Freed.me Gluten Free Artisan Bakery operates out of the Yellow Box Business Centre at 4 Gribble Street in Gungahlin. Founded by Colombian-born chef Laura Guevara Convers, the dedicated facility produces specialty breads, pastries, and cakes free from gluten, meeting a rising local demand for safe dietary alternatives.
The Origins of Freed.me Gluten Free Artisan Bakery
The bakery began after chef Laura Guevara Convers met her partner in Canberra in 2024. Her partner, who is Irish, grew up eating traditional soda bread but lives with a gluten intolerance, finding supermarket options unappealing.
“My partner is Irish, and their love language is bread!” Convers said. “They grew up with things like soda bread, but they are gluten intolerant and the stuff you get at the supermarket is horrible.”
Initial baking attempts failed, but Convers persisted until she produced viable loaves. She eventually supplied wholefood shops, health stores, and independent grocers before expanding her menu to include pastries and cakes.
Scaling Up from Market Stalls to a Commercial Kitchen
Convers initially ran weekly stalls at the Southside Farmers Markets and Little Burley Market, outgrowing her shared rental kitchen space. She subsequently secured a repurposed childcare facility in Gungahlin to house administrative offices and a dedicated commercial kitchen.
“I’m much more flexible in my own space, and there is no risk of cross-contamination here,” Convers stated. “So we are 100 per cent gluten-free.”
The dedicated facility enabled the business to open as a weekend cafe on Saturdays, drawing immediate queues out the door. Alongside standard items, the bakery offers dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan products.
The Science and Craft of Gluten-Free Baking
Producing high-quality gluten-free goods requires mastering the science behind baking and utilizing alternative flours such as corn, buckwheat, and tapioca to achieve the right textures. Cinnamon scrolls have emerged as a popular choice, with customers reporting it is the first time they have enjoyed the pastry since receiving a coeliac diagnosis.
Weekly specials, including items like scones, round out the menu. Convers currently focuses on maintaining supply consistency for Saturday-morning shoppers while planning future Sunday openings and a return to south-side markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Freed.me Gluten Free Artisan Bakery located?
The bakery operates at 4 Gribble Street in Gungahlin, inside the Yellow Box Business Centre.
What are the operating hours?
The bakery is open on Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm, or until sold out.
Are all products completely gluten-free?
Yes, the dedicated commercial kitchen eliminates the risk of cross-contamination, ensuring all offerings are 100 per cent gluten-free.
Did you know? Freed.me started when Laura Guevara Convers attempted to recreate traditional Irish soda bread for her partner, overcoming multiple failed test batches before perfecting her recipes.
Stay Connected
To check current stockists or view weekly specialty menus, customers can visit the official Freed.me Artisan Bakery website or follow their updates on Instagram.
Keep reading