As you cruise down Goolwa’s Cadell Street, and reach the corner of Dawson and Loveday streets, you’ll find the Goolwa Bakery standing proud – a cherished business that has been serving the community for over a century.
This year marks a special milestone for Goolwa Bakery, as it celebrates 110 years. In honour of the occasion, the bakery is not just continuing its tradition of serving up the best pies and pasties, but has also unveiled a stunning mural. Painted by famous local artist Pandora, the mural shows a nostalgic Laucke flour delivery truck, paying tribute to the early days when the Lukeman family first opened the bakery in 1914.
“I thought ‘What can we put on that big wall to fill it up?'” Goolwa Bakery Owner Chris Taylor says.
“We were thinking of bakers, and then I was like… a big Laucke flour truck, delivering to the bakery, like it would’ve in 1914.”
Even after 110 years, Goolwa Bakery still has its charming, old-fashion feel. When you walk inside, a picture of the original owners hangs right in the centre, honouring the bakery’s history. While the business has changed hands over the years, its commitment to quality local products and friendly service remains the same.
Laucke Flour, an iconic South Australian brand, has been a big part of the bakery’s legacy, supplying flour for its famous baked goods, with the family having once owned the building. Today, Goolwa Bakery continues its tradition by using local ingredients, including Laucke flour, but also coffee roasted in Port Elliot, and milk from the Fleurieu Milk Company.
The current owner, Chris Taylor, brings a wealth of experience to Goolwa Bakery. As a Chef with an impressive background, Chris has worked in some of Australia’s most famous restaurants, including Bondi’s Icebergs and the Royal Randwick Racecourse interstate. Here in SA, he’s worked in the Adelaide Convention Centre, the Adelaide Casino and the Adelaide Club, and has collaborated with famous chefs like Neil Perry.
Chris is also the father of five kids. He took over the bakery after many years of visiting and holidaying with family in Goolwa. Chris is dedicated to elevating the food, while keeping its classics, like pies, pasties, vanilla slices, and sausage rolls.
“I know a thing or two about cooking,” Chris says. “I’m just putting some love into the cooking – I’m using proper French techniques for the pie fillings.”
This year saw the Goolwa Bakery win 2nd place for Australia’s Best Kitchener Bun at the Baking Association of Australia awards. While they obviously have a pretty good Kitchener bun, everything they serve is top-quality and made with love. Popular specials include a pork belly and apple sauce pie, and the current favourite; a Coopers Stout and steak pie with cheese and onion.
Chris and his team of talented bakers continue to innovate, introducing new pie choices like chicken, mushroom, and tarragon, which offer the same high-quality ingredients and techniques he used in high-end restaurants, but for a much more affordable price.
For Chris, Goolwa Bakery is more than just a business. It’s a piece of local history and a cherished part of many people’s lives.
“Everybody’s got a memory of the bakery because its been going so long,” he says. “It’s an iconic bakery in South Australia. Everybody’s got memories of holidaying in Goolwa, and going there… the old one on the side street they say.”
As Goolwa Bakery celebrates its 110th anniversary, it continues to honour its rich history and tradition, while serving up some of the best baked goods South Australia has to offer. It has long been a special place for many people and their families; a legacy that has lasted 110 years and is likely to continue for many more.
What: Goolwa Bakery
Where: 8 Dawson St, Goolwa
When: Open everyday
Facebook: Goolwa Bakery
More News
