ENTERING the Bridgewater Bakehouse is like walking into a big warm hug – exactly what the soul needs, particularly with the colder weather approaching.
Waiting at the bakehouse are the friendly staff, combined with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and a tantalising array of mouth-watering freshly baked goods.
This family-owned bakehouse came to life in 2011, after Patrick and Theresa O’Toole felt the tug of this beautiful rural town while visiting on business.
After buying the building now known as the Bridgewater Bakehouse, Patrick and Theresa, together with their young family, set about breathing life into the historic building.
Previously a winery cellar door, the bakehouse is now home to sweet delights and scrumptious baking – all freshly made in the custom Bendigo facility.
The bakehouse’s vanilla slices are legendary. The business won both the 2018 and 2019 Great Australian Vanilla Slice Awards, so make sure to buy one or two on the next visit.
Unsurprisingly, Bridgewater Bakery has become a destination for people out and about on weekends and holidays.
Sit in and enjoy the friendly atmosphere or buy takeaway and wander down to the Loddon River and enjoy the fresh air and local scenery that Bridgewater has to offer.
With such a successful business, it was inevitable that Pat and Theresa would look to expand.
In 2016, Bridgewater Bakehouse went into partnership with Cameron Frank. Together, they opened a second store in Bath Lane, Bendigo, under the name of Bridgewater Bakehouse Bendigo.
In March last year Bendigo’s first drive-through bakery, named Bridgewater Bakehouse-On-The-Go, opened, supplying freshly brewed coffee and the business’s signature pies. Located at Kangaroo Flat, it’s great for busy people.
With their dedication to providing delicious baked goods and fresh coffees, Bridgewater Bakehouse family are committed to serving the community through sponsorship of various local sporting clubs, events and pie drives.
Both stores also provide catering options and wholesale products for other businesses and supermarkets.
Patrick’s pride in his family, and what he and Theresa have achieved together, shine through when speaking with him.
The O’Toole children – Hayden, Hannah, and Emma – all work in the bakehouse during school holidays, and it’s apparent that we haven’t heard the last from this forward-thinking family.
Head down to the Bridgewater Bakehouse and see what all the fuss is about.
