Shelly Bay Baker on Leeds Street

When the call of carbs rings out loudly in Wellington, follow the scent of freshly baked bread down Leeds Street and through the door of Shelly Bay Baker. Since 2017, this local institution has been giving rise to the tastiest – and healthiest – bread possible at their bayside location. In 2023, they opened a central location within Hannahs Laneway, making it easier for city dwellers to reach for a loaf of their favourite sourdough and flaky pastry.

In keeping with the well-loved Wellington aesthetic, Shelly Bay Baker on Leeds Street combines industrial charm with sleek modern touches. Exposed brick and a polished wooden ceiling give off a warm, at-home feeling – only intensified by the aroma of baked goods. Baskets of bagels and pointy baguettes rest on top of a glass cabinet generously filled with perfectly puffy pastries, sourdough scones, and hearty sandwiches packed with plenty of vegan and vegetarian-friendly flavour combos.

Rows of fresh sourdough can be spotted on the stainless steel shelf behind the counter, with half or whole loaves of country sourdough, rye, olive and rosemary, and more waiting to be popped into a brown paper bag and tucked under your arm. As well as gracing your own bench at home, Shelly Bay Baker supplies most of the top hospitality venues in the Wellington region. What can we say – this city has good taste.

The bread shop and café opens early all week long for takeaway or dine-in, with lots of outdoor seating for those wishing to sit with a coffee and croissant amongst the laneway buzz. When the cold Wellington wind blows, the interior is filled with cosy nooks to hide away in. BYO dog is encouraged too.

Founded by Sam Forbes, this baker’s philosophy hasn’t changed: real bread, real ingredients. Shelly Bay Baker honours traditional bread-making methods, taking the long and slow approach to handcrafting every batch with love and passion. Ingredients are sourced from local farmers, growers, and producers. That list includes stone-milled organic flour from Shelly Bay Baker’s very own flour mill business, Capital Millers. If anyone needs further proof that local produce always tastes better, a bite of Shelly Bay Baker goods will tell you all you need to know.