Introducing Milano Bakehouse

At Merlo, we’ve always believed that great coffee deserves great company - and by that, we mean freshly baked, handcrafted, artisan bread and pastries made with the same level of care and quality as your morning cup of coffee.

That’s why we’re beyond excited to announce the launch of Milano Bakehouse, a brand-new European-inspired bakery now open at our Bowen Hills flagship cafe.

THE STORY BEHIND THE MILANO BAKEHOUSE

Named after our founder Dean Merlo’s family’s iconic silver-service restaurant Milano - a Brisbane institution in the 1960s - Milano Bakehouse is a tribute to our roots. For generations, the Merlo family has been dedicated to delivering warm hospitality and authentic Italian flavours to the people of Queensland. This new venture is no exception.

Every loaf, every croissant, every layered pastry coming out of Milano Bakehouse is made daily on-site using premium, sustainable ingredients and traditional techniques. You can watch it all unfold behind the glass wall that connects our Bowen Hills café with the new bakery - because transparency (and fresh pastry aromas) make the experience all the better.

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND THE DOUGH

We’re baking an impressive range: around 30 sweet pastries and 25 artisan breads, crafted with care by our incredible team of bakers. Leading the kitchen is French Head Baker Thomas Meneau, who brings years of international experience and expertise in viennoiserie, supported by Deepak Pokhrel, our talented Head of Kitchen with a passion for perfection in every bake.

And let’s not forget our food consultant, Shannon Kellam - renowned chef-owner of Montrachet and a true leader in Australia’s fine-dining scene. Shannon has worked closely with our bakery team to develop a standout menu that reflects traditional European techniques while embracing local, seasonal ingredients.

Our signature bakes include the Milano Bakehouse Sourdough Batard, traditional baguettes, perfectly flaky croissants, and a rotating range of pastries that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re stopping in for your morning flat white or looking for the perfect loaf to take home, Milano Bakehouse brings something new - and freshly baked - to your Merlo experience.

For Dean Merlo, this is more than just a bakery. It’s a continuation of a legacy that began when his grandfather Luigi opened a trattoria in Italy, and his father Gino introduced Brisbane to Italy’s café culture in the 1960s. Dean’s mother, Mary, has even been hands-on in the taste-testing process - because at Merlo, everything we do is deeply personal, rooted in family, and made with love.

YOU CAN SEE IT (AND SMELL IT) FOR YOURSELF

Milano Bakehouse officially opens Saturday 5 July 2025 at 10 Thompson Street, Bowen Hills. Come early, come hungry, and experience the freshest coffee and the freshest baked goods under one roof.

We can’t wait to welcome you.

Fresh Espresso | Fresh Bakes

VISIT MILANO WEBSITE

For media enquiries, please contact Danyelle Britz from Bloom PR & Communications on 0408 410 930.