Ignace Diompy is looking forward to getting to know the Yarralumla community. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
L’épi Bakery has expanded once again with a new shopfront now open in Yarralumla.
This is the third location after owner Ignace Diompy opened the first L’épi at Chisholm Shops in late 2022 before expanding to Kambah.
Ignace is a European-trained baker and pastry chef who brings the French sensibilities of tradition and quality to everything he does. L’épi (which translates to ‘ear of wheat’) makes 13 different sourdough varieties as well as a range of seasonal pastries and cakes.
Speaking with Region at the media launch ahead of the official opening, Ignace said that he was excited about bringing a bakery to Yarralumla, and is looking forward to becoming a part of the local community here.
“I don’t want L’épi to be a Canberra bakery: I want us to be a Chisholm bakery, a Kambah bakery, a Yarralumla bakery,” he said.
“Each of our bakeries is more than just a place to buy bread – it’s a space for connection, conversation and celebrating the craft of baking. We can’t wait to welcome Yarralumla locals in and share what we love doing.”
The bretzels at L’épi are delicious. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Attending an opening event for the new shopfront, I was lucky enough to try their delicious cheesy bretzels, which are soft, chewy, salty and oh-so-moreish. There was also the chance to try some of their catering menu, including mini quiches packed with mushroom and chicken, and bite-sized lemon meringue tarts.
The new shopfront is bright and airy with accents of L’épi’s sage green branding. There are a few tables and chairs and a coffee machine for those who want to linger over a pastry, but Ignace said his focus is on creating great artisan products with high-quality ingredients, not on being a full-service cafe: “I’m all about the bread!”
L’épi will be open over the long weekend and will be selling their delicious hot cross buns. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Sustainability is also important to the team: L’épi minimises its environmental footprint by sourcing from local farmers and suppliers. Each month, they make a seasonal pastry using local and in-season ingredients, and the fig, almond and honey Danish is absolutely divine. And, of course, they’re also whipping out trays of plump hot cross buns, and a very cute white chocolate and carrot ‘bunny’ cake.
Customers at Yarralumla will receive a free baguette with any purchase for the first seven days of opening, and the bakery will be open across the full weekend of public holidays from 8 am to 1 pm.
L’épi Bakery is located at Yarralumla Shops, Bentham Street, Yarralumla. They are open from 7 am to 2.30 pm seven days a week, and from 8 am to 1 pm on public holidays. Follow L’épi Bakery on Facebook or Instagram.
Original Article published by Lucy Ridge on Region Canberra.
