Ballan Bakery

Ballan Bakery is the kind of country bakery that makes a handy stop for anyone driving the highway between Melbourne and Adelaide, and it's just as much a local habit for people in town. In Ballan, Victoria, you'll find sourdough bread, pies, pasties, sausage rolls and a counter of sweets, with coffee and breakfast on the menu too. Takeaway is easy, and there's a small seating area in the room behind the counter if you'd rather sit and relax for a bit.

Pies are what most people talk about. We hear the curry pie gets a nod, along with the shepherd's pie, and the vanilla slice and lemon slice have turned up in conversation as well. One traveller praised the focaccia. Locals will also tell you the pies can sell out, so it pays to head in earlier rather than later. One or two people have found the pastry a bit soft or the fillings underwhelming.

Vegans get a good run here. The shop displays a menu that makes the vegan options easy to spot, and one visitor said a non-vegan partner couldn't pick the difference. It's a traditional bakery feel rather than anything fussy.

Staff are a big part of the reputation. Friendly and helpful is how people describe them, and there's a story going around of a young customer a little short on cash who was sent off with extra loaves and a sausage roll. Prices have a good name too, with value mentioned again and again.

If you're planning an event, the bakery also does catering for corporate and private occasions, so it's worth asking about what they can put together. Parking is free, with a car park and street parking, and the entrance and car park are wheelchair accessible. They take cards and mobile payments. Opening hours run across the whole week, but check before you head in, especially on weekends.