The Crusty Loaf Bakery

The Crusty Loaf Bakery is a family-run bakery in Frankston, Victoria, and the kind of place that gets a line out the front. Locals describe it as an old school neighbourhood bakery, with a huge spread of hot pies, sausage rolls and pasties alongside fresh bread, rolls, sandwiches, cake slices and a good cup of coffee. It has been trading since 1986, and the family behind it say their pies have won awards.

Those pies come up more than anything else. We hear the crust holds together, the filling is served hot, and the steak pies have proper chunks of tender meat. The chunky pepper pie is one people ask for by name, and a pie or sausage roll is what one former local still goes for whenever they're back in the area. The sourdough has its fans too, described as soft, fresh and crunchy, and bread is known to come fresh from the oven.

Sweet things hold up their end. One local picked up a French vanilla slice and a few other slices for their parents in their 90s, and they went down a treat. The cakes and slices are made with real cream and homemade custard, which fits the old school feel.

Service gets plenty of praise. People mention friendly, enthusiastic young staff who are quick and happy to recommend something, and one customer was won over to the sourdough by a recommendation at the counter. It's also known as a bakery that gives young locals work. Prices are seen as fair for the quality, though one regular was unhappy about a filled roll that came up short on bacon, so it's not all smooth sailing.

It's set up for a quick stop: takeaway is the main trade, with dine-in available too. There's free street parking and a free car park, a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, and cards and mobile payments are accepted. They open early on weekdays, but check the hours before you head in.