Pop A Pie

Pop A Pie is a pie shop in Hastings, Victoria, and it's easy to drive straight past. The frontage is modest and the shop sits along the industrial stretch of Frankston-Flinders Road, but locals say the inside is a different story. One person who found it while out walking the dog said the range of pies, sandwiches and pastries was something you'd expect to find on Lygon Street, not out here. The pies come fresh from the oven, and you can have them warm or take them cold to heat at home.

Pies are clearly the main event. People talk about the beef and pepper steak, the chunky beef and the plain beef mince, and the common thread is real filling rather than processed mince, with pastry that's crisp and flaky. One local who'd been told these were among the best pies they'd ever have came away calling them a proper NZ-style pie. Sausage rolls and salad rolls get plenty of love too, and the doughnuts and custard tarts round things off if you want something sweet. The coffee also gets a good word, so it's an easy place to stop for breakfast or a quick lunch.

The staff are a big part of why people return. Friendly, helpful and quick with a smile comes up again and again, and one visitor said it felt like they were genuinely glad to see you. The shop is kept very clean, with plenty of seating inside and out if you'd rather sit down than take it away. Takeaway and delivery are both on offer, and there's free parking, wheelchair-accessible entry and the usual card and tap payments.

We've heard the odd small quibble, like a pie arriving more warm than hot, and one pensioner felt the prices ran a touch high for them, though most locals call it good value for the quality. Opening hours run early on weekdays and a little later on weekends, so check before you head in.