Shepherd's Artisan Bakehouse

Shepherd’s Artisan Bakehouse strive to represent good value to their customer base, who mainly live out West and in the Hills district. They see sourdough as more than just a hipster affectation – for them it’s something everyone should be able to afford to eat every week, because fermented foods are good for you! While Shepherd’s Crusty Italian Sourdough ($6) isn’t quite as sour as my favourite, it toasted wonderfully without making those rock-hard crusts that turn breakfast into a mouth workout. Their semi-sourdough Spelt Fruit Loaf ($7.00) proved another winner; avoiding the sugary sweetness of many other fruit loaves I’ve tried by adding a savoury sesame crust. Even the application of jam didn’t push it over the edge. However it’s the Organic Rye Vienna Loaf with Caraway Seeds ($5.50) that will win my business at their Carriageworks Farmers Market stall if I can't be bothered driving all the way back here to Castle Hill. I tried it under pretty much ...read more

Like Mother Hubbard's cupboard, the store shelves were almost bare. It was late afternoon after all, and the entire population of the Hills district had seemingly descended upon Castle Hill Towers. Would have loved to have tried their sourdough but it was sold out so instead got a sour cherry loaf which was delicious with lashings of butter.