The Lost Loaf

Situated inside Bowden’s thriving Plant 4 precinct, The Lost Loaf is a tiny artisan bakery owned and run by former Magill Estate pastry chef Emma Shearer. The space pays homage to her background, with tarts, cakes and pastries displayed alluringly on the countertop in the style of a French patisserie.

The range is small and considered, but the heart of Shearer’s business is sourdough – fermented for 36 hours to produce a soft, tearable texture and more nuanced flavours. The viennoiserie selection varies, but you can usually expect flaky croissants and pain au chocolat laminated with French Lescure butter, and Shearer’s personal favourite, creme brulee doughnuts – soft, cream-filled buns with a crisp caramel top.

Also popular are the savoury baguettes with two fillings to choose from: a meat option, such as smoked Wagyu beef, and a vegetarian number with avocado, beetroot hummus, carrot and tomato.

Founded in 2016, Plant 4 (previously the old Clipsal factory) welcomed Shearer as one of its first tenants. Now The Lost Loaf is part of a community of eateries and retail businesses operating in the space, including sustainable cafe My Grandma Ben, Cakeboy Donuts and more.