Elmore Bakery/Cafe

If you're driving through Elmore, Victoria, this bakery and cafe on the main road is an easy place to pull in. Parking is free on the street out front, and the entrance, car park and toilet are all wheelchair accessible, which makes it a practical stop for families and anyone travelling with older relatives.

Pies are what people talk about most. Locals rave about the steak and kidney, the chicken, bacon and mushroom, and a pizza-style pie with ham and pineapple on top that gets a lot of attention. The pies come out hot rather than lukewarm, and the sausage rolls and pasties are generous in size and fresh from the oven. One local who is coeliac was pleased to find a gluten free meat pie and sausage roll on offer, along with gluten free toasties.

Beyond the savouries, the cabinet runs to vanilla slices, custard tarts, lemon tart, apple cake and a good spread of cakes and slices. Bread, rolls and sandwiches are there too, and custom cake orders are available if you're planning something for an occasion.

It works well as a cafe as well as a bakery. There's seating both inside and out, and the place is described as bright, clean and calm, with a relaxed country feel. Coffee gets good words, and there's a fridge of cold drinks if you'd rather something quick. Breakfast is on, and you can dine in or take it away. Card and tap payments are accepted.

Staff are friendly and helpful, and prices are seen as fair for the size of what you get. It does get busy, and we've heard the odd mention that pies can be a touch less hot at peak times, so a quiet moment is your best bet if you're fussy about that. Opening hours run from early morning most days, but it's worth checking the hours before you head in.

If you want a pie and a coffee on the road through Elmore, this is the stop the locals point to.