Fremantle’s modern Australian restaurant and bakery Bread In Common has risen and bloomed into a stalwart in Western Australia’s culinary scene since opening ten years ago.
One does not normally travel to a new town and get an epiphany about bread. But that’s exactly what happened when we dropped into Bread in Common in Fremantle.
It happened on our second visit. Our first time was many years back, a quick lunch pit stop on our way to Margaret River wine country. Then we jumped straight into our mains and neglected to order its bread offerings.
A silly oversight, given the establishment’s name. And especially the fact that Hansel and Gretel, Bread In Common’s two hand-built wood-fired brick ovens, take pride of place at the back of its beautiful communal dining hall.
But a recent return visit provided redemption. Bread In Common, unsurprisingly, specialises in bread. And not just loaves of wholesome goodness, no sirree! You’re also looking at everything else that goes with bread – all manner of charcuterie, cheeses, preserves, dips and pickles, carefully curated to enable and build an entire culture around bread.
Fancy some kohlrabi kimchi? House churned butter to smear over your common loaf? A pat of creamy chicken liver parfait to accompany your wholemeal sourdough? A jar of dukkah and olive oil to dip your ciabatta in?
They have all that, and more.
But make sure you leave some space for its sharing plates. Over the years Bread In Common has become a stalwart in Freo’s dining scene, garnering a reputation for creatively turning seasonal local produce into some of the tastiest plates this side of Perth. You can’t go too wrong with any dish here, really. When we were there our pork belly came with shatteringly-crisp crackling, and perfectly roasted lamb ribs devoid of any hint of gaminess. Or its simple yet absolutely moreish steak sandwich.
And don’t forget to order some wine. Bread In Common stocks an extensive range of wines sourced from across Western Australia, including alternative, organic and sustainable options from nearby Swan Valley and Margaret River, but also further afield.
The next time you swing by Fremantle, do yourself a favour and swing into Bread In Common. Just remember to say hi to Hansel and Gretel, the industrious ovens have also come to supply loaves to a number of other restaurants and cafes in the region.
Bread In Common
Address 43 Pakenham St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia (Google Maps link)
Opening Hours 11.30am to 10pm Mondays to Thursdays; 11.30am to 11.30pm on Fridays; 8am to 11.30pm on Saturdays; 8am to 10pm on Sundays
Tel (61) 449 588 404
Web breadincommon.com.au
Facebook breadincommon
Instagram @bread_in_common
