Tumut's "Pie in the Sky" Bakery

Tumut's "Pie in the Sky" Bakery is the kind of stop that works for a local grabbing breakfast and for someone passing through on the way to Wagga or Cooma. Travellers seem to find it by accident and walk away pleased, which says a fair bit about a bakery in Tumut.

Pies are the headline. Locals talk about a pepper steak pie, a beef curry pie with a hint of coriander, a mushroom pie and a potato pie, along with a classic steak, cheese and bacon. The pastry gets plenty of praise, the fillings are described as generous, and the pies come out a good size for the money. Sausage rolls, including a cheese and bacon version, get a nod too. We've heard that the food tends to be fresh from the oven and served at a temperature you can eat straight away.

It's not only pies. The sandwiches and rolls are made to order, and one local called them hard to come by these days and said this place nails them. Fresh salads and bread go into a ham roll, and the shelves carry loaves like white, wholemeal and multigrain, plus cakes, cupcakes and hot cross buns in season.

Coffee is there for the taking, along with milkshakes and iced chocolate. Opinion on the coffee is a little split: some people rate it very good, while others call it solid bakery coffee rather than cafe standard, so set expectations accordingly.

You can dine in or take away. There's outdoor seating, and it's a friendly spot if you've got a dog with you. A public toilet sits close by in the park, handy on a road trip. Parking is free on the street, and there's a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. They take cards and tap-and-go payments.

Friendly, prompt service is the common thread. One person did come away feeling overlooked during a busy moment, so at peak times a little patience may help. Hours run early on weekdays and a bit later to start on weekends, and it's worth checking before you head in.

If you're in Tumut and want a proper pie with a coffee, this is a sensible place to start.