Ket Baker opens second store

MIEK Paulus, the Belgian-born engineer-turned-baker behind Wallington’s Ket Baker, refuses to compromise.

Her unwavering commitment to slow, small batch, clean label food that is both nutritious and tastes good, has quickly forged her a reputation for doing things differently.

No shortcuts are taken by Ket Baker’s dedicated team, who fermented every loaf of sourdough bread they sell for up to 72 hours, while each pastry takes five days to develop.

“A lot of people don’t realise the importance of good food and that’s why I’m here,” Paulus said.

“We stay true to our philosophy and its clean label, good food. The worst thing we put in our product is sugar.”

The 100 per cent sourdough artisanal bakery, a unique offering both at home and abroad, has recently expanded its reach to Geelong, opening the doors to its second location in Belmont earlier this month.

The move is a calculated one, made in response to both increasing demand for Ket Baker’s renowned product and the needs of its staff. But don’t expect to see the bakery expand much further, as Paulus prioritises maintaining quality over cost-cutting, profit-driven growth.

Located at 2/174A High Street in Belmont near Coles, the new café is accessed via the car park at the rear of the site in Belmont Square.

“I don’t compromise. I don’t compromise in my life, and I wouldn’t compromise in my business either.

“This new shop isn’t about becoming bigger, it’s about becoming better. We needed to find more balance in our operations and Belmont gives us the chance to connect with our community in a different rhythm – still deeply local, still deeply us.”

Although intentionally small, the new space features the full Ket line-up: crackling sourdough crusts, slow-laminated croissants and house-made fillings.

“We’re not trying to be everything to everyone. We’re for those who care about what they eat, how it’s made and who made it,” Paulus said.

“Get good food in you; clean food is so delicious. You don’t have to compromise. You can have it all.”

Located at 2/174A High Street in Belmont near Coles, Ket Baker’s Belmont café can be entered via the car park at the rear of the site in Belmont Square.

For more information, head to ketbaker.com.au