24 Tedder Ave, Main Beach

I DON’T HAVE A HISTORY IN COOKING BUT I HAVE A PASSION FOR IT

TAKING over the Main Beach Bakery was not a task for the meek, especially with the significant decline in patronage and foot traffic on Tedder Ave during the past few years, but Nathan Swadling was up for the challenge.

“I’ve owned the bakery for about two years but it’s been open since about 1976,” he said.

“I always saw that Tedder was going to come back and I just wanted to build it back up and make really good pies.

“I don’t have a history in cooking but I have a passion for it and that’s why I got into it – I’ve had to learn a lot very quickly.”

When it comes to the pies, some things changed and some stayed the same but the most notable addition has been the Jack Daniel’s pie.

“We took on the same bakers and have a good team that work really well together,” Nathan said.

“We’ve done a few new pies, changed some things for the better in terms of quality and added new items like the Jack Daniel’s pie and the beef burgundy pie.

“But we’ve still got the classics, we do over 25 pies like cheese and bacon, chunky steak, chicken and veg and chicken and leek.”

Even on a struggling street with locals who might be resistant to change, Nathan has come through with the goods, but he keeps his cards close to his chest.

“I can’t tell you my tricks, that’s my secret,” he joked.

“We just use very good meat in our pies and it’s all about how you cook it and timing the meat right so you don’t overdo it.

“The Jack Daniel’s pie is a top-secret recipe, though, only myself and the baker know that one.” Nathan Swadling