Bridgewater Bakehouse

If you're passing through Bridgewater on Loddon in Victoria and want a proper pie, Bridgewater Bakehouse is a stop worth making. Patrick O'Toole, a qualified baker, is behind the counter's output, and pies are what customers mention. We hear the gravy holds together nicely, the pastry has good texture, and the fillings are generous rather than half empty. The plain and mushroom pies are available, and one customer went back the very next day for a second helping of the bangers and mash pie. Vegan visitors are looked after too, with a veg stir fry pie that has gone down well.

The vanilla slice is the other big drawcard. People describe a crisp shell with sweet, tasty custard, and some will happily put it up against slices from well-known bakeries interstate. A jelly slice, custard tart, raisin bread and salad rolls round out a wide spread of sweets and breads, and the coffee gets a good word as well. Savoury lovers also mention meat pasties and curry steak, and sauce comes free.

It is a busy little place, and that comes up often. Lines can form, but the staff move things along efficiently and stay friendly and polite while doing it. Prices are seen as good value for what you get. One visitor found their sausage rolls a bit oily, but took it as a one-off and planned to try again, so it's the exception rather than the rule.

You can eat in or take away, and takeaway is the popular choice, since there are benches and a pleasant riverside walk close by. It also suits a road trip break, with free street parking and a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park. Card and mobile payments are accepted, and the bakery is LGBTQ+ friendly. It's open seven days, though it's worth checking the hours before you head in.