Thornton's Bakery

Pies are what draw people through the door at Thornton's Bakery, a Leongatha bakery with a counter that's hard to choose from. Locals will tell you the pastry is the thing: light, properly baked, and wrapped around fillings that taste like someone cared. The egg and bacon pie and the steak and mushroom come up often, and there's a curry pie and a parmy pie with caramelised onion on offer. One local called the cheeseburger pie so good it deserves a permanent spot on the menu.

It isn't only meat pies. We've heard good things about the vegetarian side too, from a veggie pasty with light pastry to a cauliflower and broccoli pie packed with firm vegies. Sausage rolls get plenty of love, the chilli and Vegemite versions especially. Mini pies and quiches are there for the little ones, and the salad rolls and made-to-order sandwiches suit anyone wanting something fresher. The spinach, ricotta and feta roll divides opinion, with one person finding the feta a touch strong, but most of what comes out of the display gets a warm reception.

Save room for something sweet. The caramel slice gets singled out for a base that's just right rather than the soggy, overly sugary kind, and a giant chocolate eclair has been shared happily around a lunch table.

Coffee is on offer for breakfast or a lunch stop, and you can take your order away or settle in and eat there. Friendly, cheerful service is mentioned again and again, and the word is that the place looks great after its renovation and has only improved under the current owners. Prices are considered good value, and one customer was pleased to find there's no charge for tomato sauce.

It's a handy stop for anyone driving to or from Wilsons Prom, with free street parking nearby and a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Card and mobile payments are accepted. Hours vary a little across the week, so check before you head in, especially if you're making the trip for a particular pie.