It’s a good problem to have when your neighbourhood bakery business is quite literally bursting at the seams. That was exactly the situation for Kim Mundy and Peter Gardner of Workshop Bread Company, the formerly Sydney-based duo behind Hobsonville Point’s popular Gourmet Gannet. They just needed the space to let it grow.

“We had been looking for more production space for some time. When Olaf’s Bakery in Mount Eden came up for sale, it presented a unique opportunity,” says bakery owner Mundy. “Not only does it allow us to keep up with the demand, but Mount Eden Village has a similar community vibe to Hobsonville. That’s always been at the centre of why we love doing what we do.”

Step into Mount Eden Village and you’ll spot Workshop Bread Co. in a prime spot, right across from the iconic Frasers. The air is thick with the sweet aroma of jalapeño and cheese brioche, buttery Portuguese tarts, and black dorris plum galette, drawing in everyone and their dog. Classic favourites like housemade croissants and bread twists are crafted fresh each morning, while their 25-year-old sourdough starter is old enough to buy you a drink.

Gardner, once an engineer and now a master of dough, honed his craft in one of Sydney’s largest sourdough bakeries. It’s no wonder the pair are devoted to perfecting the fundamentals. Early risers and weary-eyed parents can grab a coffee from 7:00 am, Tuesday through Sunday. You can peek straight into the kitchen to see bakers shaping sourdough and folding croissants in the diffuse morning light.

“Our cafe menu is designed to celebrate our bread. Our mushroom shakshuka with toasted sourdough has quickly become a customer favourite. Similarly, our bacon and egg hot roll, served on our own ciabatta with house-made spicy tomato jam, is also a top-seller.”

With community woven into everything they do, Mundy and Gardner weren’t surprised to see their latest venture quickly embraced by Mount Eden locals. Launching their new spot — open for dine-in and takeaway — came with its share of hurdles. Even so, the couple is eager to share their irresistible baked goods with a whole new audience.

“Our ingredients are minimal,” adds Mundy. “It really is true that all it takes to make great bread is flour, water, salt and time. I think our country white sourdough shows that.” She adds, “Our dedication to quality also extends to the coffee we serve, which is Supreme. Running a business with two young kids means you need a lot of good coffee on hand.”

As for what locals can expect next from the Village’s newest resident? A full dine-in and kids’ menu is already underway.

Workshop Bread Co. isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel — but it might just be the next best thing since sliced bread for Mount Eden locals. “We bake by hand, the traditional way,” says Mundy. “There are no shortcuts — just a dedication to good, honest, and generous food.”

Opening Hours:
Wednesday — Sunday, 7am — 3pm

workshopbread.co.nz