Guildford Town Bakery

Guildford Town Bakery is a busy little spot in Guildford, Western Australia, and the kind of bakery where the cabinets are packed with things made through the day. It's small, but locals say the treats are worth the squeeze, and the window display alone tends to pull people in.

The pies are what many people come for. Ask around and you'll hear about the traditional meat pie, a pepper beef pie and a chilli beef pie with chunky filling and a gravy that has a gentle kick. Pastry gets a good word, and the mini sausage rolls are a favourite too. Beyond the pies, people rave about the sourdough, and one regular has worked through the farmhouse sourdough, the traditional white and a honey oat loaf, with the honey oat winning raves. The cinnamon bun has its own fans, there are lammingtons that locals call fresh and melt-in-the-mouth, and the scones with jam and cream are big and good value. We've also heard the milkshakes are a standout.

Staff are a consistent bright spot. Friendly counter service comes up often, and one visitor was won over when the team quietly swapped in a vegetarian version after a menu mix-up, no fuss and no charge. Another described the owner as lovely.

You can take your order away or sit in. The seating out the front suits a bit of people-watching, though on busy or wet mornings the tables can be slow to get wiped down, so be ready to wait for a clean one. Locals are a little split on the cakes and the specials rack: the odd item has been dry or past its best, so it pays to check anything marked down before you buy. A weekend surcharge has also drawn the occasional grumble.

Coffee and breakfast are on offer, the entrance is wheelchair-accessible, and free street parking and a free car park are close by. Cards and tap-and-go payments are accepted. It opens daily, though it's worth checking the hours before you head in, especially on a weekend when it gets very popular.