Mick's Bread Kitchen

Mick's Bread Kitchen is a bakery in Ingham, Queensland that people talk about for its pies. If you're driving through town, it's the kind of place that comes recommended as a proper stop, not just a quick fuel-up for the road.

The pies are what come up first. Locals rave about the brisket pie, and the jalapeño brisket version in particular, with smoky, tender meat, a bit of heat without being over-spiced, and pastry that's flaky and buttery. There's also a chunky steak pie, a Ned Kelly, a curry pie, lamb and rosemary, and a pizza pie, plus sausage rolls and a veg pasty when you want something lighter. One visitor who grew up on British pies called the brisket pie the best they'd ever had. The baked goods are fresh from the oven, and there's a good range of breads and rolls if you're after something to take home.

Don't skip the sweet side. The custard slice gets a mention, and we hear the cakes, slices and donuts are worth a look. Coffee and breakfast are on offer too, and the dine-in space has a cosy, homey feel that makes it an easy place to sit down with a pie and a cuppa. Takeaway is straightforward if you're on the road, and the staff are friendly, often suggesting a pie to try when you can't decide.

They also take custom cake orders, and platters are a sound choice for events. One couple ordered breakfast and lunch platters for the morning of their wedding and loved the fresh fruit, cheese and pastries, along with the wraps and sandwiches.

A couple of people find the prices on the high side for a pie, and one felt the counter service was rushed on a busy day. Most see it as good value for what you get, and the sweet items are often said to be the better deal. Some people go in weekly, and one local has been eating the pies for 25 years.

Access is easy, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, plus free street parking and a free car park. They take cards and tap-and-pay. It's worth checking ahead, as they differ across the week.