The Bread Social rolls out a fresh new bakery.
The Bread Social rolls out a fresh new bakery.
If you’re a fan of mouth-wateringly good, cooked-with-love baked treats you will have absolutely sampled the goods from The Bread Social. With venues in Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Currumbin and the Isle of Capri, plus a number of stockists between Yamba and the Gold Coast, it’s the kind of place that simply makes life better via comfort food you’d travel anywhere to taste again.
We Gold Coasters can once again count our lucky stars because The Bread Social boys have rolled out their brand new destination HQ in Currumbin. Just over a year ago, we brought you the news that the team had begun slinging all the good stuff from a takeaway kiosk in Currumbin, with bigger plans in the pipeline.
Those bigger plans have officially landed, so it’s time to rejoice. Mates Sam Saulwick, Tom Scott and Paul Giddings have been baking out of The Farm in Byron Bay for the past eight years but recently moved the entire operation to a huge new space on Queensbury Ave. They’ve created a space that showcases their talents and involves the customer in all aspects of sourdough bread and pastry production.
The new bakery slash cafe slash production centre is exactly what you’d expect from the talented trio; a cosy, industrial-style fitout complete with glossy tiles, wooden barn doors and plenty of seating space both inside and out.
The very best part though is that you can see the master craftsmen at work in several sections of the space. Windows within the cafe allow you to watch the bakers rolling out countless loaves of sourdough while behind the coffee bar you can see pastry chefs making absolute magic with golden, buttery goodness.
The reason for this is that The Bread Social team wanted to create an opportunity for us to see exactly what goes on at a working bakery with full transparency, allowing for open (and no doubt interesting) conversations between them and their beloved customers.
Speaking of things you’ll see and sample, there are many and they will all change your baked-goods-loving life! Starting with crispy, Three Cheese and Vegemite scrolls, sourdough jam doughnuts, extra large Custard Tarts, Baked Cheesecakes, cookies, Lemon Meringue tarts, Schiacciata (flatbread with tasty toppings), croissants and a new addition to the lineup – freshly made sandwiches.
Of course, there is also the aforementioned sourdough, which you can see being rolled before your very eyes. It’s not just any sourdough though, it’s the organic kind made with Australian ingredients that are sourced as locally as possible.
The team is passionate about, and very good at, coffee too so you can sip on a smooth, delicious cuppa while you eat copious treats or grab everything to go and eat in peace in your car (you won’t make it home).
Soon the team will be rolling out bread-making and cake decorating classes to name just a few so you can learn from the very best. This is music to our sourdough-loving ears. Like 95% of the population, we dabbled in the pandemic trend, and like 95% of home bakers, our starter did not survive 2023. RIP Ernie. We cannot wait to roll our sleeves up and learn a thing or two from the pros.
There’s plenty of parking onsite so don’t waste a single second more of your life not having visited The Bread Social’s sweet new space.
Where: 2 Queensbury Avenue, Currumbin Waters
When: 6am to 7pm, 7 days a week.
Website: breadsocial.com.au
Instagram: @thebreadsocial
You knead to visit the new Bread Social.
Picture this. It’s 3.30am on a rainy Saturday. When you’re suddenly awoken from your blissful dreams (the one where you’re flying) to the incessant screeching of your alarm, and beyond the depths of your doona is cold and dark. Buuuut, if you get up now, you can begin the 3 hour ordeal that is shaping, proofing and baking a loaf of fresh sourdough and *hopefully* be eating something that resembles bread sometime not too long after brunch…
Okay, so we think we’ve made our point, because who actually wants to be doing that? #hardpass #immastayinbed No, we’re going to do what the everybody else does, leave it to the pros and pick one up on our morning coffee pilgrimage at a respectable hour.
And if you’re based on the Southern end of the GC, specifically Currumbin, spreads at the ready because you butter believe your new dough-to is finally here. Baked good enthusiasts and those in the dough will probably already be well acquainted with the name Bread Social, and now the crew is making like an overgrown sourdough starter and spreading their (white) wings across the border. Because the brand new Bread Social takeaway kiosk has officially crumb to the GC, and they’re slinging all the good stuff: coffee, cakes, bread, sambos and – the only time we actually want flaky in our lives: golden, buttery pastries! #nom.
