The Good Loaf

Cheryl Martin and Laurie Whelan do a roaring bread trade at The Good Loaf. They have been friends and colleagues for more than two decades, so they decided to pair up to open this bakery and cafe, filling a gap in the Bendigo market for proper sourdough.

The bakery is set in the heritage-listed former Beaurepaires site on Hargreaves Road. The circular nature of the building, and the car park’s multiple entry and exit points, promote the drive-right-in notion. It’s the perfect quick stop for a fresh loaf in the morning.

Formica tables and vinyl chairs add to the vintage feel, and complement the business’s strong eco-credentials. The team has a stringent recycling regime. Kitchen scraps make their way to the feeding troughs of local pigs and chooks. Leftover loaves are donated to Foodbank and other community organisations.

Each loaf is a testament to the passion and pride the team has for its work. Try the signature roasted-pumpkin semi-sourdough; house-made crumpets with local honey; or the surprisingly fluffy gluten-free loaf.

Explore Bendigo further using our detailed Out of Town to Bendigo guide.