Appin Bakery

Pies are the reason most people end up at Appin Bakery, and the pie range here is a big one. We hear it's the kind of bakery where people drive a fair way for lunch, and one local called it worth a two-hour trip. Flavours that come up are chunky pepper, mince, chicken and mushroom, cheese and bacon, and a smoky jalapeno beef. The pies are generous, often described as two-handers, with light pastry and plenty of meaty chunks. The popular ones sell out early, so go early if you've got your heart set on a particular flavour.

It's not all beef, either. There are vegetarian options, including spinach and feta quiche, chickpea curry pie, vegetable and spinach and cheese rolls, and vegetarian pies and pasties. The savoury rolls come in a smaller size, handy when you only want a little something extra. On the sweet side, people mention sausage rolls, custard tart, cream buns, apple pie with cream, coconut slice, and a vanilla slice that one regular affectionately calls a snot block. Custom cakes are part of the picture too. One local found a custard tart a touch watery and a brisket pie a bit dry on the day, but that's the exception in what we hear.

Everything is made fresh and comes out of the oven daily. Prices are described as fair for the size, and the counter staff get plenty of praise for being friendly, quick and helpful even when the shop is packed. There's a small bar area for eating in, plus cold drinks and good coffee, and they also do takeaway and breakfast.

Getting in is easy. There's a free car park, a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, and they take cards and mobile payments. The doors open very early on weekdays and close earlier on weekends, so check the hours before you head out. If you're making a day of the southern highlands, this bakery in Appin, New South Wales, is a sensible first stop for lunch.