Milano Bakehouse by Merlo

It’s a fact well established that coffee and baked goods go hand in hand. After all, what pairs better with a croissant than a rousing cuppa? And if their latest venture is anything to go by, Queensland-born coffee empire, Merlo, certainly agrees as they unveil a new artisan bakehouse in Bowen Hills. 

Milano Bakehouse by Merlo is an extension of their flagship store, named after the family’s iconic silver-service restaurant that was hailed as one of Brisbane’s most beloved Italian spots back in the 60s, with a guest list that included Queen Elizabeth II and Pope John Paul II. The bakehouse hosts European state-of-the-art facilities that will pump out top-quality French and Italian-inspired goods—including around 30 varieties of sweet pastries and 25 breads available at the Bowen Hills cafe as well as Merlo’s 16 flagship stores in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Toowoomba.

With French Head Baker Thomas Meneau at the helm, the menu has been crafted in conjunction with acclaimed chef Shannon Kellam, who was the force behind Montrachet and (most fittingly) the beloved King St Bakery. You can expect signature items like sourdough batard, baguettes, and croissants, as well as a revamped cafe menu that takes full advantage of the freshly baked goods next door, with an authentic Italian touch. 

“Our team, led by Shannon—celebrated for his excellence, innovation, and mentorship in the fine-dining industry—have been working hard with the highest attention to detail to finesse our baking processes,” said founder of Merlo Coffee, Dean Merlo, who has played a pivotal role in establishing his rich family legacy in the fabric of Queensland. 

“My mother, Mary, has been involved in the taste-testing process—the true Merlo way of hospitality, making sure that our family delivers the very best possible experience for our loyal, long-standing customers who we’ve been serving for generations.”

Milano Bakehouse opens Saturday 5 July. 

Image credit: Milano Bakehouse | Supplied

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