We’ve watched the Bread Social crew rise in popularity among carb-lovers ever since their humble debut at a little place called The Farm back in 2015 as an artisan Bakery with a passion for seasonal, local, organic produce and ingredients #thatsjusthowtheyroll. The mastermind trio behind the bread, directors Sam Saulwick, Tom Scott, Paul Giddings have stretched Bread Social strength to strength ever since, collecting new suppliers and locations along the way with #operationbakeover now officially commencing here on the Coast.
The remainder of the brand new 1200 square metre industrial-style HQ is slated to open later this year will house Bread Social’s new production facility, café and educational space along with our fave new takeaway kiosk of course.
And if your ears immediately lit up at the word café, and your brow quizzically furrowed at the phrase ‘educational space’, same. What we can confirm is that, while no, it’s not it’s not some kind of culinary institute (yet), the plan is to host bread and pastry classes for anybody and everybready willing to roll their sleeves up and learn a thing or two from the pros. The trio are excited to create a space that showcases their talents and involves the customer in all aspects of sourdough bread and pastry production – and the feeling is mutual.
Til then, stage one, aka our fave new takeaway kiosk is all-systems go, with the sunshine-y crew popping the window six days a week and reminding us yet again that good things really do come in small hole-in-the-wall sized packages. Just follow the yellow brick tiled wall and you’ll be greeted with all the to-go faves, and of course the wall of infamous loaves stacked up just begging to be taken home for the jar treatment – but the question is will it be PB, or jam?
And we don’t know about the rest of the GC, but we think we will manage cruuust fine with some too-frequent frolicking by the Bread Social kiosk for our daily bake-away fix, with hot coffee and all the Bread Social cult fave treats (heyyy, porto tart) on repeat.
Where: 2 Queensbury Avenue, Currumbin Waters
When: 6am – 2pm Monday to Saturday
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.
It’s got everything you Tweed and then some!
Not so long ago, Tweed Heads was the place you passed through on your way somewhere else. These days? It’s become one of the coolest little pockets on the border, packed with buzzing cafes, hidden bars, riverside hangs, boutique shopping and enough foodie goodness to fill up a whole day (and some). One minute you’re sipping specialty coffee in a trendy neighbourhood café, the next you’re cruising the river, shopping for vintage treasures or tucking into freshly shucked oysters overlooking the water.
Yes, we know, technically it’s New South Wales, but you can’t blame us for wanting to claim it as our own when you see the treasure trove of locally approved goodies we’ve found.
If you’re not sipping cold foam here, where the bloody hell are ya? Public Supply has become the unofficial Northern NSW and Gold Coast headquarters for cloud-topped coffee creations, with their elite lineup drawing caffeine lovers from both sides of the border. You’ll find favourites like the Mont Blanc, Choccy Cloud Espresso and Strawberry Collagen Cloud flying across the counter daily at high speed, often accompanied by one of their legendary cinny scrolls. And these aren’t your average cinny scrolls either. From the classic glazed favourite to pistachio and even cheese and Vegemite varieties, they’re firmly in A++ sweet treat territory.
Where: Shop 10/29 Wharf St, Tweed Heads
Vintage lovers, please stand up. Strange Days is the only treasure trove of handpicked American and European vintage finds you need. Whether you’re chasing the perfect faded band tee, broken-in denim, cowboy boots or a statement hat, this place delivers the goods. It’s become a destination for vintage hunters (that’s you) and casual second-hand shoppers alike. Until recently Strange Days was home to Sun Devil, but something new will be taking its place very soon, so keep your eyes peeled, people.
Where: 28–30 Bay St, Tweed Heads
In the wise words of Taylor Swift, are you bread-y for it..? Or it goes something like that anyway. Bread Social is the name, and hand-crafted baked goods are the game, because a slice of sourdough a day keeps the hunger at bay. Their bread and butter is – unsurprisingly – bread, but they dough-nt stop at just that; they also nail pretty much every baked good you can think of, like, you know, pies, pastries, and of course the humble sandwich.
