Annie's Country Bakery

Out in the hills of the Northern Rivers, Annie's Country Bakery is the sort of place people stumble across on a drive and then talk about afterwards. Plenty of visitors to Modanville seem to land here by chance and leave planning a return trip. We hear it's a pleasant spot to settle in for a while, with seating outside that looks over the valley and grassy fields.

Pies are what they're known for, and they go well beyond the usual mince and gravy. The scallop pie draws the most attention, packed with whole scallops in a curry sauce under crisp pastry. One local called it the star of the show. There's also a Malaysian prawn curry pie, a butter chicken pie, a steak and pepper pie and a Thai chicken pie on the menu. Sausage rolls are popular too, including a kimchi and pork version and a beef one.

Beyond the pies, the cabinet runs to pastries, bread and donuts, and we've heard the croissant is flaky and buttery enough to turn heads. The banh mi, with its crisp baguette, gets a mention as well. Coffee is served through the day, along with breakfast, so it works for a slow morning stop as much as a quick pie at lunch. Everything is baked fresh, and the prices are considered fair for what you get.

Staff come across as friendly and easygoing, which people appreciate. One visitor found a sausage roll and an apple danish a touch overdone, so it may pay to pick your favourites from the pie range.

You can dine in, take away, pick up in store, or arrange catering. The wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating and toilet make it easy for most visitors to get in, and there's free street parking nearby. They take cards and mobile payments, and the bakery opens daily, but check the hours before heading out. If you're after a bakery in Modanville with pies worth the drive, this one is easy to recommend.