Farrar & Sons Bakehouse

If you're after a proper pie in Mayfield, New South Wales, Farrar & Sons Bakehouse is a name that comes up a lot. Pies are the main event here, and the word around the neighbourhood is that the pastry is spot on and the fillings are generous. People talk about shredded beef rather than mince, even in the kids' pies, and about a beef, bacon and cheese pie with plenty of bacon in it.

There's a good spread of flavours to choose from. Lamb and rosemary gets plenty of love, and so do the pepper pie, jalapeño and cheese, chicken and asparagus, mushroom and vegie. Sausage rolls and potato pie are regular orders too. Locals also rave about the custard tart, and an apple turnover has earned a good word. Beyond the pie warmer, the bakery turns out rolls, tarts, muffins and cupcakes, along with fresh sandwiches and a salad bar option for a quick lunch. If you've got an occasion coming up, they take custom cake orders as well.

Everything tastes best when it's fresh from the oven, and people keep coming back for that. Prices are described as fair, and several locals call it great value for what you get. Staff are friendly and quick with a smile, which is a big part of why some people make it a weekly stop.

There's café-style coffee on offer, and some drinkers say the cold foam drinks are a highlight. Opinion on the hot drinks is a little split, though. One visitor wasn't won over by the coffee or the hot chocolate, so if the pies are your priority, you're on safe ground.

You can eat in, take away or pick up in store, and parking is easy with free street parking and a free car park. They take cards and tap-to-pay. Opening hours vary a bit between weekdays and weekends, so check before you head in.

Farrar & Sons is the sort of local bakery where the regulars have a favourite pie and a first-timer usually leaves with a second flavour to try next time.