Butler's Pantry Bakehouse

Butler's Pantry Bakehouse is the kind of old-fashioned community bakery Wangaratta locals point you towards when you ask where to get a proper pie. It's a bakery and cafe in one, so you can pick up fresh bread and a loaf for the week, or sit down with a barista coffee and breakfast.

The pies are what people keep coming back for. One local described the plain beef pie as anything but plain: buttery, flaky pastry, gravy that isn't too runny, and a meaty filling with a touch of pepper. The breakfast and Ned Kelly pies go down well too, and there are vegan pies for anyone who needs one. Sausage rolls, donuts and salad rolls round out the counter, along with slices (the vanilla and apple slices get a good word) and sandwiches. A focaccia salad roll, toasted, is one that got a happy mention.

Cakes are a real strength here. They take custom orders for birthdays and special occasions, and we've heard from more than one local who was glad to find them when other cake makers in town were booked out. People talk about cakes that were light, creamy and beautifully presented, from a chocolate mud cake to a large sponge for a 50th birthday. One regular said every cake they've ordered has been as good as the last. They also take bulk orders for events and fundraisers, and they support local sports clubs.

Prices are described as fair, and the staff are often called friendly, which makes it an easy lunch-break stop. As with any busy counter, the odd order doesn't land perfectly, and one customer had a disappointing experience when a sandwich was missing an ingredient. The look of the place is a little retro, more traditional bakery than shiny new fit-out, and one customer has appreciated the old school feel.

You can order takeaway or pick up in store, and delivery is offered, so check with them on how it works for your address. The entrance and car park are wheelchair accessible, and cards and mobile payments are accepted. Check the hours before you head in, since they differ across the week.