L'épi Artisan Bakery - Kambah

L'épi Artisan Bakery - Kambah is a small shopfront in the Kambah shops, opposite the Woolworths, and serves takeaway and dine-in customers in this part of Canberra. Sourdough is the draw. We hear there's sourdough available, from a plain loaf with a chewy, natural feel to a caraway version one local called fragrant and delicious. Baguettes are on offer too, along with a few other breads.

The cabinet goes well beyond bread. Locals talk about the pies, with chunky beef and chicken and leek among the favourites, and the sausage rolls are described as massive. There are also sweet pastries, tarts, quiches and small and large cakes. The honey and pistachio cake gets a lot of love, and one person who ordered picnic quiches and baps ahead was impressed that the bakery rang to ask whether they wanted the quiches warmed before pick-up. Custom cakes are part of the picture, and the catering side is there for events.

You can sit in for breakfast or a coffee, or take it away, and delivery is available. The coffee is made with ONA beans, and people rate it highly, particularly the flat whites. The French-style café feel makes it a pleasant place to linger. Staff come across as friendly, with regulars mentioning being greeted with a smile and quick service. Accessibility is sorted, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, plus free parking nearby, and you can pay by card or phone.

To be fair, opinion isn't unanimous. One person was let down by a quiche that had dried out, and another found a pre-ordered cheesecake had arrived still frozen. Those sound like the exception rather than the rule, but if you're ordering a celebration cake it's sensible to confirm the details when you place the order.

The shop is open seven days, with slightly shorter hours on weekends, though it's worth checking before you head in. Dine in, take away or have it sent, it's a dependable bakery in Kambah for sourdough, pies and a good coffee.