Nations best Hot Cross Buns are from Michael’s @ Hillmorton

The winner of the Baking Industry Association Hot Cross Bun Competition, Michael’s Bakery in Christchurch, was announced with a nationwide splash on TV One’s Seven Sharp on March 14. The next morning, proprietor Michael Meaclem said that he had been baking since 9.30pm the previous evening, having snatched just three or four hours sleep during the day. “We’re trying to make them as fast as we can mix them and bake them – without jeopardising quality.” At the end of the first day, Michael’s at Hillmorton had sold out after selling over 350 packs of buns with over 100 packs more on order, this number will only grow.

Michael has always been keen to pass on his enthusiasm for baking. Having spent many years teaching baking at Christchurch Polytech Ara. Michael is now back full time in his bakery “doing the early hours”.

Michael was keen to share the kudos of the win. “ It might be called Michael’s Bakery, but it’s very much a team effort. We’re very proud of our buns with the long fermentation method and lots of Kiwi butter and goodness, and we are getting lots of customers coming back for more,” he said.

This is Michael’s first time entering the Baking Industry Association competition, they are taking orders via their website from all over the country ahead of Easter.

The Top 10:
1. Michaels Bakery Hillmorton
2. New World Birkenhead
3. Ten O'clock Cookie Bakery Cafe
4. U-Bake
5. Daily Bread
6. New World Miramar
7. Everglade Bakery Cafe
8. PAK n SAVE Masterton
9. Heavens Bakery
10. Kidds Cakes and Bakery

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