Lovells Birdwood

If you're driving through the Adelaide Hills and the pie question comes up, Lovells Birdwood is a bakery in Birdwood, South Australia known for pies. The Steak and Mushroom gets a fond mention, though the pasties are another reason people call in. The Cornish pasty has its own fans, and sausage rolls, finger buns, Kitchener buns, honey logs and custard tarts all get talked about too.

This is a sit-down bakery as much as a grab-and-go one. You can eat in or take away, with outdoor seating facing the road if the weather's kind. Coffee and breakfast are part of the offer, and a bacon, egg and cheese breakfast roll is a popular road-trip stop on the way through. There's also a second-hand shop attached to the cafe, which makes for an easy browse while you wait. Lovells is part of a small family of bakeries across the Hills, and regulars who visit the Birdwood, Mt Pleasant and Inglewood shops speak well of the chain's affordable prices.

One customer has noted service and kindness from a staff member, the value is good, and there's been praise for the service shown to a pregnant customer in need of a clean, accessible toilet. Access is solid: there's a wheelchair-accessible entrance, car park and toilet, plus free parking on the street and in the car park. Cards and tap-to-pay are accepted.

Some find the coffee on the weak side, and the odd person has felt the counter service was a bit brisk. Bakery fans on the trail will also find it busy around lunchtime, so expect a short wait on a nice day.

Birdwood is a popular stop for cyclists using the Amy Gillett trail extension as well as travellers heading to the Murray. The shop is open every day of the week, but it's worth checking the hours before you head in, especially late in the afternoon.