Where: 12 Bay St, Tweed Heads
A delightful and delish take on the classic deli-style sandwich, Delightful by Deluxe has made a name for itself with sando’s known for being loaded not just with fillings but with flavour. Obviously, they’ve curated an epic selection of combos for you to get ready to grab and go, but if you want to let the creative juices flow, then try your hand at creating your own, one-of-a-kind flavour sensation. Oh, and FYI, they’ve just launched a Biscoff Cold Foam for ya cold brew you wouldn’t want to miss.
Where: 25 Stuart St, Tweed Heads
We’re here to say a big thank you to the geniuses behind Rob Roy Deli, for bringing together our two favourite things under one roof- deli goods and wine. We will never not be grateful for them bringing this little haven to life. How did we not realise we needed a one-stop shop for cheese, charcuterie and cocktails? It turns out it’s the best thing since sliced deli meats. Not only are the European-style deli subs deli-cious, but they’ve got grape wines on offer – name a more iconic duo… We’ll wait.
Where: 20 Bay St, Tweed Heads
Never a bad day-o for this riverside gem. Bringing together Asian and Mediterranean influences in a bright, breezy setting overlooking the water, Dayo is a brunch-lover’s paradise. Plates are diverse and flavour-packed, ideal for lazy brunches, long lunches and catch-ups with mates. Their latest addition? A Corned Beef Foccacia sando with gooey egg, lettuce, aioli, cheddar cheese and pickled onion…drooling** How about their K-POP Chicken Waffle made with snowy cheese fried chicken, waffle pickled radish, spicy maple, roast pepper and tomato mascarpone to make your jaw drop.
Where: 118 Wharf St, Tweed Heads NSW
All the classics. Made in-house. Made nice. That’s the philosophy behind this charming neighbourhood café, which has become a regular fixture in locals’ weekly routines. Nice nice keeps things simple, but they do simple exceptionally well. The coffee is consistently spot-on, the cabinet treats are dangerously tempting, and their cult-favourite kimchi, cheese and egg roll is reason enough to make the trip. Warm, welcoming and effortlessly cool- we can (and do) hang out here all day.
Where: 1/14 Bay St, Tweed Heads NSW
If slowing down and soaking up the scenery sounds like your idea of a good time, hop aboard a Tweed Eco River Cruise. Gliding through the stunning waters of the Tweed River, you’ll discover a different side of the region, complete with abundant birdlife, stunning scenery and fascinating local stories along the way. It’s the perfect reminder that while Tweed’s food and café scene might steal the headlines, Mother Nature is still one of the area’s biggest drawcards. Sit back, relax and let the river do the heavy lifting.
Where: 4 River Terrace, Tweed Heads NSW
Overlooking Terranora Creek and the Ivory Marina, Ivory Waterside is the perfect spot to soak up some Vitamin D while you get ready to tuck into a hearty feed – and maybe a cocktail or two. The menu is brimming with options, no matter what you’re craving, with loads of share-style options so you can treat yourself to a bit of this and a bit of that, along with pub-style classics like fish and chips for something a little heartier.
Where: 156 Wharf St, Tweed Heads
What’s better than farm-fresh oysters, shucked on demand? Knocking back a dozen farm-fresh oysters with a panoramic view of the Tweed River, clearly. Don’t be shellfish with your selection because there’s plenty to go around, and we really mean it, because Oyster Shed overlooks their very own oyster farm in Birds Bay. Feeling thirsty? Shuck it, a Bloody Mary oyster shot should do the trick, or wine-not pair with your favourite glass of white.
Where: Birds Bay Dr, Tweed Heads
If you’re in the spirit for a seriously Insta-worthy cocktail, you’ll want to whis-key yourself away to this beauty, speakeasy-style bar. While the cocktails might be old-fashioned by name, the art deco interiors are anything but. Think luxe velvet finishing, bringing the 1920’s to the 2020s for a sultry, 007-esque vibe. We’ll take our martini shaken, not stirred, in this case.
