BABCO - Brick Artisan Bread Company

BABCO, which stands for Brick Artisan Bread Company, was started by husband and wife duo Alice and Jeremy. The Palmerston North pair created BABCO from scratch in every sense of the phrase - it all started with a bread baking experiment in their backyard pizza oven. 

Alice and Jeremy used their knowledge of wine science, a lot of YouTube videos and other DIY skills, to learn everything they needed about baking bread and doing business. Fast forward five years and the two are now full time bakers trading with big smiles on Albert Street. 

BABCO’s shop front is spacious and warm, decked out with long communal tables made with light timber and custom steel joinery. Even the fit out is the handiwork of the proprietors - Jeremy did the welding and woodwork and Alice did the sanding and varnishing. Taking pride of place, of course, is the cabinet which contains BABCO’s breads, croissants, danishes, handmade pastries and savoury scones, rolls and sandwiches. Every single item is made fresh each day on site by the team.

Best sellers include the Everyday Sourdough. This special loaf requires many, many steps including careful proofing and precise fermentation. BABCO has truly perfected the process though and the result is tart, chewy and satisfying in a way that only the very best carbs can be. 

On the pastry side of things, Alice’s handiwork includes all types of French pastries such as the delicious union of a Pain au Chocolat and an almond croissant. It’s a complete treat as are the caramilk croissants and fruit danishes. Alice’s favourite, the babka, is a sweet chocolate braided bread. Pair with any of BABCO’s expertly made coffees for a top quality brekkie. 

BABCO’s team is cheerful and welcoming. They start baking at 10pm and work through the night, but you’d never guess it as their smiles and chats are full of welcoming energy. Grab some treats and sourdough to take away, or enjoy the space and stay a while.