The Warburton Bakery

Pies are known locally at The Warburton Bakery, a takeaway-focused bakery in Warburton, Victoria, set close to the Yarra River. Locals will tell you the pastry-and-filling combination here is the draw, with generous fillings and warm, fresh-from-the-oven pies that are easy to eat on the go.

The pie range includes options you might not expect from a small country bakery. We've heard about pepper steak, steak, chicken and corn, and a Thai chicken pie that one visitor picked as a favourite, plus scallop pie and classic sausage rolls. Vegetarians and vegans are looked after too, with a broccoli and cauliflower pie, a standard veggie pastie and a couple of vegan cakes. Beyond the pies there are sweets and desserts (the lamingtons get a mention from visitors, as do a passionfruit cheesecake and pecan pie), along with sandwiches, bread and coffee, and they do breakfast too.

It's set up for takeaway, with a front yard where people queue and order, and a few outdoor tables and seating where you can eat with a view of the river. Some people grab a pie and coffee and wander along the water. Delivery is also on offer, and the car parking is free, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park. Cards and tap-and-go payments are accepted.

Value is part of the reputation, with prices people describe as cheap and affordable. One local put it plainly: it's a pretty typical country bakery, but with more vegan choice than most. We've heard the odd grumble that pies sometimes arrive lukewarm, so it's fair to ask for yours to be heated. Staff get friendly mentions, and the team will happily help if you can't choose between pies.

Hours are posted for every day of the week, but check before you head in. If you're passing through Warburton and want a good bakery for a pie and a riverside break, this is an easy one to find.