Preheat the oven to 425°F (210°C).

Mix together the flour, salt and baking soda in a large bowl. Add the butter and rub into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles coarse bread crumbs.

In a separate jug, whisk the egg and buttermilk together (see note on how to make Buttermilk below)

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour 3/4 of the liquid into the flour mixture.

Using an open hand bring the flour and liquid together to a loose dough. The dough should be quite soft, but not too sticky. You can add a little more of the milk mix if it is needed.  (flours in different places react differently).

Turn onto a floured work surface and gently bring the dough together into a round about 8 inches by 8 inches. Place on a baking sheet dusted well with flour

Score the bread by blessing it with a deep cross on top. Poke a hole in the 4 corners of the bread to release the fairies and stop them from cursing your beautiful bread (see video).

Glaze the bread with the leftover bit of buttermilk in your jug. 

Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (210°C), then turn down the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 30 minutes more. When done, the loaf will sound slightly hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove from the baking sheet and place on a wire rack to cool.

Serve with Irish butter and jam. Store at room temperature for 4 days.