Bouwmeesters Bakery

Bouwmeesters Bakery is a Benalla bakery that does a steady trade in pies, slices and made-to-order sandwiches, with coffee and breakfast on the menu too. You can take your order away or settle in and eat there.

Pies are the main draw. The Ned Kelly pie gets a mention from people passing through, and tasty pies and pasties come up as a reason to stop for a quick bite. We've heard the cauliflower and cheese sausage roll is a good one if you want something a little different, and focaccia is on the counter as well.

If you've got a sweet tooth, the vanilla slice is the one to try. One local who counts herself a vanilla slice enthusiast called the powdered sugar topped version a show stopper, with sensational custard and pastry. Another reckons it beats the well-known bakery over in Beechworth. The honey cream slice, chocolate slice and apple turnovers also get a good word, and cakes are available to choose from.

Sandwiches and rolls are made to order, and one person who stopped in for chicken and avocado on multigrain thought it was great value. Fresh-from-the-oven baking, helpful staff and fair value are what regulars tend to bring up. The service has a proper country-town warmth, and yes, you might get called "darl". Most people take that as part of the charm, though not everyone does, and we've heard a couple of grumbles about prices and freshness on the odd visit.

It copes well when things get busy. One group arrived when a whole coach tour had filled the place, and the staff kept their cool and kept everyone looked after.

There's a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, and you can pay by card or phone. The shop is open six days a week, so check the hours before you head in, especially on weekends.