IT IS the little bakery tucked away in Grant Court Shepparton that has tastebuds salivating of not only locals who know where to find great pies and Vanilla Slice, but they have the tongues wagging of judges and baked good connoisseurs around the country.
North End Bakehouse’s story began when 16-year-old Matt Aylett left school for an apprenticeship at Billy’s Bakehouse and learnt his craft. During this time, he met fellow baker and future wife Kiah at a specialty chocolate course at GOTAFE Shepparton. Almost 11 years ago, the pair purchased Rennies Bakehouse, which they later renamed North End Bakehouse with a small staff of mostly family and a lot of dreams for the future.
From those humble beginnings, North End Bakehouse is now known around the country for its award-winning baked goods, including Australia’s Best Vanilla Slice 2023 & 2024, Australia’s Best Hot Cross Buns 2021, 2022 & 2024, Winner of the Vanilla Slice Truimph 2023, as well as 2nd Place in 2019, 3rd Place in 2022, and countless smaller awards.
“Vanilla slice is our thing, and that’s been my biggest passion for the whole 18 years I’ve been baking. Since day one, I’ve wanted to master that,” said Matt.
Last year Matt and Kiah’s journey came full circle when they brought Billy’s Bakehouse and gave Mooroopna a taste of what everyone has been raving about.
“We want to thank our customers. We wouldn’t have been able to grow as much as we’ve had without them for the last probably three or four years. It’s just skyrocketed from this small, tiny,
little bakery that we were,” said Kiah.
The growth of North End Bakehouse will not stop there. With big plans that locals will have to keep an eye out for, including mastering their savoury range on the national stage.
“Next year, 2025 is going to be our year. We’re going to go hard at attempting national awards for pies, pasties and sausage rolls,” said Matt.
Visit North End Bakehouse’s Shepparton store at 2 Grant Court, open Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm, and the Mooroopna store at 52 McLennan Street, open Monday-Friday, 6.30am-4pm, and Saturdays 8am-2pm.
