The Bench Bakehouse — Restaurant in Vancouver

If I buy more than one item at a bakery I prefer to try them all to review together. In this case I wanted to mention one item right now. Have been up and down Commercial for the last fifteen years but never recognized The Bench Bakehouse. Came across it in Google search. Two entrances, one from Commercial in Il Mercato mall, the other off East 1st Ave. Asking at the counter, the friendly staff advised the bakery is only two years old. A lot of stuff on display. The kouign amann and croissants looked delish so will definitely try those next visit. They also have frozen dough/products. We got one loaf of Porridge and one Roasted Onion. Beautiful browned crusts. We tried the Porridge first. Even after overnight on our counter the interior was very moist. It had that mochi-like/chewy consistency that we love. Most importantly, this was the best sourdough whole wheat bread we've had so far in BC. Usually this combination of flours has resulted, to us, in a drier bread and underwhelming flavour. The Bench Bakehouse nailed this one. On its own it was great then with a little olive oil/vinegar it was out of this world. The Bench Bakehouse staff told me they soak oats with water then mix with whole wheat and white flours (it is a sourdough base). This bread actually started a fifteen minute discussion at home about whole wheat breads! Check out the website specifically as this bread is available only at certain times. I will update this review after trying the Roasted Onion. I am looking forward to it.

So after one week in the freezer and toasting the Roasted Onion, the slice still comes out moist and chewy. What is this alchemy?! Just delicious. Great roasted onion smell and flavour from the bits of onion inside. Wonderful bread from the Bench Bakehouse. Positively recommended. I cannot wait to try the sweet treats.

Did not know there was parking as always entered from Commercial. Up to 45 minutes free. Checked out all the products they offer. Got the Marble Rye (new) and Passionfruit Cream Cake. The Marble Rye was amazing. A different taste from regular rye bread. Wonderful springy bite. The Passionfruit Cream Cake was very simple-sponge cake with cream and whipped cream with coconut. Very clean and tropical taste. The mini for $10 was good for four people. We might try some of their frozen items next.

Got the traditional sourdough loaf-moist as always inside with an amazing crust. Tried the croissants at last and was glad I did. Toasted, these were the crispiest I have had in a long time. A great structure inside from tip to tip, and a nice price too for the size. Delicious and buttery of course. The Bench Bakehouse continues to...

This French-inspired bakehouse is A+++. Interior is a vibe, staff are so sweet, and the lot has 45 mins free parking (just register at the machine). Now for the baked goods:

Kouign Amann - Always one of my favourite pastries and they sure make a good one. Due to how sweet they are these could be an acquired taste for some, but they definitely work for me.

Cinnamon Bun - Officially my #1 in Vancouver. Icing is more cream cheese-y than sweet. You can taste the 100% real butter and how lovingly this was made from scratch. Worth many return trips. PS. It didn’t just survive but THRIVED after a second day re-heat.

Pesto Scroll - Biggest surprise of the bunch! The flaky layers and fragrant pesto came together to make something truly magnificent. One of my favourite savoury pastries ever. Also ate half on the 3rd day (illegal I know) after re-heating and it was still fab.

Morning Bun - First, this thing is huge. Second, if you like the caramelized crust of a Kougin Amann but also desire the flaky butteriness of a croissant, this pastry is pretty much it. So good.

Croissant - Not the best shot but this was an absolute unit of a croissant. Exterior flakier than your average Vancouverite, interior pillowy soft, though it could have been just a HINT more buttery for me. Tied with 1-2 other bakeries for #1. Doesn’t come with icing, I accidentally lay it on the cinnamon bun lol.

Kouign Amann Crunch - These are crunchy but don’t hurt, caramelized but not bitter, sweet but not too sweet. This bakery has brought balance to the (pastry) force with this snack....

Day Date! We've been cooped up for so long, we just had two take advantage of the beautiful weather today. Headed to The Bench Bakehouse for Hot Chocolate Festival!

We ordered the following:

Tropical Staycation - while the milk chocolate really came through, I was missing the passion fruit, until I added the marshmallow. Then omgoodness, it took the drink to a whole other level. The marshmallow had a tartness to it that offset the sweetness of the hot chocolate. It was a perfect balance.

Chocolate Dipped Passion Fruit filled Croissant - this was as good as croissants get. Super flaky, full of delicious tart passion fruit cream with sweet chocolate.

Trees Company - my partner had this one & he really enjoyed it. He said he tasted the rosemary first then the maple. He said it was rich & creamy & the flavours were well balanced. Unfortunately they were out of the Kouign Aman it was supposed to be paired with, so he opted for the Lavender Shortbread instead.

Lavender Shortbread - this was quite unique. It was good combination of savoury & sweet.

Passion Fruit Marshmallows - I'm so happy we bought a bag of these. One came with my hot chocolate & it was soooo good, I'm happy I have more to enjoy later.

Overall this is a great little bakery. The only reason I wouldn't give it 5 stars is their pricing is inconsistent/missing. I didn't see pricing for the hot chocolate festival items. There were three baskets of marshmallows with price tags of $1. 25, $5 & $6 & since we didn't take a receipt I'm not really sure how much we paid for...