A furious day of voting and social media posting saw Inverell’s Macintyre Hot Bread steal the title of ‘Best Baker in the New England’ from last year’s winners, Sweetie Pie’s Bake Shop in Glen Innes, by just a single vote.
The two legendary bakeries have a host of awards, but both wanted the ‘Best Baker’ title. Macintyre was on the job early, posting to their socials and asking people to vote for them before most people had their coffee. Sweetie Pies fans had been ready and waiting for days, and also came out of the gates strong.
And vote they did, in droves. By 10am, both Sweetie Pies and Macintyre Hot Bread were streaks ahead of any other competition. By the end of the day, there was a gap of more than 50 votes between the top two contenders and the rest of the pack. And pies do appear to be the way to New England’s heart.
“They are a gorgeous run family bakery in Inverell. They have the tastiest Pies in town and surrounding areas every time I go to the bakery there is always a big line up! Not only are there pies tasty but all the other goodies are amazing too!!” said Hayley in her vote for Macintyre.
“Sweetie Pies is hands down the best bakery in the region, there pies are amazing and cater for all tastes, their sweets are amazing and will satisfy even the sweetest tooth,” said Andrew.
“Best Pies and Sausage rolls I have ever had, with a great variety of flavours to choose from. Perfect temperature and not oily,” said Karleigh of the Inverell baker.
Variety was a frequent theme and also a winning factor in both bakeries.
“[Macintyre Hot Bread has] the best varieties in everything, great prices. And still after nearly 25 years I still go back and get my cheese and bacon pie, plus there quiches are to die for,” said Jody.
“A large assortment of pies nice and fresh and their service is awesome,” said Josh in his vote for Sweetie Pies.
Their friendly staff also winning lots of votes.
“Great owners, polite and always have a smile on their face, some of best pies I have ever had,” said Jordan in his vote for Macintrye.
“They have the best pies I have ever tasted. I go to Glen Innes especially – love the Lobster Mornay Pie. The quality of their products and the happy, friendly staff in my eyes make it the best,” said Mary in her vote for Sweetie Pies.
There were so many other great bakeries in the running, including the Bingara Bakehouse, Moons in Uralla, and the Tenterfield Bakery’s lamingtons were getting lots of love. But with over 100 votes each recorded for the two cherished locally owned bakeries, in the end only Macintyre Hot Bread or Sweetie Pies Bake Shop stood a chance.
And there could only be one winner, with Macintyre Hot Bread just one vote ahead as the clock ticked over to midnight.
Will this be the beginning of an epic local rivalry? We will have to see when Best in the New England returns in 2026.
In the meantime, Zaylie and Nicole at Sweetie Pies are also cooking up a storm in preparation for this year’s entry into the Great Aussie Pie Competition, after winning seven gold, four silver, and two bronze medals at last year’s competition.
“We’ve still got 30 flavours but Nicole has lots of ideas for some new ones so there could be some new additions to the menu in the near future,” said Zaylie.
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