 2020.
If you’re in Waterford, be sure to pop in and enjoy the craic with this delightful couple – and take home a loaf, or vanilla slice. Which one though is up to you.
58 Barrack Street, Waterford
Open: Tuesday – Friday 08.00am – 3.00pm. Saturday 08.00am – 2.00pm.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunnysouthyeastbakery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnysouthyeast/?hl=en