Arthur Clive's Bakery Cafe

If you're after a bakery in Boonah, Queensland, Arthur Clive's Bakery Cafe is the sort of place people drop into for a proper feed as much as a loaf. Fresh-baked goods sit alongside a full cafe menu, with pies a drawcard. The team describes themselves as a family-owned bakehouse baking fresh daily, and the Pennell family's history in the trade runs to over 80 years.

The counter covers the classics: pies, sausage rolls, vanilla slices, and traditional bread, cakes and pastries. Coffee is Di Bella, and people describe it as good quality and easy to enjoy rather than adventurous. The cafe side handles breakfast, brunch and lunch, with eggs Benedict, breakfast burritos and bacon and egg wraps getting regular mentions. Waffles and chicken have their fans too, and one local reckoned the half steak sandwich they were served was the size of a full meal.

Portions are a talking point. One person walked away with a ham and salad roll they called a monster, packed with fresh fillings and made to order. Others describe good old-fashioned serves at fair prices, which suits the relaxed weekend-morning feel of the place.

You can sit in or take away, and there's seating out the back in the sunshine that works well if you've got little ones who need to stretch their legs. High chairs are available, there are vegetarian options, catering is offered, and the car park is wheelchair-accessible. The staff come across as friendly and genuinely happy to be there, and one local told a story of a team member going out of her way to help sort a payment problem.

To be fair, it isn't flawless. We've heard of one busy visit where food took a long time and an order went missing, so at peak lunch hours it pays to allow a little extra time. The doors open very early and close early afternoon, but check the hours before you head out.

For pies, a hearty breakfast or a lunch stop on the way to Lake Moogerah, this is an easy one to add to the list.