Bake my Life, Bakery Cafe

Bake My Life is a bakery cafe in Ballina, New South Wales, and locals tend to talk about the pies first. The pulled pork and jalapeno has plenty of fans, and the lamb and rosemary gets some enthusiastic recommendations, with one visitor from Sydney saying they'd be dreaming about it for weeks. There's a fair bit of chatter about the pastry too, which people describe as properly good rather than an afterthought.

Bread is the other draw. One regular calls it their favourite bakery around, praising baguettes with a lovely crust and a dough full of flavour, the kind of detail fussy bread eaters notice. Sourdough comes up as well, and everything is described as fresh from the oven. The sausage rolls are popular, though we've heard one or two folks found the pork and fennel a touch dry, so you might pair it with a sauce.

If you're gluten free, this is a handy stop. Locals rave about the gluten-free pies, which carry the same flavours as the regular range, come with decent pastry and get their own warmer. There's a good run of gluten-free cakes too, and vegan options are on the board. Sweet tooths mention the vanilla slice, apple strudel and a caramel cheesecake that one person called phenomenal.

It's also a proper cafe. The coffee gets good words, and there's breakfast, with a bacon and egg roll big enough that one visitor took half home for lunch. You can dine in or grab takeaway, and custom cake orders are available if you've got an occasion coming up. Inside is small, but people say it has plenty of personality, and the staff are friendly. Prices are considered fair for the portions.

Parking is easy, with free street parking and a free car park, plus wheelchair-accessible parking and entry. Card and tap payments are accepted. It's an early-start bakery that closes up in the afternoon and is shut one day a week, so check the hours before you head in. One local suggested it's well worth the short detour if you're tempted by a highway service centre stop instead.