Ferny Way Bakery

Ferny Way Bakery sits in the Ferny Village shopping complex. We hear the curry pie in particular is popular, and locals suggest turning up early because it sells out. Sausage rolls and the usual meat pies are part of the regular run, along with a good spread of older-style baked goods such as apple turnovers, caramel tarts and fresh cream doughnuts.

The sandwich bar is a quiet drawcard too. One local was glad it still exists, since many other bakeries have phased theirs out, and the fresh sandwiches get a good word alongside the coffee and the sponge cakes. Prices are described as reasonable for the quality, which counts for a lot these days.

Custom cakes are a real strength here. People have ordered personalised birthday cakes, from a carrot cake for a workplace celebration to a cherry blossom design for someone's mother, and came away with exactly what they asked for. The sponge is light, the cream isn't too sweet, and the decorating gets praise. They also cater for gluten-free requests, so ask when you order.

You can dine in or take away, and the staff come across as bright, friendly and quick. The bakery has a free car park, and both the entrance and car park are wheelchair-accessible. They take cards and mobile payments.

Someone who has been coming for years feels the pies and bread have changed lately, with softer pastry and a denser loaf than they remember, and someone found a flat white a bit lukewarm. One local also mentioned the doors closing slightly ahead of the posted time, so check the hours before making a special trip. The kind of bakery you feel lucky to live near, great food, very good coffee, and somehow still reasonably priced.

If you're in Ferny Hills and after a pie, a birthday cake order or a fresh sandwich, it's an easy one to try for yourself.