Nimbin Bakery

The pies are where it’s at for Nimbin Bakery

The National Baking Industry Association spoke to Darren Butcher, a Fifth generation Nimbinite and owner of Nimbin Bakery. Darren explains his love of serving baked treats to the local community and what’s so special about his bakery.  

Situated on the main street of Nimbin, in Northern New South Wales is Nimbin Bakery a long-time family run business owned by Darren and his wife Tricia since 2011. The bakery was owned and operated by Tricia’s parents Bill and Nancy Nugent between 1974 and 1985, albeit in a different premises and using a wood fired oven back then. 

Nimbin Bakery uses locally sourced high-quality ingredients to produce various spelt and gluten-free products including a wide selection of bread, bread rolls, sourdough, cakes, slices, tarts, and pastries, in addition to sandwiches and hamburgers made fresh on-site all day. Their main crowd pleaser, and the product that Darren enjoys baking the most is pies, “They come with a smiley face,” he said, “the pies are where it’s at for us!”. The pie menu at Nimbin Bakery has many variations including the Ned Kelly Pie, Chunky Beef Stroganoff Pie, Meat, Cheese & Bacon Pie, Thai Chicken Pie, and many more. 

Although Darren isn’t a trade qualified baker, he has a wealth of knowledge, with now more than 12 years of experience working in the industry, and a now well-developed baking skill set. His passion for the job has been fuelled by working alongside various talented qualified bakers, his now retired father-in-law Bill, who granted him the opportunity to learn on the job and hone his skills. His top advice to those interested in a baking career is, “Do your research and understand your commitment and your local market. Employ great staff (hire hard, manage easy) and partner with good suppliers who can offer you the right advice, the right products and at the right prices”. 

Nimbin Bakery is heavily involved with the surrounding community.  Darren says, “it’s a great feeling to be a part of the community and know that so many enjoy our products and our service”. Supporting community organisations like the CWA and Hospital Auxiliary and Rural Fire Brigade and events such as the annual Nimbin MardiGrass and the more recent Nimbin Aquarius Festival celebration,  Nimbin Bakery is a strong community icon. And thanks to Tricia’s parents formulating the recipe for Aquarius Bread, a grainy and wholesome bread named in honour of the Aquarius Festival, Nimbin Bakery will continue to be an important part of the community for years to come.    

We suggest taking the time to visit Nimbin Bakery especially during May where you might be lucky enough try the famous Aquarius Bread or Darren’s favourite products (pies). You can find Nimbin Bakery at 52 Cullen Street, Nimbin open from Monday to Saturday from 5.30am to 3.00pm.