Uprising Bakery Pty Ltd

Uprising Bakery in Maryville is the sort of place Novocastrians drive across town for, and it's easy to see why once you've stood in the queue. The bakery works out of a converted warehouse, which gives the space a rustic, lived-in feel, and the kitchen is big enough that you can see real baking going on. They hand-craft their breads, pastries, cakes and pies using local and regenerative ingredients, and the fresh-from-the-oven smell does a lot of the selling.

Sourdough is the heart of it. Locals talk about the loaves and the baguette in the same breath as good French baking, and there's a decent spread of bread rolls too. Pies and sausage rolls are the other big draw. The lamb and preserved lemon sausage roll gets a lot of love, and the traditional beef pie has its fans, though the odd person finds the seasoning on the mild side. Hot savouries can sell out before the lunch rush, so earlier is safer if a pie is the plan.

On the pastry side, the almond croissant is the one people keep raving about, along with the ham and cheese croissant and the seasonal tarts and galettes. The lemon crumble is another favourite. They also take custom cake orders if you have an occasion coming up.

You can eat in or take away, with coffee and breakfast on the go, and tables sit outside the shop rather than under cover. Weekends get busy, and a line out the door isn't unusual, though locals say it moves along quickly. Parking on the surrounding streets is generally available, but mind the one-way streets. Staff are friendly and are often named in a good way. The venue has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, car park and toilet, and takes cards and tap payments.

Not everyone walks away raving. We've heard the odd comment about value, a slow coffee order at peak times and the range being smaller than expected. Fair enough, but the sourdough, pies and croissants keep people coming back.

If you can't make the Maryville shop, there are also Uprising counters at Harris Farm Markets in Cooks Hill and Erina. Check the opening hours before you head in, especially on weekends.