Bernard’s Bakery – Bathurst, NSW
Clockwise L to R: Bernard's Bakery in Bathurst; Steak and Kidney pie; fresh sandwiches made to order at the sandwich bar
Our friend, Big D was born and grew up in Bathurst. He inherited all his father’s knowledge of the town, who was a historian and written a numerous books about the whole town of Bathurst. This explains why Big D knows every single street and shop in the town like the back of his hand. We are so lucky to have Big D to be our personal tour guide every time when we are in Bathurst.
We tagged along with Big D to Bathurst for The Scots School Old Boys meeting, and managed to squeeze a few local food joints into our itinerary. We have our pooch Amelie with us during this trip, so indoor dining is totally out of question. I suggested Trinity Heights Bake House for some award winning pies but only found that it is shut on Sunday. So, we head to our second option, the Bernard’s Bakery on George Street.
Clockwise L to R: cakes and desserts in the glass cabinets; The Pom and Amelie asking for a spare chair next table; more traditional cakes and desserts; packet of biscuits - $3.70
When we arrived, Big D noticed The Bernard’s Bakery is no longer at its original location but a few doors up in a new shop. The bakery is originally established by the Bernard family, but now seems to be running by a Vietnamese family. It used to be popular with the locals, and looks like it still do with a constant flow of customers, queuing up for their afternoon snacks while we were there.
There is a sandwich bar inside where sandwiches are freshly made to order. The cakes and desserts in the glass cabinets are classic and unpretentious. Then there is also home made pies on the menu, that’s what we are here for.
Clockwise L to R: steak and mushroom pie - 3.20; the filling of a steak and kidney pie - 3.20; steak & potato pie (shepherd's) - 3.20
The pom goes for his usual Steak & mushroom pie, Big D gets the steak & potato pie and I opt for the steak and kidney. The pies are average, the pastry is soft without a flaky crusty top, my steak and kidney pie is rather lack of meat inside but filled with gooey gravy instead. Disappointed? Maybe.
sausage roll
We also get a sausage roll to share. It is piping hot straight out of the oven while the pastry is still nice and flaky. The mince is tender and not too greasy, it has great flavour despite the fatty richness.
Neenish Tart - 2.00
I am rather dissatisfied from the pies, hence decided to cheer myself up with those yummy-licious looking desserts in the glass cabinets. The Neenish Tart is The Pom’s favorite, so he is sorted. The neenish tart is biggish than normal, coated with strawberry and chocolate icing then filled with sweet mock cream and a generous dollop of strawberry jam inside. The Pom reckons it is a steal at only $2.
Strawberry cheesecake
Big D goes for the Strawberry cheesecake, which looks and tastes absolutely delish! The cheesecake is rich and moist, creamy and smooth on each bite. The sweet strawberry jam works perfectly with the tang of the cheesecake. Shame that the crust is a bit on the thick side, otherwise it would have been perfect.
Black forrest slice - 2.40
I was intrigued and already set my mind on the Black Forrest slices when I saw them in the glass display. It looks so beautiful, but rather disappointing in the taste department. It has a nice thick choc top jeweled with cherry pieces, but the bottom part is a let down – a solid block of brick with cheap biscuit crumbs cemented inside.
The Bernard’s Bakery may not offering the best award-winning pies in town, but loyalty plays its part and the locals would always know where to go to grab a bite when they are feeling famish on a Sunday afternoon.
Bernard's Bakery 81 George St Bathurst, NSW 2795 P: (02) 6331 2042 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 6.30am - 6pm Sat - Sun 7am - 5pm
A Table For Two (ATFT) is Billy Law's food blog that features best eats in Sydney and around the world with drool-worthy food photography to salivate your appetite. I also throw in a smidgen of my food and travel photography for good measure. Billy Law also happened to be a contestant on MasterChef Australia 2011. 
I was born in Bathurst! I remember lovely Bernards Bakery for their exquisite sausage rolls.
This place has a nice old school feel about it, impressive. Since it’s run by Vietnamese people now, I wonder if they still use the same old recipes ?
Howard’s last blog post..Recipe : Chilli mud crabs
the produce in that bakery looks just like the produce in the vietnamese bakery near where i live. sad about the non-upheld expectations, but yay for the neenish tart – they’re such a treat (and come sans being all luxe and gorgeous and precious).
shez’s last blog post..ricotta & spinach mix
the Black Forrest slices look like compressed Rocky Road but it’s a shame they didn’t meet your expectations. i guess you can’t judge a dessert by it’s appearance.
simon
Simon Food Favourites’s last blog post..Ramen Kan (15 April 2009)
ahh so that’s why you went to bathurst
i’m quite partial to a Neenish tart too – so sweet but oh so good!
Helen (grabyourfork)’s last blog post..Sydney Royal Easter Show 2009
@Stewart: ahh I bet this bring back lots of childhood memories to you. I don’t know, but the new Bernard’s is not that good.
@Howard: I doubt it. It is not the best I’ve had.
@shez: Neenish tart is always good.. and yeah, why all bakeries are run by Vietnamese is a myth.
@Simon Food Favourites: Definitely not, and the slices are a let down unfortunately. I was deceived by the outlook.
@Helen (grabyourfork): Well come with us next time and judge for yourself.
I love the food here it’s the best dine in bakery ever.it reminds me when i eat with my mum there.
I used to work here, completing my retail traineeship, i worked for Mrs Bernard, The place was always busy and many customers . sometimes ppl were not able to get a seat in the upstairs dining. I have since left Bathurst but return on many occasions and i am very dissapointed that bernards bakery lacks customers as well as great food like it used to.