1224 Bakery Lab

1224 Bakery Lab, known as 一粒麦子 (a kernel of wheat), brings the delicate artistry of Japanese baking to the heart of Canberra's CBD. Located in the bustling Canberra Centre on Bunda Street, the bakery offers a tranquil counterpoint to the city’s pace, a place where traditional techniques and modern, creative flavors meet. The bakery’s philosophy is rooted in the Japanese spirit of Shokunin—a dedication to craft, precision, and continuous improvement—guiding every loaf of bread, every delicate pastry, and every meticulously crafted cake that emerges from its ovens.

More than just a retail space, 1224 Bakery Lab is a community hub designed for sharing. Its story, inspired by John 12:24, is one of transformation and renewal, much like the grain of wheat that falls to the earth to bear much fruit. This ethos of growth and connection is expressed through a commitment to quality ingredients, a passion for the baking arts, and a focus on creating moments of happiness for every customer who walks through the door. Whether you're seeking a quick savory snack, a show-stopping custom cake, or a wholesale partnership, the team at 1224 Bakery Lab is dedicated to providing an experience that feeds both body and spirit.

Menu Highlights at 1224 Bakery Lab

The display at 1224 Bakery Lab is a blend of sweet and savory, with a clear focus on Japanese-style breads and pastries. Google Maps reviewers consistently point to a few standout items that define the experience.

Savory Breads and Rolls

Customer feedback frequently highlights the bakery's savory offerings. One reviewer described a sausage bun as "so beautifully garlicky and absolutely heavenly," suggesting a mastery of flavor in these simple pleasures. Other savory items mentioned include triangle buns and buns filled with egg and bacon, offering a range of hearty options perfect for a quick lunch or satisfying snack.

Sweet Pastries and Cream Buns

The sweet selection is just as prominent, with cream buns being a recurring theme. Reviews mention vanilla cream buns, Oreo cream buns, and chocolate cream buns, alongside exceptional strawberry profiteroles that one reviewer declared were "the best they've ever had." This range of cream-filled pastries points to a specialization in soft, rich textures and balanced sweetness that is characteristic of the style.

Customized Cakes and Catering

Beyond the daily display, 1224 Bakery Lab offers a robust service for custom creations. While the website highlights customized cakes for intimate dinners and large celebrations, reviews also provide insight, with one customer mentioning a Bento cake purchase. The bakery also provides catering services, making it a potential choice for events. For large-scale needs, the website details a wholesale partnership program for other businesses seeking quality baked goods.

The Dining Experience

The experience at 1224 Bakery Lab is designed for the modern urban customer. The bakery serves its full range of items for dine-in, but also has a strong focus on convenience. Takeaway is a major feature, and a delivery service is available for those who want to enjoy their baked goods at home or in the office. Online ordering is integrated to streamline the process, allowing you to skip the line. The space itself, situated on the ground floor of the Canberra Centre, is described as being inspired by a modern kitchen, offering a fresh and contemporary atmosphere where the baking process is part of the visual appeal.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

1224 Bakery Lab currently holds a 2.6-star rating on Google Maps based on 48 reviews, and the customer feedback paints a picture of a bakery with distinct strengths and areas for improvement. A common theme among positive reviews is the quality and flavor of specific items, particularly the savory breads and the sweet cream buns. A local guide review praised the end-of-day value, describing it as "cheap, delicious, and plentiful."

However, a significant number of reviews point to a negative experience regarding value and product execution. One detailed review described a Bento cake purchased for $35 as "shockingly bad," criticizing it for being tiny, consisting of more than half tasteless cream, and featuring poor quality sponge. This specific feedback contrasts with the praise for other cream-filled pastries, indicating a possible inconsistency between the standard daily items and custom cake orders. Customers seem to find joy in the individual savory and sweet breads, but the reviews suggest that expectations should be managed for custom celebration cakes, making the bakery best known as a destination for a quick, flavorful treat.

1224 Bakery Lab in Canberra CBD

You'll find 1224 Bakery Lab conveniently located inside the Canberra Centre, a major shopping destination in the heart of the city. The bakery is situated at Shop EG16A on 148 Bunda Street, on the ground floor next to the Coles supermarket, making it an easy stop during a grocery run or a day of shopping. The central location provides straightforward access via public transport, cycling, or car. The venue offers dine-in and takeaway services throughout the day into the evening, with opening hours from 07:30 to 21:00 on Monday through Friday, and 08:30 to 21:30 on Saturday and Sunday.

Common Questions

What are 1224 Bakery Lab's opening hours?

The bakery is open Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 21:00, and on Saturday and Sunday from 08:30 to 21:30.

Does 1224 Bakery Lab offer delivery?

Yes, a delivery service is available. You can also order online for takeaway through their website.

Can I order a custom cake from 1224 Bakery Lab?

Yes, the bakery offers customized cakes. You can inquire about them by using the contact form on their website and selecting "Customized Cake" as the enquiry type.

Where is 1224 Bakery Lab located in Canberra Centre?

The bakery is on the ground floor of the Canberra Centre at Shop EG16A, 148 Bunda Street, right next to the Coles supermarket.

What type of bakery is 1224 Bakery Lab?

It is an Asian-influenced bakery with a strong focus on Japanese-style breads, pastries, and baking techniques, using house-milled flour and traditional long fermentation.

How can I contact 1224 Bakery Lab for a wholesale partnership?

The business offers wholesale partnerships. You can reach out via the contact form on their website and select "Wholesale Partnership" as the enquiry type, or email them directly at 1224bakerylab@gmail.com.