The Cottage Bakery McLaren Vale

If you're after a bakery in McLaren Vale, The Cottage Bakery is a handy stop, and the pies are what it's best known for. Locals mention the steak pies in particular, one described as chunky and holding together well with a rich filling, and a lamb and rosemary pie got a nod for being exceptionally flavoured. Pasties, sausage rolls and spinach and feta rolls are in the mix too. One truck driver ducked in for a sausage roll on the way home and called it the best he'd had, and another found it among the biggest they'd seen.

Beyond the savouries, there's a good spread to choose from. Breakfast items, sandwiches, wraps, cakes and slices sit alongside vegan pies and gluten-free options, and the vegetarian choices get plenty of love. The vanilla slice has a following of its own, with one visitor delighted by a blueberry-loaded version they'd never come across before. The croissants have won fans as well, with one person calling theirs fluffy, light and melting.

It's also a place to sit down. There's seating inside and out, including a verandah and umbrella tables, and out the back there are kids' toys, books and some lovely scenery, which makes it an easy stop with little ones. Parking is simple, with a free car park and street parking, and the entrance, seating and car park are all wheelchair accessible. They do takeaway, delivery and catering as well, and coffee and breakfast are on offer.

The staff are a real part of the appeal, with friendly, helpful service mentioned again and again, and the counter team gets credit for service with a smile. A couple of people have found the coffee hit and miss, and another felt a bun wasn't as fresh as they'd hoped, so it pays to go for the pies and savouries it's known for.

It opens daily, with slightly later starts on weekends, but check the hours before you head in.