Village Bakehouse Orange

Village Bakehouse Orange is a bakery in Orange, NSW, set in a handsome old building with plenty of character inside. It's a good place to sit down, with a mix of seating, including soft couch-style spots, and a big pricing board that's easy to read from a distance. Locals also like watching some of the baking come together at the front of the shop.

The baked goods are the main draw. Pies get a lot of love here, with a firm, proper crust and a creamy filling, and the pepper steak pie in particular has people heading back for more. Sourdough is part of the story too, and the pastries are known for being fresh, with the chocolate croissant described as light and not too sweet. Sausage rolls, small cakes and slices round out the display cabinet, and custom cake orders are available if you've got an occasion coming up.

It's a dine-in and takeaway bakery with coffee and breakfast on the menu, so it suits a quick pie to go as easily as a long, relaxed sit-down. Opinions on the food service side are a little mixed. We've heard glowing things about the toasted sandwiches and rolls, and equally a few grumbles about the cooked breakfasts and the odd slow or muddled order, so the baked goods are probably the safest bet. Staff are often described as friendly and helpful, though the odd visitor has found the pace a bit flat. If you're after a particular pie late in the day, it's worth knowing that selections can thin out.

On the practical side, there's a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, free street parking nearby, and card and mobile payments are accepted. They open early on weekdays and keep shorter hours on weekends, so check the hours before you head in.

For a bakery in Orange with good pies, fresh pastries and a lovely building to sit in, this is one to try.