Bakesmith bringing sweet new life to Pialligo

Posted on 26 October, 2023

Spring has well and truly sprung in Pialligo and now there is something even sweeter to enjoy alongside the bountiful blooms.

Pialligo Bakesmith is bringing new culinary life to Beltana Road, taking out the space where the Farm Shop Cafe used to operate, before the Pialligo Estate business went under.

It was a difficult time for the close-knit community, and the arrival of Natalie Van den Bosch, formerly the creative baker behind Le Bon Mélange Pâtisserie, will fill the food void and reactivate the space.

Bison founder Brian Tunks with Pialligo Bakesmith owner Natalie Van den Bosch

While Natalie is in charge of the classic French patisserie treats and pastries (to eat there or take away) which earned her a legion of fans when she operated out of Gungahlin, her head chef Yokas Wu will cater for a large savoury menu, including all the brunch favourites of Chilli Scrambled, Eggs Benedict, Smoked Salmon and Brie Quiche and then trips into lunch territory with burgers and fish of the day specials, salads and focaccia.

Of course, there is also a sweet focus with items such as French toast, and Pancakes Tarte Tartin.

The space encapsulates indoor eating and a large covered deck which overlooks the lush trees and gardens. It’s a quiet, lush space to savour a Seven Miles Black Mountain Blend or even a mocktail.

For Natalie, who ran Le Bon Mélange for five years before selling 18 months ago, Pialligo Bakesmith is a chance to create a new home and connect with community while she flexes her creative muscle in the kitchen.

“I don’t want to create a bakery empire. I just want to settle down and make one place very special,” she said. “This is a beautiful spot, so I feel very lucky.”

She fell in love with the space when her good friend and Bison creator Brian Tunks, suggested she move nextdoor. His Bison Glasshouse is built on “The Plot”, which is the site of the former Pialligo Plant farm. While his collections of hand-crafted glassware is contained in a small cottage (and his iconic ceramics sold from a separate building nearby), Brian also devotes countless hours to his micro-nursery and is planning a number of botanical-based projects in the future (stay tuned!).

Luckily Natalie and her team will be able to keep him well-fuelled and caffeinate to bring his plans to fruition and tends to some magnificent Dahlias which fill the front courtyard.

“I am so excited to see Bakesmith come to life in what I feel is a really special part of Canberra. This is our historical market garden site and we need to celebrate its unique stories. When Pialligo Estate closed there was incredible sadness that Pialligo had its heart ripped out. I think we will see new life returning with Nat.”