Crumb Bakehouse

Definitely the most stylish bakery you'll see all week, Crumb Bakehouse on Helwick Street has become the place to indulge and unwind in downtown Wānaka.

After training at Le Cordon Bleu in Wellington, boulangère Lucy began testing croissants and pastries at her cafe Scroggin. It quickly became clear that the lake town needed a spot dedicated to the niche treats she was cooking up. Thus, Crumb was baked into existence, the name a nod to the soft, fluffy heart of every good loaf.

With its washed brick exterior, floor-to-ceiling corner windows, and minimalist signage, Crumb channels inner-city wine bar more than lakeside bakery. Small but spatially balanced, clean and modern but intimate, the fit-out plays industrial bones against softer touches.

High ceilings, exposed beams and concrete walls are counterpointed by low wooden tables, pendant lighting, timber flooring, and the odd sheepskin throw. Cobblestones wrap the premises outside, where white wire seating offers Euro-leaning vibes: room to spread out, easy to sit and sip the day away. Or better yet, head to the rooftop for your Parisian dream at the foot of the Alps.

The breadwinners (so to speak) are championed front and centre. In a clean, shiny cabinet atop a tiled countertop, croissants, pastries, and specialty breads beckon all who wander in. Behind it, the oven and proofer sit in full view, a deliberate choice by a place that values the beauty of process as much as product.

Focusing on seasonality and freshness, and highlighting local ingredients, everything from the cabinet to the menu is made from scratch. Toasts and toasties are served on house-made sourdough or brioche. The seasonal danish is a certified crowd-pleaser, as is a stacked sando on a freshly baked croissant. The croissants themselves are the star of the show, best enjoyed with a good cup of coffee (which, of course, they’re also known for).

Crumb’s ethos is simple, much like the ingredients that underpin it all. Take butter, flour, and sugar; add a little skill, patience, and love; and you can create a work of art.