Henry's Bakery Cafe

Henry's Bakery Cafe is a family-owned bakery and cafe in Lismore, New South Wales, and it's the kind of place people head to when they want proper bread with something good to go alongside it. The loaves are the draw: sourdough and crusty Italian breads made with traditional techniques, plus a wider craft bread range.

Pies are the other big name here. Locals will tell you the pies come out warm and full of flavour, and the bread, roll and pastry counter is a pleasure to browse. If you're after something sweet, vanilla slice and Portuguese tarts come up regularly, with almond croissant, lemon tart and cheesecake available too. Everything has that fresh-from-the-oven feel, and people say the prices feel fair for the quality.

It's also a good pick if you're avoiding gluten. They bake gluten-free bread and bakes, and one coeliac regular was especially glad of the brownie. There are paleo-style bars on the counter as well. For occasions, they take custom cake orders, and one family was thrilled with a fresh cream and strawberry sponge made for a parents' anniversary. Catering is available too, so it's worth asking if you're feeding a crowd.

Since there's coffee and breakfast on offer, you can sit in or take away. People like the cosy feel and the seating, and a chai latte with a small cheese and bacon roll is one local's idea of a good morning start. The staff are friendly and patient, which counts when the cabinet has so many choices that indecision is common. We've heard one person found the pastry quality a touch uneven, and some have returned for a consistently good experience.

It's often busy, which tells you something. Access is easy, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating and car park, plus free street parking and a free car park. They take cards and mobile payments. Hours run across the whole week, with a shorter day on weekends and a day off, so check the hours before you go.