Routley's Bakery

Routley's Bakery in North Geelong is the kind of bakery people pull into for a proper bakery lunch. Pies are the main draw, and locals mention the range includes pastries and other baked goods. We've heard the beef burgundy is described as delicious with generous meat, mushrooms and gravy, and the sausage rolls are popular items. Pasties, vanilla slice and salad rolls turn up in the conversation too, along with cheese and bacon rolls and a few treats like mocha buns.

Fresh from the oven is a common thread, and so is the sense that you get decent value for what you spend. Plenty of people mention the welcoming staff and a short wait at the counter, even when it's busy. One passing traveller called the food so fresh and reasonably priced that they planned to stop again next time through.

It works for more than a quick grab-and-go. You can take away, dine in or have food delivered, and there's a seating area inside and out, with coffee and breakfast on offer for a morning stop. Parking is easy, with a free car park and free street parking nearby, and there's a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park. Cards and tap-to-pay are accepted.

To be fair, not everyone leaves a fan. We've heard the odd grumble about pies that could have been hotter, fillings on the dry side, and a quieter afternoon selection once the lunch rush has passed. If you're after a hot pie, going earlier in the day is a sensible bet. By most accounts, though, this is a well-liked local bakery with a familiar name around North Geelong, and one visitor simply called it probably the best pie they'd had.

Hours run from early morning most days, with slightly shorter days on the weekend, so check before you head in.