Bite Me Bakehouse

Bite Me Bakehouse is a neighbourhood bakery in Mount Colah, New South Wales, and pies are what it's known for. Ask around and the pepper steak and the chicken and mushroom come up first, with people praising chunky fillings and pastry that comes fresh from the oven. The sausage rolls get a good word too, including a spinach and feta version, and the pie lineup rotates through some inventive flavours, from a cheeseburger pie to chicken, camembert and bacon and a Mexican pulled pork.

Beyond the pies, the cabinet is well stocked. There are apple turnovers, danishes, donuts, brownies, lamington cake and a neenish tart or two, plus fresh bread and sandwiches. If you're planning ahead, custom cake orders are on offer, so ask at the counter about what's possible.

You can take it away or settle in. Dine-in is available, and there's a verandah out the front and an outdoor area down the side, which suits a coffee and a pastry when you're not in a rush. Coffee is a draw in its own right, and a queue at the machine isn't unusual. They also do breakfast. Dogs are welcome outside, which regulars appreciate.

Staff are a big part of the appeal. People describe a friendly, community-minded place where the team knows regulars by name, and the owners are known for backing local causes. Parking is easy enough, with free street parking and a free car park, plus an accessible car park, so it's manageable for anyone who can't walk far. They take cards and mobile payments.

A couple of locals find the pies a touch bland or the prices on the high side for a pie and a drink, so a little salt and a bit more seasoning would win them over. Most people, though, come away happy, and the pies keep drawing people back.

The doors open early on weekdays and close mid-afternoon, with shorter hours on weekends, so check the hours before you head in.