The quality of Matt Forbes’ product shouldn't come as a surprise. Having earned his chops at world-renowned restaurants such as Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons, The Waterside Inn and Noma, the Cobb Lane founder’s creations have appeared at popular Melbourne cafes such as Clement, Dukes Coffee Roasters, Twenty & Six and A Little Bird Told Me.

As with Cobb Lane’s Yarraville HQ, this sleek baking operation inside the Richmond Traders precinct showcases Forbes’ selection of celebration cakes, Danish pastries, cookies and doughnuts in a mint space permeated with the aroma of freshly baked viennoiseries.

But its the sourdough – informed by old-world European traditions – that commands your attention. Freshly baked baguettes and loaves are displayed behind the counter: classic white, olive-studded and gruyere-infused numbers that routinely sell out before closing time.