Scratch Bakers, City Works Depot

Over the past few years, the City Works Depot (CWD) has seen some remarkable changes. Originally a bunch of factories, these buildings on Wellesley Street have been transformed into some of the trendiest, industrial-chic eateries in the Auckland CBD. CWD is home to Dry and Tea, the TV famous Food Truck Garage, and a range of ventures by Al Brown including Best Ugly Bagels.

This weekend, we are trying Scratch Bakers because I had heard really great things about the food. Everything in store is baked from scratch, hence the name, and the menu is quite unique. As with the other buildings in the CWD, Scratch Bakers is industrial looking with a high ceiling, concrete walls and exposed pipes. The Of Monsters and Men soundtrack was playing so I knew I was going to have a good experience.

There was a small queue when I arrived so I spent a little time oohing and aahing over the selection at the counter.

Pork Belly and Apple Cider Pie - $9.50, Carrot Juice - $7.50

Although it was a lot pricier than other cafes, my Pork Belly and Apple Cider Pie was unique enough to be worth it. The soft flaky pastry was filled to the brim with a generous amount of pork belly.  The apple cider, a perfect pairing, had completely penetrated the pork which fell apart with the slightest press of my fork. My only complaint is the wooden disposable cutlery that was offered because it made cutting the pastry very awkward.

I ordered a fresh carrot juice to accompany my pie. I'm always impressed when cafes make their own juices.

Fish Burger - $7.50

By the time Mors had arrived, there were only a few burger choices left. He went with the fish burger which had a crispy fish fillet in a tumeric batter. It was well seasoned and encased in one of Scratch's hand crafted buns.

Pork Belly and Kimchi Burger - $7.50

Pei went for a Pork Belly and Kimchi Burger which looked absolutely amazing and well put together. As with the pie, the slices of pork were very generous and all of the ingredients went right to the edge of the bun to ensure each bite is consistently delicious.

Creme Brulee Tart - $4.50

By the time we had finished our food, there was not much room for dessert so we decided to share the Creme Brulee Tart. Our server took it out the back to brulee and it came back with a perfectly crackable top.

Scratch Bakers is located at City Works Depot 90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland