Heritage Pies & Pastries

If you're after a pie in Goolwa, this bakery is a name worth knowing. Heritage Pies & Pastries is known locally for pies that come out fresh from the oven, and the chicken and mushroom, chicken and vegetable and potato varieties all get a mention. Sausage rolls and pasties turn up in the good-word-of-mouth too.

One thing we've heard from vegetarians in particular: the choice here goes well beyond the usual spinach and ricotta triangle. There are vegetarian and vegan pies and pasties on offer, with mushroom and lentil among the favourites, though popular ones can sell out later in the day. Gluten-free options are on the list as well, and one local says the gluten-free cakes are kept separate and nicely displayed. Another visitor, though, hoped for more for coeliacs, so it's worth asking at the counter about what's available.

Sweet things hold their own. Donuts and scrolls get plenty of praise, and a custard Berliner was called top shelf by one regular. The coffee is mostly well liked, with one local finding a cup served too hot, and breakfast is on the menu too, including a breakfast pie that one visitor couldn't stop talking about. Folks also mention fair prices, including a daily special on cheese pasties.

Service comes up often as friendly and quick, and one local put it simply that every staff member they've met has been cheerful. One person found a pie and sausage roll just average, which is fair to mention, but it's the exception.

Practicalities are easy. You can eat in, take away, pick up in store or use the drive-through, and catering is available if you're feeding a crowd. There's free street parking, and a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. The doors open early most mornings and close mid-afternoon, so it suits a breakfast or lunch stop, but check the hours before you head in, especially on a weekend.

For a Goolwa bakery with a proper range of pies, pasties and sweets, this is a solid place to start.