From humble Farmer’s Market origins, Bromley’s Bread now has 2 shops selling their exquisite sourdough breads and wonderful pastries – and all with some of the smiliest service in town.
Bromley’s Bread
Locations: 1/255 Charman Rd, Cheltenham, VIC 3192 Ph: 0435 368 705 & 160 Koornang Rd, Carnegie, VIC 3163
We first came across Bromley’s Bread at the Church Island Farmer’s Market on Phillip Island. Fabulously rustic sourdough tends to get our attention and the loaves on the Bromley’s stall were particularly appealing.
And let’s be honest. So were the Flourless Orange Cakes we spied sitting next to them.
From these modest beginnings, Bromley’s Bread has grown in reputation. More Farmer’s Markets have followed and then the owners – Scott & Jenny Bromley – branched out into supplying gourmet supermarkets, delis and the best cafes in Melbourne. On a personal note, I was chuffed to find their fabulous Ciabatta loaves and more at my local Leo’s Supermarket.
As word of their baking skills spread, they took the plunge and opened their first bread shop in Cheltenham. Then, in June last year, they added to their blooming baking empire with another outlet in Carnegie.
The Space
White, light and bright, Bromley’s Bread in Carnegie looks as good as it smells.
With samples of sourdough bread hung on the door and more loaves and baked treats sat in shining glass cabinet on the counter top, the shop/cafe has a warm and inviting ambience.
Whilst that strip of Koornang Road isn’t the most scenic spot in the world, you can grab an oozing toastie or a pastry and sit at a table on the pavement outside if you wish.
Inside the baker’s there are freshly baked goods on display to tempt you, along with ready-wrapped loaves if you prefer to grab and go.
Importantly, the staff are lovely. The young woman who served us was cheerful and engaging and talked me into buying a rather divine cruffin in the nicest possible way. OK. All she had to do was see me staring longingly at them – but you know what I mean!
The Food
Bread. In a myriad of wondrous incarnations.
Although their various Sourdoughs really should be at the top of you ‘to try’ list, there are a number of other outstanding breads on their shelves. Bromley’s Bread make dense, malty Dark Rye and a fragrant Olive & Feta Loaf, they’ve mastered Turkish Rolls and their Fougasse is perfectly holey and chewy.
Then there are their cakes and pastries…
From burnished, laminated Croissants and fresh fruit Danishes to Sweet Muffins and fudgy Chocolate Brownies and even Portuguese Custard Tarts.
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But there’s more. Those with food allergies are catered for with gluten free cakes. If you don’t have a sweet tooth – what’s wrong with you?! – there are fresh Sandwiches, Savoury Muffins and Cheesy Breads.
Once you actually step into this little shop and look around, you’ll be amazed by the sheer range of baked goods that they stock. And everything is of the highest quality. The Sourdoughs are crunchy on the outside but pocked with air pockets on the inside. Their Croissants flake as you bite into them and leave a dusting of crumbs down your front.
The Drink
A decent Chocolate Cake requires a good cup of coffee. Happily, Bromley’s Bread are wise to this and they use Clark St Coffee Roasters – a Cheltenham-based speciality coffee supplier. The result is a Flat White or Macchiato worthy of a one of the finest Cinnamon Cruffins around.
Overall
If you love beautiful breads, pastries, cakes and baked with obvious love and respect for the baking craft, drop into one of the Bromley’s Bread outlets. Alternatively, keep an eye out for them at a Farmer’s Market (details of where to find them are on their website).
Believe us, their baked goods are fantastic and worth hunting down.
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