The Regal Shortbread Co.

The Regal Shortbread Co. is a micro-bakery in Whitby specialising in decadent, high-end shortbread—six flavours, to be exact. The goodies don’t end there. The ‘Grand Duchess of Shortbread’ Anita whips up daily offerings of her favourite recipes, including her ever-popular orange and date scones, magical South African milk tart and wholemeal sourdough loaves, to name a few. Her packaged gingernut biscuits recently received a bronze award from the NZ Artisan Awards 2022, and the South African Rusks (biscotti the South African way), a nod to her roots, are loved by many. 

The idea for her bakery was born from the need to raise money for her daughter’s German exchange back in 2015. Anita started by baking shortbread, with her daughters selling it to the neighbours—lucky for some! The demand never stopped, her daughter raised enough money to head to Germany and Anita curiously considered the idea of opening her own bakery. 

While spending numerous years dabbling at the local Thorndon Farmers Market, Anita was working on converting her double garage in Whitby into a kitchen and eventually a retail space too. A huge success, Anita’s lucky neighbours now have easy access to shortbread and so much more.

Anita is one of those fortunate few who gets to do what she loves each and every day. Food is her love language and she revels in using it to connect with others. As an exuberant creative, Anita loves to celebrate other local artisans, including Elemental Coffee and Saskia Hendrickse Pottery (for keep cups). 

Check out The Regal Shortbread Co. online for their latest offerings and ordering of their gingernuts (delivery available nationwide). Gingernut gift boxes are a recent addition, perfect for the holiday season or as a winter warmer.