BREAD IN COMMON is anything but a regular bakery. Instead of beef pies, sausage rolls and vanilla slices this place offers wood-fired organic bread, olive oil dips, fancy cocktails and a cheese and wine menu.
After a month and a half working in Freo I felt I had to try some of its famous treats to be able to start calling myself a “local”.
The venue is beautiful, lit with old-style bulbs hanging from the naked ceiling, a feature kept from the bones of this old warehouse. The walls feature original red brick and the space is organised in communal tables for up to eight customers.
It’s busy for lunch even after 2pm on a weekday and the brunch menu is so long it takes a double check to make your pick.
I decide without reservation I must begin my meal with a serving of bread. Paying $2 per person you can have as much as you want. Dips and oil can be added for 50c to $4 each.
My meal comrade and I decided on a mixed basket of bread, to experience a selection of what Bread in Common has to offer. Well, it’s just sublime: I can’t recall a better bread since landing in Australia. Baked the premises with care and attention to detail, using the best raw ingredients.
They’ve chosen a good olio for dipping: strong and fruity in flavour and dark in colour, just how I like it. As for the sweet garlic butter with onion and ash salt — sure, it’s so hipster but also pretty delicious.
We went for a second round of bread to give our cheese, a Pata de Mulo from Leon ($13), some company on the way down. As it was working hours we didn’t choose alcohol but I sighed at the thought of enjoying a strong, wood-flavoured red to go with this cheese and bread combo.
Our main came just in time. Perfectly spiced duck-fat roasted potatoes with rosemary, garlic and ketchup ($13). A perfect portion to share between two after our hearty entrée.
• Photos by Matthew Dwyer
We considered a second main but the staff told us about their passionfruit yoghurt mousse and white chocolate coconut lime sorbet ($18), made with self-grown passionfruit and decided to save ourselves. And as well we did: it’s a must-buy.
The food at Bread in Common is delicious, all organically certified, and the service superb. And now I know why you all love it so much.
by MARTA PASCUAL JUANOLA
Bread in Common
43 Pakenham St, Fremantle
9336 1032 | 7 days
