Sweet new venue brings taste of Canada to Surf Coast

West Coast Business Park Feature

Durham Green first dreamed of opening a Canadian-inspired bakery about 16 years ago.

It was an idea he put on hold until a family holiday to Whistler early last year inspired him to revisit the idea and put the wheels into motion.

With a lot of planning, passion and hard work, the dream finally came to fruition late last month when the doors to Maple Bakery opened in Torquay.

The response was immediate.

It seems customers cannot get enough of Canadian-inspired sweet treats such as salted caramel popcorn brownies, mom’s Nanaimo Canadian bar, raspberry and white chocolate blondies, brownie-based cheesecake, and ginger and molasses cookies with lime cream.

Add to that the rustic banana loaf, pretzels, donuts and breakfast bagels which are among the many baked goodies to feature on the menu.

The combination of traditional and modern baked fare has ensured the cafe is stamping itself as a favourite for locals and Canadian ex-pats alike.

“With constant lines and queues for our Maple Bakery product, we have been selling out each day, despite COVID-19 lockdown being announced four days after opening,” Durham said.

He explained it was the discovery of a bakery called Purebread he came across while in Whistler that provided the impetus he needed to make the bakery in Torquay a reality.

Durham was amazed by Purebread’s offering and went there every day for two weeks to trial every single product.

“The dream came alive again … and Maple Bakery planning began,” he said.

Upon his return from Canada, Durham called his friend and French chef, Andre Smaniotto, and together they worked to bring the bakery to life – a process which took 15 months.

They could not be happier with how it has come together and the team they have assembled.

“We have built an amazing, passionate and vibrant team, who have shown us commitment and loyalty,” Durham said.

“We are so proud of our team – they have just done what needs to be done to make it work.

“We are just commencing our journey, developing our systems and introducing new foods based on the experience in Canada and over the coming months will develop into a unique place that offers a twist on Canadian cuisine and, in a little way, is a place Canadians can feel at home.”

Maple Bakery is located at 40/10 Cylinders Drive, Torquay (behind Aldi). It opens Monday to Friday 7am-3pm and on weekends from 8am-2pm.