Breaking bread by the river

EATING babka and drinking artisan coffee on the bank of the Richmond River sounds like an ideal way to start the day.

For baker Nir Ben, it’s a dream come true, as he is set to open Lehem Bread House at the Ramada complex in Ballina.

Mr Ben fell in love with baking during a trip to Australia more than 20 years ago and has been working towards owning his own business ever since.

“I came to Australia when I was around 22 years old. I worked here on a working holiday visa in a bakery in Sydney. I really enjoyed it,” he said.

“When I went back to Israel I wanted to study it. So I went to a very good pastry school in Israel.”

After working for a major hotel chain in Israel, Mr Ben worked his way up the ladder at the country’s famous Roladin stores, overseeing quality control across the business.

It is an attention to quality that became ingrained.

Mr Ben’s thoughts eventually turned to the good memories he had of his time in Australia, so he returned to the country for a visit.

He was offered sponsorship to gain permanent residency for his family through Shuk Bakery in Sydney.

He worked there for more than four years, before being lured to the Northern Rivers.

“We’d always been here for holidays and we really liked the energy and the vibe of the Northern Rivers. So, we decided to just take our things and move,” Mr Ben said.

After a stint at Sunday Sustainable in Byron Bay, it was time to pursue his dream of owning a bakery.

“Now I am going to find my own way,” Mr Ben said.

His “own way” means offering bakery items that are not easily found in Australia.

On the menu is a moist and dense bread made from 80-100 per cent rye, and one of Mr Ben’s favourites, babka – a sweet braided pastry, made with chocolate and walnuts, or poppy seeds. The French baguettes are also a treat.

The bakery has a stone oven, and Mr Ben has set up a pastry station at the front of the store so people can watch the process as they pass by.

Local coffee brand Busy Bird will be on sale as Mr Ben wants to support other local businesses.

“For me, the quality is amazing, and it is supporting a person in the shire,” he said.

“I’m trying to see how I can take people with me on this adventure and if everything goes well, everybody will enjoy it. Everybody helps each other here. This is what I love.

“I really hope people will love it. I do it for myself, and for the people who will come. It’s always fun to have nice feedback and people appreciate what you are doing in life. I think that’s what keeps us human, that we get nice feedback. That is what will keep us going.

“When you create something, and people enjoy it, then that’s the main thing.”

As the store nears opening day, Mr Ben is looking for staff, including a baker, barista, and counter staff.

Lehem Bread House is due to open in early September. It will be open seven days a week – 6am-3pm on weekdays, and 7am-4pm on weekends.