A loaf is not finished when it leaves the oven. The crumb is still setting, and the crust is still crackling as it gives off steam. We stand the loaves on the tall racks by the window and leave them alone for at least an hour.
That is why the first loaves reach the counter shelves at seven and not earlier, and why a standing order packed at eleven is always a loaf that has had its full time to cool.
