After the exertion of day 2, Mary and I opted for a “rest” day and invited a special guest, Caroline, to join us. Only 20km and 3 bakeries largely following the upfield line. But, as we were confirming our route it became apparent that the first bakery was now temporarily closed for renovations. Things change quickly in Melbourne. Voila Patisserie could be a place you add to this route when they re-open, which according to their website should be 14 June.

Day 3 largely follows the Upfield Line starting from Gowrie Station and finishing at Southern Cross Station with deviations for some fine foods. The route for day 3 on Strava is linked here.

Just a note about the Upfield Line, it offers an example of what can be done with thoughtful upgrades to infrastructure. Large parts of the Upfield Line have now been elevated, the removal of at-grade crossings is important for traffic and transit in a big city, but it also offers local reconnection of suburbs. The Upfield Line – in my mind – sets a benchmark.

Pasticceria Padova – In a desperate early morning search for another carb purveyor to replace Voila Patisserie, we happened across the authentic find of the trip – Pasticceria Padova – it brought the feeling of Italy to Fawkner complete with local identities out the front of the pasticceria with their espressos being both amused and amazed by our Brompton bikes. I made up for there being only 3 patisseries on today’s ride by ordering two items! An amazing apricot jam Italian donut and a ricotta cannoli. These items were accompanied by good coffee and company – not only from Mary and Caroline – but from the generous and friendly staff. I was enjoying my choices so much that I have forgot to record precisely what Mary and Caroline chose – perhaps I’ll update this if they remind me.

One further note, Gowrie Station and Fawkner shops are towards the end of the Upfield Line, but I think it shows how a good set of shops that are well presented can contribute to the whole area. This is certainly a place, that I hadn’t visited before – but I am sure I will return!

Mela Patisserie is located in the Pentridge Shopping Centre on the former Pentridge Prison. The prison was established in 1851 and continued to operate until 1997. While it was sold in 1999 by the Government, development works did not start until 2013 (still faster than some well known Adelaide development sites!) with shopping centre being opened 2020. It seems to be as very good example of how historic and practical uses can be combined. Tours of Pentridge Prison by the National Trust are available.

I usually do not expect to much from a patisseries located in a major shopping complex. But it is fair to say that I was pleasantly surprised by Mela Patisserie. I applied the tried and tested assessment of sampling their croissant! It was good.

Chooka’s – it is not a patisserie – but it is an absolutely fantastic Japanese lunch spot specialising in omusubi, Japanese rice balls. You must stop here for lunch and try them. I had a delicious meal set! I have to say I was little distracted on this ride because I was hoping to get Olivia Rodrigo tickets – they were released at lunch time, which meant, I tried to buy them with my phone – but with no luck!

Bread Club – given the time taken to try and buy some tickets, we arrived at Bread Club late in the afternoon, it looked like we might miss out. But their kind service and some remaining stock meant we were not to be disappointed. We purchased a croissant, saffron bun and Portuguese tart. These were all excellent examples and I recall Mary particularly enjoying the saffron bun later that evening. Bread Club is around the corner from Mörk Chocolate Brew House – another place definitely worth visiting if you have the time.

If you are contemplating doing this ride, but want to hit the pastry shops harder here are a couple of extra options:

Iris the Bakery, not only because Mary helped fund its establishment, but also because it is very good with the young Iris establishing her authority. We visited in February and were impressed with the offerings.

Freda’s Bakery, which came highly rated but appears to only be open on Saturday and Sundays.