Step 1

Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 6, 200°C (400°F).

Step 2

Mix the flour, bread soda and salt together in a bowl.

Step 3

Combine the egg with the buttermilk and honey then mix into the flour.  Add a little more buttermilk if the mixture is dry – it should be a soft dough.

Step 4

Pour the dough into a lightly oiled loaf tin.  Sprinkle the sesame seeds or porridge oats over the top of the loaf if using.

Step 5

Bake for 45-50 minutes.  To know when it is cooked simply tap the bottom of the loaf – it will sound hollow when it is fully cooked.

Step 6

Remove from the tin and wrap in a clean tea towel while cooling.  This will keep the crust soft.