Stoneground Bakehouse

If you're after an honest pie in Hurstbridge, Stoneground Bakehouse is the name locals keep coming back to. It's an old-school bakehouse with pies and other pastries made on the premises, and the pies are known for being generously sized and good value. People regularly pop in for one to eat there or grab a few to take home.

The cabinet goes well beyond pies. Sausage rolls, vegetarian pasties, vanilla slices, jam donuts, eclairs, slices and cookies all get a mention, and one visitor even tried a salmon mornay pie for the first time here and came away happy. There's a good run of breads and rolls baked fresh each day, including sourdough, and we hear they'll make a fresh sandwich with your choice of fillings. The baking starts well before the doors open, which is why things come out of the oven still fresh.

The thing nearly everyone brings up is the free cinnamon donut that comes with a coffee. Locals love it, and one visitor who says they're not a donut person admitted they were hooked after a single bite. The coffee itself gets good words too, strong and fairly priced. There's also a small tray of discounted goods from the day before if you like a bargain.

The staff are a big part of why people return. They're described as friendly, patient and helpful, and one regular who brings a client with a disability each week says they always feel welcome. Access is straightforward, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, free street parking nearby, and card and mobile payments accepted. You can eat in or take away.

It's an easy stop for walkers, riders and commuters, close to Hurstbridge Station and a short walk from the post office, and the Diamond Creek Trail crowd are known to drop in. The shop is popular, so getting in early is a smart move if you have your heart set on a particular pie. Opening hours vary through the week, so check before you head in, especially midweek.