Sydney, it’s time. The wait is finally over. Lune Croissanterie, the iconic Melbourne-based bakery hailed as Australia’s croissant benchmark, is opening its first permanent Sydney store this Saturday.  And it’s dropping a Gingerbread Croissant as an early Christmas present. 

Founded by ex-aerospace engineer Kate Reid, Lune is legendary for its precisely crafted pastries which blend science, art and a lot of butter, earning Lune international acclaim when The New York Times called it out as one of the best in the world. From the perfect golden flake to the rich buttery centre, Lune croissants are in a league of their own.

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“The relationship between aerodynamics and croissants isn’t immediately obvious, or indeed linear. It’s not like we put our croissants in a wind tunnel to test their lift and drag coefficients. It’s more about a mindset. We are a process-driven organisation, with a focus on innovation, improvement and experimentation,” Reid tells delicious.

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Sydney’s love affair with Lune began years ago when the bakery ran pop-ups, and fans queued for hours to snag a taste of the cult-status pastries. The anticipation has only grown since then, with stalled openings, lockdowns, and a last-minute site change teasing its arrival in Sydney for nearly five long years. 

On the hotly-anticipated launch, the pastry master says, “It’s no secret that Lune Sydney is long overdue. This is highlighted when people regularly ask me how Lune is going in Sydney; a relatively safe assumption that we already have a presence there. I’m just excited for it to be an actual reality. Rosebery also feels like it was meant to be.”

Related story: Have leftover Lune (are you mad?) Try Lune’s twice-baked birthday cake frangipane croissant.

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Now, the big day is here. Located in the historic Rosebery Engine Yards, the Sydney site is the largest location in the Lune family, employing dozens of pastry chefs to churn out up to 5,400 pastries per day. We’ll save you one. 

To celebrate the festively timed reveal, the new site will launch with a range of Christmas creations, including a Gingerbread Croissant with pecan frangipane; a Stuffed Turkey Croissant for those that know that the yuletide bird is the word; and a twist on their cult cruffin finished with a rum and eggnog custard. A Choc Peppermint Pain au Chocolat and Christmas Pudding Croissant rounds out the limited-edition launch menu.

But wait, of course, there’s more. An enigmatic second Martin Place bakery will open soon too. The opening date will not be revealed until the doors swing open, so keep your eyes peeled on your way to the office.

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With seven spaces across three states, the Lune croissanteries are a visual treat too. Designed to showcase Lune’s laminated theatre. The new stores offer Sydneysiders an up-close view of the magic behind every croissant, with the climate-controlled glassed-in raw pastry kitchen dominating the once industrial space in Rosebery.

The menu will feature Lune’s signature classics, like the buttery plain croissant and the decadent twice-baked almond croissant, alongside inventive sweet and savoury pastries unique to the city.

Reid’s success – which shows no sign of slowing down – hasn’t dampened her love of the little things. “When I spot someone walking past me holding a little brown paper bag emblazoned with the Lune logo, it still gives me the biggest thrill.

Related story: Lune’s chocolate and hazelnut croissant bread and butter pudding

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“The thought that they just walked past me, totally oblivious to the fact that they’re carrying a little part of me with them.”

Doors open this Saturday, so set your alarms early and get ready to line up. If the Melbourne and Brisbane locations are anything to go by, these pastries will fly off the shelves.

Sydney, welcome to the Lune experience. You’re going to love it.

How to make croissants

If you’re really that dedicated, go ahead! Why not try our recipe for almond croissants?

Lune Rosebery will open on Saturday, December 7 at 115-151 Dunning Ave, Rosebery. Lune Martin Place, shop N80, Metro Martin Place, 1 Elizabeth St, Sydney, will open soon.

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