Where: Twin Towns, 2 Wharf St, Tweed Heads
Whale, whale, whale – we’d forgive you for thinking there’s not much more to the Tweed than seriously good food, but did you know it’s also one of the best spots to catch the Humpback Highway in action? Yep, this stretch of coastline offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, where you can catch a glimpse of the annual whale migration along the East Coast. Winter is when you’ll want to pick your place to get the best view while you watch adults and their calves splash around in the sea.
Where: Point Danger
Fancy letting your competitive side out? Then Coolangatta-Tweed Tenpin will be right up your alley. Come with a little or a lot of time to spare because they’ve got 16 full-sized bowling lanes for you to live life in the fast lane. We guarantee hours of fun for the whole fam, but bonus points for the fact they’ve got a licensed bar because a tipple always helps us up our lane game.
Where: 55 Wharf St, Tweed Heads
Get in loser, we’re going picnic-ing! Perch up on the promenade at Jack Evans Boat Harbour for the ultimate picnic spot where the sun meets the sea. There’s loads of space to spread out and let the kids run wild, with a giant playground to keep the fun going. It’s also home to the Waterfront Markets, which pop up on the 1st Saturday of the month, so you can get your hands on farm-fresh produce, artisan foods, boutique fashion, and handcrafted goodies.
Where: 6 Coral St, Tweed Heads
We can see why Epic Skate Rink got its name because it’s exactly that. Get the crew together for a free-range skate sesh or if you want to up the ante, book a learn to skate session with a master of the roller rink for a wheel-y good time. If the little ones can’t get enough of tearing up the rink why not book it in your next kids party to keep the good times rolling?
Where: 23 Enterprise Ave, Tweed Heads South
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Because you only dessert the best!
Are you the kind of person who skips right to the desserts page of a menu? Yep, well, you’re not alone. Taking tactical consideration of what sweet things can and will follow is a clever move by anyone’s standard. Luckily we are spoilt for choice with sweet treats and desserts on the Gold Coast.
Why not seek to fix that sweet craving you have? Here’s our list of the best places on the Gold Coast to grab a dessert, worthy of that extra time on the treadmill!
As if all self-control didn’t already tank at the mere sound of the word Tarte, our reigning pastry queen Chloe Watts is taking over the Gold Coast sweet scene with Tarte in Burleigh and Tarte Beach House in Currumbin #havemercy #we’reweak. Tarte’s trademark goodies taste even better when devoured on the banks of Currumbin’s picture-perfect creek, blowing the bar previously set by our OG dessert darling out of the water.
And just when we thought we had reached peak sweetness, Tarte takes us to new heights with the launch of Tarte Tea Garden in Currumbin, serving up bite-sized pastries, blooms and boujee brews in a high tea paradise. Pinkies at the ready!
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads and 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Inventive, indulgent, and darn tasty in every department: Bam Bam Bakehouse is the goods — period. The line of sweets and desserts are nothing short of mesmerising (even attracting the likes of Margot Robbie and Matt Preston).
With so many mouthwatering morsels on offer, attempting to choose only a couple of them is a challenging feat (as is not allowing ourselves to immediately to scarf down the lot).
Where: 2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
For all you night owls looking for sweet treats, swing into a towering swirl of creamy acai, the ultimate soft-serve dream. Each bowl is loaded with fresh strawberries, bananas, and crunchy granola. You can then drizzle on your favourite sauce or get adventurous with something new. Fan favourites? Biscoff, Bueno and Pistachio. Drool!
The acai is a dessert in itself, but there’s also deep-fried ice cream if you want to send that sweet tooth on a home run. We drool again**
Where: 2/32 Davenport St, Southport
Dessert lovers, assemble, Janus Deli is bringing you the sugar-laced playground you didn’t know you needed. These retro-inspired spots are slinging Golden Gaytime donuts, the iconic cookie-donut Dough-kie, and iced Biscoff lattes that are basically dessert in a cup.
