Bells Bakery, Central CoastCredit: Dom Cherry
Bells Bakery, Bells at Killcare.
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Hoteliers Karina and Brian Barry had always fantasised about adding a bakery to their boutique hotel, Bells at Killcare. But amid the day-to-day running of the renowned Central Coast establishment, there was scant opportunity to devote time to such dreams. But when the first Covid lockdown plunged their 98 per cent occupancy rate down to zero, the couple dusted off the idea and fired up the ovens to launch Bells Bakery.
Much to their surprise, the bakery was a runaway success. “We had a queue out the door at Bells right away with our local community wanting to support us,” says Karina Barry. She estimates its revenue has doubled between the hotel reopening after the last lockdown to this most recent lockdown. “It’s a serious business now. We have a dedicated team looking after the bakery, which is separate to the restaurant,” says Barry.
Once the first lockdown ended, the couple vowed to keep the bakery running to cater to their now carb-dependant locals, so they hired head baker Brad Reiher, two additional bakers, and renovated the kitchen to properly cater to the new business. Their makeshift shop set up in an adjacent lounge area was replaced by a stunning French-inspired boulangerie, complete with chandelier and marble countertop.
Despite its Gallic aesthetic, the offering is a little more Australian, with the likes of vanilla slice and the most popular item, pork sausage rolls encased in handmade puff pastry. The rolls invariably sell out alongside the sourdough by 9am.
Bells Bakery, Central Coast Credit: Dom Cherry
Bells Bakery, Bells at Killcare.
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Bells Bakery, Central Coast Credit: Dom Cherry
Bells Bakery, Bells at Killcare.
“At the start of the lockdown, we were baking five to 10 a day to meet the walk-in lunch trade. Currently, we’re now baking 30 to 40 each day,” says Reiher. Luckily, Barry says locals are forgiving if they miss out on a sausage roll. “The good thing about a bakery is that it’s acceptable to sell out. People will understand. There is a culture with bakeries that you’ve got to get in early,” she says.
Pastries such as croissants and Portuguese tarts also walk out the door. There are also take-home meals, such as lasagne, moussaka, family pies, and the most decadent of comfort foods, a truffle mac-and-cheese, which came into being after a planned truffle dinner had to be cancelled due to the lockdown.
“It’s a special place to walk into and it breaks up the day,” says Barry of the bakery. She says the ritual of coming to Bells for a takeaway coffee and pastry feels like therapy for the local community, many of whom justify the indulgence with a stroll in the nearby national park or along the beach.
Although the revenue from the bakery pales in significance compared to the loss from empty hotel rooms, it has become a supplementary income for the business, a much-loved part of Bells and the community, as well as a positive focus for staff in this challenging time.
“It’s really important for our mental health to be doing something,” says Barry. “As hoteliers our business is 24/7, so we’re used to having people sleeping in our hotels: breakfast, lunch, dinner, right through.”
While Bells Bakery is here to stay, the pandemic has highlighted a surprising innovation that may have otherwise remained untapped. “We are all so busy doing what we do, we definitely would never have imagined turning a lounge area in our hotel into a bakery,” says Barry.
Bells Bakery, Central Coast Credit: Dom Cherry
Bells Bakery, Bells at Killcare.
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Bells Bakery, Central Coast Credit: Dom Cherry
Bells Bakery, Bells at Killcare.
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The NSW Government via Destination NSW is sharing a series of NSW Success Stories – businesses of all types that have adapted their offerings to face the current environment and continue serving their community with a fresh approach and shining success. These innovative initiatives are nothing short of inspiring.
Peppers Craigieburn, BowralCredit: Destination NSW
The heritage property at Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral.
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Promenade back in time as Netflix’s Regency-era romp returns for Season Three, escorted by the elegant Bridgerton in Bowral extravaganza from 16-23 April. And whether you’re visiting The Ton for these enchanting festivities or simply searching for a sophisticated sojourn, all year round Bowral offers decadent feasts, opulent stays, charming countryside and more – all just 90 minutes from Sydney. Read on, Gentle Reader, to learn why the Southern Highlands are the Diamond of the Season and beyond.
