Bendigo Original Pie Shop

Bendigo Original Pie Shop is a long-running bakery in Bendigo, Victoria, and by its own account it has been serving the town since 1950. It bakes pies, pastries and bread through the day using local ingredients, and halal options sit alongside the signature pies. It's a small, unfussy place, with outdoor tables under umbrellas if you'd rather eat in the sun.

Pies are what it's known for. People mention the curry pie, the chicken and mushroom, and the steak and pepper in particular, along with sausage rolls and apple pie. The vanilla slice gets a mention too. Fresh from the oven is the idea here, and one local who stopped in recently came away happy with the pies and the coffee, while another praised the sandwiches, generously filled and good for lunch.

Cakes are part of the story as well. The shop does custom cakes, and the school that received a donation of cupcakes from them couldn't stop talking about how light the cream was.

We'll be fair: opinion around town is a bit split. Some regulars feel quality and service have slipped since the shop changed hands, and we've heard the odd grumble about slow service and pies that didn't hit the mark. Others rave about the welcoming staff and the baking. It's the sort of place where your experience may depend on the day, so go in with an open mind.

You can eat in or take away, and there's coffee and breakfast on offer. Parking is easy, with free street parking and a free car park, plus a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. Card and tap payments are accepted, and the shop identifies as women-owned and LGBTQ+ friendly. It's open every day, with shorter hours on weekends, so check the hours before you head in.