The Bakery Jindabyne

Pies are what The Bakery Jindabyne tends to get talked about for, and it's a handy stop for anyone passing through this part of the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales. It works as a bakery and cafe in one, with takeaway if you're on the move and tables inside and out if you'd rather settle in. People like the cosy feel of the place, and the local photography on the walls gets a mention too.

On the pie front, we've heard good things about the steak, bacon and cheese and the pepper steak, with crisp, crusty pastry and a meaty filling. The curry vegetable pie has its fans as well. Sausage rolls come up a lot, usually for their generous size and the higher meat-to-pastry ratio, though one local found the pastry dry and another thought they could be served hotter. It's fair to say pie quality can vary from visit to visit, and one person found the chunky steak pies hadn't been heated through properly. Vegetarian options exist, though stock can be limited.

Beyond the pies, there's a cabinet of sweet things: cinnamon scrolls, cakes, brownies, apple pie, a citrus tart and lime coconut ice, plus a quiche that earned praise for its salty crust and choice of vegetarian fillings. Coffee gets mixed opinions, with a few happy with the flat whites and chai, and others finding iced coffees a bit weak. The oat hot chocolate and kids' hot chocolates went down well.

Value is a real strength. One visitor from Canberra said prices were around half to two-thirds of what they pay at home for similar quality. Staff come in for plenty of warm words, with locals describing friendly, patient service even close to closing time, and one staff recommendation hitting the spot.

The business traces its baking back to 1950, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and traditional methods. Seating is easy to find, it suits families with young kids, and there's wheelchair access to the car park, entrance and seating. It opens early and runs through the day, but check the hours before you head in.