Behind The Baking
Baking our Story
On January 15th, 2005, Matthew Edwards opened the doors of Lilli Pilli Patisserie Café. What began as a quiet little bakery soon blossomed into the heart of our community here in Caringbah South, becoming a beloved gathering spot for locals. We’ve been serving classic Aussie baked goods, all crafted in-house using traditional baking techniques ever since.
Over the years, our bakery evolved into a café, opening a cozy dining area in 2012. The growth didn’t stop there – both our space and our menu expanded. Alongside our classic artisan bread and traditional pastries, we now offer catering and bespoke cakes, ensuring there’s something special for every occasion, both big and small.
Meet The Baker - Matthew Edwards
Matt’s baking legacy goes way back, with roots tracing to his great-grandfather Thomas, who started baking in the early 1900s. His grandfather’s bakery in St. Mary’s was where Matt’s father, John, first began working at a young age.
Matt’s own baking journey began early at his Uncle’s bakery in Penrith, where he honed his skills and developed a deep passion for the craft. He went on to complete his pastry qualifications before working as a chef for several years, gaining even more experience in the kitchen.
It wasn’t until Matt opened his business in Caringbah South that he truly had the chance to put his skills and passion on display. Running Lilli Pilli Patisserie Café allowed him to share his love for cooking and baking with the community.
Matt’s dream of owning his own bakery wouldn’t have come to life without the support of his family, who’ve been by his side throughout the journey. His wife, Wendy, and his father, John, have been essential members of the team, working alongside him every step of the way.
Meet The Edwards Family
The Edwards family are the familiar faces behind the baking that has shaped Lilli Pilli Patisserie into the successful family business it is today.
Wendy Edwards dedicated many years to perfecting our front-of-house operations, working closely with the community before transitioning to managing the business behind the scenes.
Matt and Wendy's children, Elsie and Evie-Rose, are the driving force behind their dedication to creating a successful business.
Meet The Family - John Edwards
Matthew’s father, John, has always been a helping hand in the bakery. Starting out in his own father’s bakery at a young age, John has supported Matt from day one of his new business venture in 2005. He’s a familiar face around the shop, rarely sitting still for long. Whether his hands are in the sink or a cloth is in hand, John is always ready to jump in and lend a hand. His positive energy is a constant presence that gives the bakery it's cozy family style.
Meet The Cake Maker - Amelia Baldwin
Amelia began working at Lilli Pilli Patisserie in 2018, where she quickly became a familiar face front of house, building close relationships with the community. In 2021, she expanded her role, joining the baking team and specialising in bespoke cakes. It was during this time that she introduced the popular 'vintage' style cake, which has since become a customer favourite.
Amelia’s passion for cake making began at an early age, learning alongside her grandmother. She has since honed her skills and continues to expand her expertise at Lilli Pilli Patisserie, always striving to perfect her craft.
Meet The FOH Manager - Jo Smith
Jo is a familiar face at Lilli Pilli Patisserie, where she has been a dedicated member of the team for over 10 years. You can usually find Jo behind the coffee machine crafting her signature coffees or chatting with the Locals.