Flavour Report with Derek Goforth: Northampton’s Shearing Shed Cafe and Bakery exceeded every expectation

This week’s Flavour Report involved a trip to Northampton to taste-test the town’s Shearing Shed Cafe and Bakery. Right off the bat, I have to warn you, be ready for a lot of superlatives as this little eatery exceeded every single little expectation we had. On arrival, we were immediately drawn to the warm and inviting atmosphere. The cafe buzzed with activity and it was clear from the offset that we had stumbled on to a gem. The signs advertising their prize-winning sausage rolls and vanilla slices were very encouraging to see (and as we were soon to discover, very well deserved). There were four of us and we wanted to sample as much as possible, so we opted for a selection of sweet and savoury treats, along with a couple of coffees and thick shakes. We could have spent a good hour choosing but had to try their award-winning vanilla slice and sausage roll, along with a brownie and carrot cake. Our youngest boy, with a discerning sweet tooth, instantly fell in love with the brownie. Its fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavour left him grinning from ear to ear. It was a joy to witness his eyes light up with each bite. Rich, dense but very moresish. My eldest son opted for the carrot cake and he couldn’t have been happier with his choice. The cake was moist, delicately spiced and perfectly balanced. Watching him savour every bite with a contented smile made me appreciate the care and craftsmanship put into these creations even more. The coffees and thick shakes were lovely. The capps were smooth and mellow and the shakes certainly hit our kids’ sweet tooths. Perhaps the thick shake could have been thicker, but the taste was great. Now for the sausage roll and vanilla slice and oh my, we were just amazed. Their sausage roll was famously voted fourth best in Australia and to be honest I really want to try the top three, because I could not fault the one we tried. It was packed with flavour with a texture to die for. The slice was something truly special as well. The pastry was flaky and buttery, the icing just thick enough not to overpower and the custard was firm and creamy all at the same time. The flavour was delicate and subtle, which I have never really come across before. It wasn’t only the best vanilla slice we have ever had but possibly the best sweet treat we have ever tasted — yes, it really was that good! The service we received was outstanding. The staff members were attentive, friendly and quick to accommodate our needs. Despite the cafe’s popularity and the bustling crowd, they managed to make us feel special and attended to. Their genuine hospitality added a touch of warmth to our experience, leaving us with lasting memories. The Shearing Shed Cafe prides itself on crafting everything in-house and it certainly showed. The attention to detail and commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients shone through in every bite. The flavours were vibrant and the textures were spot on. It’s evident that the team behind the scenes takes immense pride in their culinary creations. While the seating arrangements were slightly crowded, that only added to the cafe’s charm. The close proximity to other patrons created an atmosphere of camaraderie as we all revelled in the delicious offerings before us. It was a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing good food and good company. Our family day trip to The Shearing Shed Cafe was a resounding success, so if you’re looking for a memorable day out or simply passing through Northampton, you simply must try this lovely little eatery.