Silo Bakery

Profiled by de Groots

Once upon a time, over ten years ago, a chef named Leanne Gray decided to concentrate on her baking. She opened Cornucopia in Braddon which was sold in 95, then in 98 she started Silo in Kingston. Her partner, Graham Hudson, left his science career to join her in hospitality (though not her 3am starts). And so far, they seem to be living happily ever after.
From 7am every morning the bakery is packed with people after the day’s fresh pastries, breads and coffees. At about 1.30 or 2pm, seats become more plentiful and patrons can sit and enjoy a glass of wine with something from the gourmet cheeseroom. The cafe/restaurant element of the bakery has grown over the years, last year winning Restaurant and Catering’s Breakfast Restaurant of the Year.

In the morning try one of the slow fermented breakfast pastries, such as the pain au chocolate, snail, galette or evie (named for their daughter). Else choose something hot from the Mediterranean a la carte menu, like the Piperade (a basque omelette with tomato, chilli and pimento) with jamon. Lunch items have listed wine matches, and always include three pizzas. For something different order the lunch cheese selection (a platter of three cheeses, breads and quince paste) or for something more filling taste the Toulouse sausage with oysters and endive salad. Silo is open till 4pm Tuesday to Saturday.

Sarah Theeboom, March 2007