Bells Bakery

Pies are the main event at Bells Bakery, a bakery and café in Torquay, and they go well beyond the usual beef and pepper. Locals talk about emu, kangaroo, camel and venison pies, a Thai green curry camel pie that surprises first-timers with how tender the meat is, and a mac and four cheese pie. We've also heard the Easter scallop pie is popular. Servings are generous, the pastry holds together, and the gravy gets praise for being just right. The sausage rolls draw the same affection, including a spicy chicken one, and the party pies are a handy grab for the family.

Beyond the pies, there's fresh bread, sandwiches and salad rolls, plus a cabinet of sweets. The custard tart comes up a lot, along with the apple cake, peanut butter and chocolate slice, cherry ripe slice, chocolate eclair and a blueberry muffin one visitor called among the best they'd ever had. Coffee is barista-made, and breakfast is on offer too.

You can eat in at the indoor or outdoor seating, or take it away. Kerbside and in-store pick-up are both available, and it's a friendly spot for prams and wheelchairs, with an accessible entrance and car park. The beach is a short walk, so you can grab pies and a drink and head down. Parking can get tight at busy times, and you may wait a few minutes in the rush, though locals say the staff are friendly and the prices are good value.

Opinion isn't unanimous. One visitor found a pre-made salad roll average late in the afternoon, so ask for one made fresh. Another said a mystery picnic order was sorted out with real care, which is the kind of community feel people mention.

Bells also does custom cake orders, gluten-free and vegan options, and catering for events, meetings and work crews around the Surf Coast. The bakery is open every day of the week, but check the hours before you head in.