The Redhead Bakehouse

Anyone driving through Redhead, NSW with a pie on the brain tends to end up at The Redhead Bakehouse. It's a bakery and coffee spot that's been part of the neighbourhood since 2008, rebranded in 2017, and it has the feel of an old-school bakery with a smart refresh. Pairing with Glitch Coffee was a good move, and people rate the coffee as smooth and strong.

Pies are the headline. We hear the range is wide, vegetarian options included, with generous fillings and pastry that isn't greasy. The steak and cheese gets a mention, a chicken carbonara has its own fans, and one gluten-free eater called the cheese and bacon pie the best they'd found, crisp on top and thin underneath. Sausage rolls are worth trying. One local found a pie's pastry a touch undercooked, and another wanted more meat in a jalapeno pie.

Beyond pies, the date scones (the kind where one is never enough), the wholemeal loaves and rolls, danishes, cinnamon rolls, eclairs and a vanilla custard slice with passionfruit are all highlights. Gareth's baking background goes back to an apprenticeship in 1998, and sourdough is on the menu, though we've heard it's only baked on certain days of the week, so ask before you plan around it. Custom cakes are available as well.

The staff get plenty of warm words. People describe a friendly welcome at the counter, a clean, well-organised shop and fair prices, and one local mentioned a small discount for paying in cash. Service can slow down when it's busy, particularly at weekends.

Arrive early if you can. Hot items often sell out before the day is done, and by early afternoon the shelves can be thin. There's takeaway and in-store pick-up, dine-in, and free street parking nearby. Cards and tap payments are accepted. It's a good idea to check the hours before heading over, as it's a morning-to-early-afternoon bakery.