Gusto Bakery Strathmore

Ask around Strathmore about a proper country-style bakery and Gusto tends to come up. The pies are what most people mention first, and the ones we've heard about are made from scratch rather than brought in, which is rarer than it used to be. One local was still raving about a beef brisket pie, and the pepper steak, mince and cheese, and curry varieties all get a mention. Sausage rolls, pasties and savoury bakes such as chicken and pine nut or steak and mushroom round out the savoury side.

The sweet cabinet gets just as much love. Apple scrolls come up often, along with funny face shortbread biscuits, donuts and a vanilla slice that one person called among the best in the state. Not everyone agrees on the details: another visitor, who likes a thicker custard slice, found the French-style vanilla a bit creamy for their taste. Locals are happy to compare notes on that one.

Cakes are a real strength here. Custom orders are on offer, and we've heard from parents and families who had birthday cakes made for a toddler's party and an 80th celebration, with the staff helping carry orders out to the car. There's also a gluten-free range, and one visitor said a gluten-free chocolate mousse cake went down well with a table of people who had no need to avoid gluten.

The staff get plenty of credit for being friendly and willing to talk you through the range, and the shop itself is described as spotless. Prices are often called reasonable for the quality, and the coffee gets a good word, though one person found the wait a little long on a busy day. We've also heard the odd grumble, such as a curry pie one visitor found too salty, but the overall picture is of a bakery people keep returning to.

Takeaway is the usual way to enjoy it. There's free street parking and a wheelchair-accessible car park, and they take cards and mobile payments. The bakery describes itself as family-run, with a tagline of "Our Passion is the Taste". It opens daily, including a shorter day on the weekend, so check the hours before you head in.