Cobden Bakery

Cobden Bakery is the kind of country bakery that does the everyday things properly, and it's a handy stop if you're after a bakery in Cobden, Victoria. Pies are what most people talk about first. Locals mention the chicken pie in particular, and the egg and bacon and potato varieties get a good word too, though we've heard the potato pie can get a bit messy, so grab a fork. Pasties and sausage rolls round out the hot cabinet.

The bread side is just as appealing. Sourdough is something the bakery is known for, and fresh rolls come up often, including focaccia rolls that one local called a highlight. Things come fresh from the oven, and there's a good range of sandwiches made up for a quick lunch. If you've got a sweet tooth, vanilla slices, chocolate eclairs and cakes are all part of the picture, and one visitor raved about the thickshakes and hot chocolate. They also take custom cake orders, so it's worth asking at the counter if you've got an occasion coming up.

You can eat in or take it away, and coffee gets plenty of praise. One regular reckons it's the best in town. They have breakfast on offer too, so an early stop on the way through suits. There's free street parking and a free car park, and the entrance and car park are wheelchair accessible. Cards and mobile payments are accepted.

Staff are described as friendly and helpful even when the shop is busy, and people tend to mention how neat and clean the place is. Value for money comes up regularly: serves are generous and prices are reasonable. One honest note: a local grumbled that the sit-down and fresh-cooked food wind down earlier in the afternoon than they'd like, so if you want a hot meal, aim for earlier in the day. It's best to check the hours before you go, especially on weekends.

If you're passing through or live nearby, Cobden Bakery is an easy place to pick up a pie, a loaf and a coffee in one go.