The GRAIN and BEAN

The GRAIN and BEAN is a bakery and cafe in West Lakes Shore that works as well for a quick pie on the way through as it does for a sit-down breakfast. Takeaway, dine-in and delivery are all on offer, and it's set up for easy access, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, toilet and car park. There's free parking out the front, and you can pay by card or phone.

Pies are what the place is known for, along with pasties and sausage rolls. One local called the sausage rolls a nice size, and the pastries get a good word generally. There's gluten free cake for those who need it, and vanilla slice is available. We've heard one person found a vegetarian pie light on filling, and another had a bad run with a sausage roll and vanilla slice picked up late in the afternoon, so an earlier visit may suit you better for the baked goods.

Beyond the pie warmer, the kitchen turns out proper cafe food. A focaccia sandwich with a soft, herby crust had one visitor calling it one of the best sandwiches they'd eaten, and a banh mi made to order went down just as well. Breakfast gets a lot of love, with eggs and bacon cooked just right, and the coffee has plenty of fans. Prices are talked about as fair, with fresh ingredients for the money.

The staff are the thing people mention most. Locals describe a warm welcome from the moment you walk in, quick service even when it's busy, and counter staff who'll happily talk you through the menu. One regular noted that the new owner and the team do a wonderful job looking after customers. It's a clean, comfortable room that suits a catch-up with friends as much as a solo coffee.

If you're in West Lakes Shore and after a pie, a good brunch or a coffee with something sweet, this one is easy to recommend. They're open seven days, with slightly different hours on the weekend, so check before you head in.