New owners Phil Green and Ruth Neane have revitalised Sutton's Bakery in Echuca, focusing on traditional baking methods and high-quality products.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
New owners Phil Green and Ruth Neane are breathing fresh life into the historic Sutton’s Bakery in Echuca after taking over the bakery in April.
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Phil and Ruth bring over 40 years of combined experience, with Phil being passionate about traditional bread, while Ruth has worked with bread, pies and cakes throughout her career.
Phil explained how they scoured the entire state looking for a bakery to buy, even looking at a couple in country NSW.
“However, once we found Sutton’s Bakery, we just knew this was the one for us. Having close family ties in Echuca, we fell in love with the heritage of the Sutton’s building,” Phil said.
Both Phil and Ruth, along with their team, are implementing changes, returning to a focus on traditional baking methods, using high-quality products, including fresh mushrooms in their pies, and baking their own chicken for their pies and rolls.
The meat products used in their pies are all sourced from their local butcher, again utilising high-quality ingredients that prioritise quality over price.
As time permits, they are making changes to the front of the bakery, including the installation of their new coffee machine, which has just been installed.
In the back of the bakery, with the help of the bakery team, changes are being made to ensure a smooth baking process, with an ongoing focus on improving product quality and range.
The bakery team have since cleared the area around the 160-year-old scotch oven, which now takes pride of place in the bakery.
“We are very proud of our heritage, and wish to honour the Sutton history, which dates back to 1864,” Phil said.
While focusing on traditional Australian bakery products, Ruth, being from New Zealand, has introduced a few Kiwi lines, including bacon and egg pies, as well as Anzac cookies and Belgian biscuits.
Sutton’s Bakery has introduced some Kiwi lines to the bakery, alongside traditional Australian bakery products, and is keen to explore cream cakes and flavoured cakes due to increased customer interest.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The origins of pavlova remain a point of contention, with the Aussies still claiming ownership.
Ruth has noticed an increased interest in both cream cakes and flavoured cakes, and is keen to continue to explore this range, supplying customers with fresh cakes in both small and family sizes.
“We are keen to continue to grow the business, introducing sandwiches, finger food platters and catering as the demand grows,” Ruth said.
Phil explained how in the past six weeks, coffee sales had grown significantly, due to an improved coffee blend and ongoing staff training.
With the introduction of the new coffee machine, this growth is only going to continue.
Phil and Ruth’s passion for their bakery and products is clearly evident.
With the help of their team, they look forward to continuing to serve both locals and visitors to the area, focusing on good traditional bakery food, great coffee and outstanding service.
“We can’t wait to serve our local community and continue to grow and support the greater Echuca community,” they said.
Sutton’s Bakery, located at 216 Hare St, Echuca, operates Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 5pm and Saturday from 6.30am to 2.30pm. For orders, phone 5482 1093.
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