Bellingen Swiss Patisserie & Bakery

If you're after a proper pie in Bellingen, this Swiss-style bakery is worth a visit. The pies lean beyond the usual mince and steak: a Hungarian goulash pie and a Moroccan lamb pie both get a good word, along with a pepper steak pie and a chicken mornay with a light crust and no soggy bottom. The sausage rolls are a hit with the kids, and there's a quiche on the counter for something savoury but lighter.

The pastry cabinet is where it gets hard to choose. Big German-style pretzels sit alongside Aussie classics like vanilla slice and custard slice, plus almond croissants loaded with almond paste, jam Berliners, apple turnovers, a pistachio knot that isn't too sweet, and a raspberry and custard pastry. One visitor said it was the kind of old-fashioned bakery they'd feared had died out, and that it was worth driving a long way for.

It works equally well for a quick stop or a proper sit-down. Takeaway is easy, and there are tables out the front for eating in, with coffee and tea brought to your table once you've ordered and paid at the counter. There's also a fridge of cold drinks, and breakfast is on offer. Lunch is a bit more limited, though. Sandwiches come ready made on soft rolls, so if you're picturing sourdough or baguette, you'll be better off with a pie or a pretzel instead.

Prices get a thumbs up too, with people calling it good value for the quality, and the staff come across as friendly even on a busy morning. A bottle of tomato sauce on the table for your pie is a nice touch that didn't go unnoticed.

Practical bits: there's free street parking and a free car park, a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, and cards and tap payments are accepted. They open early on most days and close earlier at the weekend, so check the hours before you head in.

For a bakery in Bellingen with a decent pie, a good coffee and a counter full of pastries, this is an easy one to add to the list.