Whether you’re vibing beachside at the Surfers Paradise deli or hitting up the OG Molendinar bakehouse, one thing’s guaranteed: your sweet tooth is in for a wild (and wildly delicious) ride.
Where: 12 Hanlan Street, Surfers Paradise & Shop 14, Crestwood Plaza, 458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar
5B2F Ciabatta is Southport’s newest slice of heaven, straight from the legends at Chirn Park’s 5B2F Bakehouse. After a decade of delighting Gold Coasters, owner Moonsun Yoo has dropped this second location to serve up mouth-watering ciabatta sandwiches, dreamy pastries, and cakes that steal the spotlight.
For those looking to celebrate, whole cakes are available daily, with flavours ranging from vanilla chiffon to baked cheesecakes piled high with fresh cream and glistening fruit. Time to plan a party!
Where: 29 Davenport St, Southport
Eastern Europe’s cult-favourite dessert has officially landed at Harbour Town, and yes — we’re completely obsessed! Swieetie is serving up freshly made soft-serve in a swirl of flavours, piled high with fruits, candies, and drizzles to match every sweet craving.
The showstopper? The Dubai Chimney Cake: crisp on the outside, fluffy within and stacked with toppings your sugar-loving heart will thank you for. Freshly baked, seriously indulgent and absolutely worth every bite of the sugar rush.
Where: Harbour Town, 147-189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
Husband and wife duo, Jen & Antonio Marchesi are the French maestros behind some mighty salivating goodies at this Robina bakery, and what these folks don’t know about sweet and crunchy European desserts frankly isn’t worth knowing!
Don’t delay. Head along for the shiniest looking caramel eclairs and the flakiest known pain au chocolats this side of the equator — Bon appétit!
Where: Shop 5/361 Robina Parkway, Robina
Is a breakfast dessert a thing? If it’s not, we’re officially calling it. And if you find yourself down by the ever-majestic Tallebudgera Creek dipping in its crystal clear waters, we suggest you hot foot it right away to Custard Canteen.
Get into some great coffee — and a bacon & egg burger to end all burgers — before rounding things off with one of their ooze-tastic cookies or the flakiest of Portugese tarts. YUM!
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
If you live in or around Tamborine, and haven’t yet wrapped your mitts (and tastebuds) around some Franquette… frankly, it’s time to re-evaluate your priorities (unless you’re gluten-free, obvi, in which case, commiserations).
Under the expert eye of master baker Jérôme Favier, Franquette (pronounced Fraen-ket) assuages hinterland hankerings with authentic French-style sweets, rolls and scrolls, and of course, the ever-crescent croissant.
Where: 1/159 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain
One of the Gold Coast’s game-changing cafes, the level of baked and sweet goods that these guys consistently punch out is utterly jaw-dropping.
If you haven’t treated yourself to several (hundred) coffee dates at one of the cutest mini-Queenslander’s gracing the GC… welcome, you must be new here?! To remedy this immediately, we suggest you get together some of your nearest and dearest and get in on some brunch action before you launch a full-scale attack on the cracker assortment of sweets.
Be sure to try the crowd-fave Biscoff Cheesecake Doughnut or their whopping 1kg Giant Cookie! (Remember, Mum says sharing is caring.)
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
We’ve been giddy over Basque since the gorg new specialty bakehouse-cum-sippery sauntered into Chirn Park in 2023, bearing mind-blowingly good cheesecake and French champagne. Umm, did we just become best friends?! Two of our very favourite modes of celebration under one chic roof – consider us, and our ‘coffee and cake catch up’ standards, spoiled forevermore.
Owners Laura and Zach Guertin devised the dreamy concept in answer to the age-old conundrum, ‘what should I bring?’ – and yeah, we can attest, one taste of Laura’s incredible creations and you’ll forget alll about the box of Favourites.
Luckily for the lot of us, we need not wait for a special occasion to partake in their signature Spanish Cheesecake and Champagne selection, with both available by the slice, and glass – any old time you please to cheese.
