In a big shed at 100 Gilbert Street, three stores are thriving. Idle Hands is one of them and as co-business owner says they can’t keep up with demand.
Owned by brother and sister Lewis and Ella they’ve just opened their doors, and people already love them. Their socials and regulars are constantly flooded with praise and it’s easy to see why.
The standout is the cardamom buns with between 200-240 being sold each week, and customers picking them up in batches for offices. They are soft buttery-brioche pastries covered in a sticky cardamom sugar that caramelises in the oven.
“We’ve quite literally gotten some people addicted to it,” added Lewis.
The tight, thoughtful menu includes an all-purpose sourdough loaf, sourdough baguettes, rye and dark chocolate chip cookies, vanilla custard tarts and ham and cheese baguettes made on house-baked bread.
There’s also a rotating focaccia that changes with the seasons and whatever local produce is at its peak. Think blistered tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella and basil right now, with ricotta and fig next in line. As the weather cools, heartier toppings like brassicas, potato and onion will take centre stage.
Lewis runs the bakery alongside his sister Ella, a hospitality veteran who previously managed Sunny’s Pizza for seven years. While he handles the doughs, Ella leads the pastry side of things, including the custard tarts and a soon-to-launch line-up of cakes. Expect apple tea cake made with fruit from the family backyard, a rich Guinness cake and a chocolate cake with ganache to hit the shelves shortly.
And then there’s the Milo.
In a move that’s unexpectedly become one of the shop’s biggest drawcards, Idle Hands serves the nostalgic Aussie classic instead of a standard hot chocolate powder. Lewis, who has spent nearly two decades in specialty coffee, wanted something ironic and a little more joyful. They’re now going through around 1.5 kilos a week, with customers of all ages lighting up at the sight of it on the menu.
“It’s something that’s really taken on a life of its own, but I think the great thing about it is that it resonates with so many people,” said Lewis.
“The look of very pure and innocent joy that you see on people’s faces when they, one, order a milo, and two, consume the milo, because of the nostalgic flavour and experience for people.
“That’s actually been one of the most special things about the shop so far. In-fact the first drinks I made were Milo.”
Looking ahead, there’s more in store. With a liquor licence expected to land mid-to-late March, Idle Hands plans to introduce Friday evening wine sessions, spotlighting natural wines from local producers and international importers, plus a curated sake selection.
For now, though, it’s about keeping things small, seasonal and done well.
Idle Hands
Where: 100 Gilbert Street, Adelaide
Open: Thursday: 7.00am – 2.00pm, Friday: 7.00am – 2.00pm, Saturday: 8.00am – 2.00pm, Sunday: 9.00am – 2.00pm
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