Beck's Bakehouse

If you're after a bakery in Port Noarlunga, South Australia, Beck's Bakehouse is a name that comes up easily. It's a busy, relaxed spot where the pies are a big part of the appeal. We hear they come out hot and fresh from the oven, with a generous amount of seasoned filling and pastry that's crisp without being dry. Sausage rolls and salad rolls get a mention too, along with big focaccias and a breakfast roll that suits a grab-and-go start to the day.

One thing that's easy to overlook in a bakery is the vegan side of things. Locals point out that Beck's has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options across both the savoury and sweet ranges, which isn't something every bakehouse manages. Coffee and milkshakes are on offer as well, and the prices are widely seen as reasonable for what you get. There's an ice cream option too, if the weather calls for it.

You can eat in or take away, and it's a popular choice for the second option. People grab their order and head across to the park or down to the beach, and a few surfers use it as their regular lunch stop. There's plenty of seating inside and out, much of it undercover or shaded, so it works for a family get-together or a visit with the dog. Free street parking and a free car park are close by, and the entrance, seating, car park and toilet are all wheelchair accessible.

Staff are generally described as friendly and quick, even when the lunch crowd is in. That said, midday and school or family holidays can get hectic, and we've heard the ordering setup is a bit spread out, with separate service points for different items. Opinion on the coffee and a few of the savoury items is split, and the odd visitor has had a longer wait than they'd like at peak times. Most people leave happy, though, and it's the kind of place regulars come back to.

It opens early and runs through to late afternoon every day of the week, but check the hours before you head in.