Make your grand entrance
Emerald hills garnished with vineyards, grand estates and a bewitching village atmosphere… Bowral’s highlights harken back to a most refined moment in history – and now they’re celebrating Bridgerton’s greatly anticipated return with a host of soirees. As befits such a momentous occasion, Empire Cinemas Bowral will host four exclusive screenings for The Ton before the new episodes hit Netflix (from May 16). Plus, you’re cordially invited to a Regency-themed Garden Party amid the stately grounds of the Milton Park Country House Hotel, where you’ll see and be seen in sprawling formal gardens, and enjoy a host of Bridgerton-themed entertainment. Nearby, Retford Park also entices with a picturesque 1887 homestead, self-guided art trail and a picnic-perfect historic garden for all seasons.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
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Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
Sip your way around The Ton
Raise a toast to Lady Whistledown’s long-awaited new chapter with Sohi’s mouth-watering tipples – their premium gin, vodka and vermouth are available to quaff all over town, including at Hearth by Moonacres, Bistro Sociale and The Royal Hotel. And, let your thirst for discovery lead you along the Southern Highlands Wine Trail, where you’ll sample the region’s cool-climate drops at more than 60 vineyards and 15 cellar doors. Swill Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Albariño, Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer at Centennial Vineyards; unwind between the vines at the grand Bendooley Estate; and clink glasses at Mount Ashby Estate, where red, white and culinary delights are served alongside French antiques and lashings of bucolic charm.
Shall we promenade?
Whether you’re courting a suitor or slipping out of the drawing room for fresh air, a gentle wander is one of life’s simple pleasures. Take a leisurely turn through historic Berrima; Australia’s best-preserved Georgian village unveils an intriguing selection of Regency-era relics, including the 1830s Courthouse, convict-built Surveyor General Inn and the National Trust-listed Harper’s Mansion. Bask in the majesty of manicured gardens in Bowral, Mossvale, and Robertson, where lavish plantings reveal nature’s extravagance – especially during the Tulip Time festival each spring. Afterwards, assemble your favourite dukes and duchesses to while away the day with croquet, cycle between quaint villages, or saddle up your trusty steeds for a relaxing meander along the Canyonleigh Trails.
Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
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Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
Discover the talk of The Ton
Bowral boasts a bounty of treasures old, new and noteworthy if you’re seeking a modiste-crafted frock for your society debut, exploring the arts, or collecting key pieces to makeover your manor. Start with a visit to Dirty Janes, a unique marketplace where 90 individual sellers peddling all manner of retro, vintage, antique and artisan-made finds. Indulge your guilty pleasure for scandalous storytelling at Books Ever After, a romance-genre specialist home to an impressive selection of special editions to tantalise your imagination. And, take your cue from Bridgerton’s elite and let your impeccable taste in art and furnishings do the talking. The Ngununggula Southern Highlands Regional Gallery, Bowral Art Gallery and Milk Factory Gallery showcase the cultured art and soul of this inspired region, while Suzie Anderson Home has a wide range of premium style essentials to create your own Regency-influenced sanctuary.
Retreat to elegant chambers
From plush private residences to luxe suites catering for your every whim, the Southern Highlands offers a host of auspicious accommodations worthy of society’s highest echelon. Revel in the prestige of a grand estate to call your own on the grounds of The Rift Estate. This palatial 19th Century mansion presents a self-contained Coach House to accommodate 13 people, complete with cosy fireplaces, claw-foot bathtubs and lush lawns perfect for croquet and bocce. For a gracious stay amid rustic vistas reminiscent of the English countryside, look no further than the five-star boutique hotel, Osborn House. Nearby, the chic comforts continue at the Georgian Moss Manor, where thoughtful creativity and interior design unite for an exclusive art-hotel experience. Around the town, the historic flair also rolls into the early 20th Century, with the Berida Hotel, Peppers Craigieburn and the Links House Hotel delivering memorable stays where modern amenity and heritage flourishes converge. Wherever you choose to rest your tiara-toting head, you can find your own Bridgerton in Bowral all year round.
Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
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Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands
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Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands