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NSW Success Story – Humble Sydney

Humble Bakery, Surry Hills Credit: Caroline McCredie

Barista making coffee at Humble Bakery, Surry Hills

#ilovesydney

NSW Success Story – Humble Sydney

Humble Bakery, Surry Hills Credit: Caroline McCredie

Barista making coffee at Humble Bakery, Surry Hills

#ilovesydney

Hashtags #ilovesydney

With three out of their four hospitality venues unable to operate when NSW’s latest lockdown was announced, Sydney chefs and owners Ben Milgate, Elvis Abrahanowicz and Joseph Valore had to think fast. Their newest venue, Humble Bakery, was already set up for takeaway, so the team converted the Surry Hills shop into the headquarters for their other eateries, Porteño, Bastardo and Wyno x Bodega, with the best offerings from each venue transformed into takeaway options.

Now, long lines form outside the Surry Hills bakery, with locals desperate to purchase one of their Insta-famous treats and ready-to-eat meals, and foot traffic doubling on weekends compared to pre-lockdown.

We thought that it would be pretty cool to be able to offer a one-stop-shop to our customers and the local community,” says Valore. “We know that people are trying to limit their exposure and reduce the number of places they have to go to in a day. At our collective shop, people can get their morning coffee, snacks, lunch and pick up supplies for dinner, including cocktails and wine, in one go.”

The innovative team has worked hard to ensure their venues make it through to the other side of lockdown. While they are predominantly trading out of Humble, it’s a collaborative effort from the teams across the different venues, making sure all the brands are represented. “When we face challenges like lockdown, our family of staff unite. Consolidating trade out of one venue does have economic benefits... and now we’re able to offer a larger variety of products to our customers,” says Valore. One of the biggest pivots for the team is shifting from dine in, to online ordering for pick-up and delivery.

Milgate, Abrahanowicz and Valore are known for their clever takes on childhood classics, and nostalgic comfort food is exactly what we all need right now. “It’s hard to go past our famous finger bun. We want to remind you of when you were a kid,” says Valore.

Humble Bakery’s pink frosted finger-bun — filled with cranberries, raisins and currants and an entire slice of butter — has been a best-seller during lockdown and an Instagram favourite. Then there’s the Bodega ‘fish fingers’, Porteño ‘pavlova’ and the reinvention of arguably the most-hated vegetable into the Brussels sprout roll.

“The first time people visit Porteño, it’s for the meat, but they always return for the infamous Brussel sprouts”. Funnily enough, one of the most popular items at Humble Bakery during lockdown has been their Brussels sprout roll – crunchy and saucy with romesco sauce and cabbage on fresh ciabatta – it’s delicious.

While the Sydney lockdown has forced the team to shift their thinking and transform menu items to being takeaway friendly, it’s also helped them reach more people. Pre-lockdown, their core customers were the corporate crowd but now they’re seeing more of the Surry Hills locals. “It’s been great to feel the support of the local community on the weekends,” says Valore.

By day, you’ll find locals and those from further afield lining up for Humble’s famed organic sourdough, pastries, sandwiches and coffee. From Porteño’s menu, die-hard fans of the Argentinean grill house can stock up on chorizo, marinated olives, Argentinean cream flan and the original Banana Old Fashioned cocktail. Valore’s famous limoncello and fresh pasta and sauces are also on offer from Bastardo, and the takeaway wine list is from the extensive collection at Wyno x Bodega.

“At night, we’ve combined Bastardo and Porteño to create a ready-to-eat pick-up or home delivery menu,” says Valore. The change in operations will allow them to reach even more people after lockdown lifts, too – the team plan to continue their retail offering as well as pick-up and delivery options.

humblesydney.com

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.

MORE INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

More Inspirational Stories

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