Antony Blackey from Antony’s Bakery and Patisserie has been crowned King of the Bakers at the Toowoomba Royal Baking Show for the third year in a row, making it a hat trick.

The bakery announced the big win on their Facebook page: “So happy to announce for the THIRD YEAR running we have won The King of The Bakers 2021 for the Heritage Bank Toowoomba Royal Baking Competition run by the Agricultural Society of Queensland!”

Antony said that while he’s made mistakes in the past resulting in eliminations, he managed to avoid that this year.

“This year came together pretty well for us,” he said.

“We all work hard in bakeries and with the COVID era so much has changed, so it’s a good reward.”

As well as the top gong, Antony’s Bakery & Patisserie won a raft of other awards including; Ben Furney Flour Mills Feature Product of the Show, including the Cec Willersdorf Memorial Trophy presented for Antony’s Tarte au Citron; Regional Shield – presented by Allied Pinnacle; Regional Bread Award – presented by National Bakery Industry Association; Regional Cake Award – presented by Manildra Group; Most Successful Cake Exhibitor – All about Bakery Equipment; Best Specialty Bread – presented by Homestyle Bake; Most Successful Bread Exhibitor – presented by Australian Bakels; and Most Successful 1st & 2nd Year Apprentice – Ben Millar.

More than 600 bakers from across the state put their best dough forward for the event, held on February 26.

Head judge of the Toowoomba Bread Show Brad Dancey said the show had a fantastic turnout and great entries, but needs more next year.

“The more competition, the better it is for everybody,” he said.

“See you here!”