Banister Provisions: A New Main Street Bakery & Cafe Now Open

Myra Maston makes the kind of bread I’m happy to plan my day around. And her teaming up with Monroe Webb to create Banister Provisions feels like the last piece falling neatly into place.

Operating out of a tiny, street-facing space on the 23rd Avenue side of Hero’s Welcome (3917 Main Street), Banister is a compact takeout window built into the side of the pub, bringing its community-driven spirit into daytime hours. Maston’s bread and pastries join a focused menu including Webb’s famous sandwiches, plus snacks, quality coffee, grab-and-go meals, and specialty retail items. “The idea for Banister was inspired by the simplicity and charm of New York-style coffee carts,” says Webb. “We aim to be a helping hand, whether your day is just starting or winding down.” And the name? Webb came up with it after spotting an old BC Ferries sign—the kind that reminds passengers to hold the banister while heading down the steep stairs to the car deck. It got him thinking about what a banister actually is: something that’s always there. A helping hand. Subtle, steady, reliable. He liked the feel of the word and the image it evoked—something familiar and grounding.

I love bread – all baked goods, really — and if someone’s doing it right, I’ll put in the effort to get my hands on it. Maston’s baking has always been worth the trip. Back when she was at Ubuntu Canteen (another community-minded spot once located at 4194 Fraser Street, now home to Bar Bravo) a steady queue outside was the norm, with everyone waiting to snag loaves and pastries before they vanished. Since Ubuntu closed in 2023, Maston has made pop-up appearances around town, but it’s been a while since we’ve had any kind of reliable access to her talents. That all changes with Banister Provisions, and I know I won’t be the only one excited about this development.

For those who lined up at Ubuntu, you already know the drill: arrive early and load up. Banister’s canelé ($5) has that deep amber deliciousness that goes perfectly with coffee, while the cinnamon bun ($6) nails the ideal icing-to-dough ratio, and the boterkoek ($5.50) – possibly my favourite – is a clever cookie of paradoxes: crispy and chewy; fancy yet simple. Add to that: they make a killer chocolate chip cookie ($4); their sesame Rice Krispy square is smartly upgraded by a subtle sesame and salty finish ($4); and, for savoury options, the daily sandwiches are always delicious, of course. Bread-wise, expect house made bagels, sourdough Maritime Loaf ($8), ciabatta ($7), and focaccia (half for $8; or full slab for $16). It goes without saying that everything is baked fresh in-house. Pair your choice with strong drip coffee ($3.50), pour over ($6), or tea ($2.75).

Banister is open Friday to Sunday, from 10am to 3pm – so plan accordingly. In the meantime, peruse the gallery of baked goods below, if you dare….