La Bouche

La Bouche is a small French-style patisserie in Cleveland, Queensland, and one that people in the Redlands tend to talk about with real affection. It's a home-style shop run by a friendly, genuine couple, and locals will tell you the care shows in everything that comes out of the kitchen.

The pastries are the draw. We hear one customer tried the butterscotch white chocolate croissant and loved it, and the almond croissant and Portuguese egg tart also appealed to visitors. Danish pastries and a delicate blueberry crumble muffin have won people over as well. On the savoury side, the chicken and leek pie is the one folks rave about, with a good balance of filling to pastry and a fresh, well-made taste where you can pick out the leek. A wagyu beef sausage roll is on the list too, and sourdough has a name here as well.

The coffee earns its own following. One local was told by someone in the queue that he comes just for the coffee, and another reckons it's the best around the Redlands. They even make a pappuccino for the dog, which goes down well with families.

Staff are friendly and chatty, and the owner is known for making an effort to talk with people in the shop. Most people feel prices are fair for the quality, though one or two find it a little pricey, and one local found a croissant with extra cream dearer than expected. The cabinet is on the small side, and weekend specials like foccacia sell out, so getting there early is the advice you'll hear most.

One thing to know before you go: we've heard the storefront has moved to an online shop with pickup, with a narrower range than the shop had, suited to gifts and special occasions. Takeaway and delivery are what they offer, so check their website for current ordering and pickup details. The wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park are a plus.