Briar Hill Traditional Bakehouse

Briar Hill Traditional Bakehouse is the sort of neighbourhood bakery that doesn't fuss over its shopfront and lets the cabinet do the talking. Locals will tell you the pies are the main event here, and we've heard plenty of praise for the pastries and sausage rolls alongside them.

The range goes well beyond the pie warmer. The vanilla slice gets mentioned often, though not everyone agrees on it, and one person came away disappointed after hearing so much about it. The custard tarts and meringues have a loyal following, and one long-time regular says they've been coming for fifteen years without a bad experience. Salad rolls and fresh sandwiches are popular too, and people also rave about the donuts. Bread is on the shelves as well, though opinion is split on the sourdough cobb, so go for the pies and pastries first.

A big part of the appeal is the value and the welcome. People describe the prices as fair, and one local was pleasantly surprised at the counter by how little their pastie, lamington and iced doughnut came to. The staff are friendly and quick, and the bakery is run in a family spirit that regulars say comes through in the service. Coffee is on offer too, and another visitor found it hot, good and easy on the wallet.

For a bakery in Briar Hill, Victoria, it's flexible about how you use it. You can grab something to take away, or settle in at the tables and benches outside with a coffee and a pastry. Breakfast is part of the picture, and custom cake orders are available if you need something for an occasion. Cards and tap-and-go payments are accepted, and there's a free car park, though one visitor found parking tight at busy times.

It's open every day of the week, starting early, with slightly shorter hours on weekends, so check the hours before you head in. It tends to be busy, which regulars take as a good sign.