He'll have: The latest addition to Spongedrop's repertoire - after a mere two weeks on the market, the custard square cupcake is sought-after and often sold-out. It's a vanilla sponge, topped with a dollop of custard and a passionfruit buttercream icing, garnished with a teeny triangle of golden puff pastry and a drizzle of passionfruit sauce. I actually had one of these too, knowing that hubby's penchant for custard squares meant he wouldn't even give me a taste! Personally, I'd have preferred a wee bit more custard, but owner Danielle Cubis assures me she can't physically get any more in, otherwise she would. And as predicted, hubby enjoyed it so much he almost snarled at me when I tried to edge in on his as well. Serves me right for being greedy.
Value for money: At first glance, $4.50 for a cupcake may seem a lot. But when you think about the soggy muffins or stale scones you might get for your $4.50 elsewhere, the quality at Spongedrop is worth far more than that. Every element of these tiny cakes of delight is hand-made to perfection. They are light, satisfying and the kind of treat your Instagram feed will go nuts for. All that for $4.50 is a bargain.
To drink: A soy flat white and an Aroha Ginger, Lemon and Honey juice ($4.50). Regular coffees here are $4.50, with soy, rice and almond milk on offer. The Harney & Sons range has something for every palate. The staff: Spongedrop staff are some of the best I've come across, whether it's in the actual cakery or down at the Little Big Markets. Always polite, kind and only too happy to stop and have a chat, or explain each flavour to you in minute detail. Hot drinks are served in a speedy fashion, even when the place is packed. They are the perfect people to give cruise ship visitors a great impression of our city.
The verdict: Danielle Cubis spent years honing her craft for weddings and at the Little Big Markets before opening the cakery, and it shows. Spongedrop Cakery is a perfect example of figuring out what you're really good at and just sticking to that. There's wisdom in keeping it simple and you can't get much simpler than delicious coffee and excellent cake. Its idyllic spot next to the park makes it the perfect place to while away a summer afternoon with your loved one, or get your treats to take away and wander around to Pilot Bay.
This has fast become one of our go-to impress-your-visitors-with-the-awesomeness-of-the-Bay spots and if my hard-to-please in-laws were anything to go by over Christmas, then we're on to a winner.
For anyone with a sweet tooth or a penchant for amazing baked goods, add Spongedrop to your must-do list.
