Whittlesea Bakehouse

If you're driving through Whittlesea and a pie is on your mind, this is the bakery locals point you to. Whittlesea Bakehouse is the kind of country-style bakery where the display fills up fast and some favourites can be gone by the time you arrive, so earlier is safer if you have your heart set on something.

Pies are the main event. The range runs from a plain chunky steak through to steak and bacon, steak with onion, tomato and cheese, a pepper steak, and a jalapeno, cheese and beef number for people who like a bit of heat. There's also a house Whittlesea Pie that regulars rave about. We've heard the pastry holds together well and the filling is generous without being messy, and that the pies come out at a good eating temperature rather than scorching.

Sausage rolls are a close second. Locals describe them as rich and peppery without being greasy, with soft, flaky pastry and plenty of filling, and the cheese and bacon version has its own loyal following. Plenty of people also make the trip for the vanilla slice, which gets praised for crisp pastry, proper custard and soft icing, and the sweet side runs to donuts, eclairs and a buttery coffee bun that people talk about long after.

There's plenty to see behind the counter, too. Visitors mention a busy production line out the back turning out fresh baking through the day, and staff who are friendly and quick even when the place is packed.

You can take your order away or stay and eat in, and the coffee gets good words, which makes it an easy breakfast stop. Parking on the street is free, and there's a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park. Cards and mobile payments are accepted.

One small note for dog owners: a puppachino isn't something every team member seems familiar with, so don't count on it. Trading hours run into the afternoon on weekdays with shorter hours on weekends, so check the hours before you head in.