VJ's Bakery

If you're after a bakery in Somerset, Tasmania, VJ's Bakery has a strong local reputation. It's a family-owned local bakery turning out fresh bread, cakes and pastries daily, and the pie cabinet is where its name is really made. The Cornish pasties and chicken pies are popular, and one visitor calling through on a holiday went as far as saying the potato pie was the best they'd ever had. Danishes and choc dip shortbread biscuits are among the items customers mention, and there's a pizza pie and an egg and bacon savoury for anyone wanting something a bit different at breakfast.

It works as a sit-down stop as well as a grab-and-go counter. There's coffee, breakfast and brunch on offer, plus takeaway and in-store pick-up. We've heard the chai is a favourite in town, and that the cream-filled eclairs are worth saving room for. Several people describe the prices as reasonable for what you get, which counts for a lot in a small north-west Tasmanian town.

Some staff members have earned positive mentions from customers. One family visiting on holidays mentioned how welcome they felt when Joanna came out to the table to check they were enjoying their food, and another person singled out Regina for her polite, attentive service. The team says the aim is variety and friendly service.

Weekday selection is described as great, but the bread and fresh scones can be thinner at times, and one person found a particular pie too heavy on the curry. Custom cakes and catering are available for private and corporate functions, though one buyer felt a birthday cake's colour missed the mark, so it pays to be very clear about exactly what you want when ordering.

Access is easy, with free street parking, a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, and card and mobile payments accepted. Check the hours before you head in, especially for weekends.