Where: 33b Musgrave Ave, Chirn Park
All hail the buttery king-of-pastries, the mighty croissant (controversial? We think not). Chevron’s sweet-snackery, Dipcro Pastry, delivers our sweet fix in the form of artisan baked goods like cinnamon buns, croissants, mille feuille and palmiers. This year, Dipcro went all out to bestow upon us a knockout second site in Main Beach. Talk about double dipping!
The venue’s namesake and signature item (a play on the words ‘Dip’ and ‘Croissant’– à la, ‘Dipcro’), invites us to take the blessed croissant to a whole new level – served with an array of signature toppings & fillings for your dunking pleasure. Oh if we must.
Where: 55 Thomas Dr, Chevron Island and 1/27 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
The very aptly named My Favourite Baker is one beloved among locals as a lifeline for incredible, last-minute cakes (that look and taste anything but).
The GC’s everyday cake heroes ‘crumb’ through with the (baked) goods – delivering same day turnaround on their delectable range of cakes and cupcakes almost every day of the year. Saving our bacon bakin’ from all kinds of sticky, special occasion situations, ‘logistical oversights’ and baking fails – with rave reviews, might we add. Phew! *backs slowly away from the packet mix*
Forgotten occasion? What forgotten occasion?
Only bulk brownie points to be found here (shhh.. it’ll be our little secret).
Where: 4/1 Inventory Ct, Arundel
This gastronomic Graceland has brought all things doughy and delicious to Hope Island Marketplace. Whether you’re vibing something sweet or savoury … or both … this is your one-stop-shop. From loaded croissants to crave-worthy doughnuts, every bite is, yep, you guessed it: dough-licious.
But let’s take a moment to shout out their NYC Biscoff Cookie. It’s so good that it often sells out (as do many of their noms) so get in early to enjoy this crowd-fave Biscoff banger!
Where: 99-103 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island
Need a little fuel to power through your day? This bakehouse is the pit stop your appetite has been waiting for. The beloved southside bakers set up a third location in the heart of Burleigh last year so north Gold Coasters could get a taste a little closer to home. The handcrafted pastries and fresh loaves are carb heaven, it’s no wonder they supply to cafes all across the coast.
Wash a nutella donut or two down with a perfectly brewed coffee and you’ll feel refuelled, re-energised and maybe start to call Fuel your regular.
Where: 1/23 James Street, Burleigh Heads, 44 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters and 39/45 Tweed Coast Rd, Bogangar
This froyo bar is a swirl of endless possibilities. Flipping the script on burgers and froyo, YOMG is serving up stacked, snackable goodness in both Broadbeach and Burleigh. Whether you’re in the mood for fun with friends or to treat yo’self, YOMG is the ultimate pit stop.
From cookies and cream to key lime pie, you can choose your own yoghurt adventure with toppings like fresh fruit, sticky spreads, chocolate and biscuits.
Where: Pacific Fair (opposite Sephora), Broadbeach and 15 Connor St, Burleigh Heads
Don’t let the name fool you — Burnt Croissants is serving up buttery, flaky perfection like no other. Starting as a roadside stall, from 2025, you’ll now find Lucy Davis and her legendary pastries exclusively at various markets around the Gold Coast. This self-taught pastry queen is renowned for croissants and baked goods so good they’re worth hunting down.
Keep an eye on their socials to find out where they’ll pop up next, and make sure to arrive early to snag a taste of the magic!
Where: Various markets including Wednesdays at Evergreen Markets, Robina
A deli-cious addition to Kingscliff, George’s is serving up New York-inspired flavours, infused with Filipino influences and a side of nostalgia. Run by a talented husband-and-wife duo, Johnny Ang and his wife Jerrika, the compact menu consists of hearty sandwiches, fresh salads and charcuterie boards that are almost too pretty to eat.
But trust us – there’s one thing you’ll want to devour immediately, and that’s the handmade donuts! The Ube Donut weaves the distinct flavour of the purple yam into a soft donut sandwich. We’re not saying we’d marry a donut, but…
Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Pde, Kingscliff
Words by Kellie Leader and Lisette Drew
