A small and unassuming bakery just off the main street. Theres nothing particularly inviting about…read morethis place but we were just after a couple of pies to go. I chose a chunky steak pie and whilst there was nothing overwhelmingly delicious about it I found the big chunks of steak so tender and 'melt in your mouth' and I did not encounter one piece of chewy fat or gristle which tends to then me off instantly. Not bad for an on the run bite.

This is a small pie shop in the main street. It does not look much from the outside. I tried their…read morecheese and bacon pie which is a favourite of mine. I must say that it was the very best cheese and bacon pie I have ever had! Under the top crust was a layer of real bacon, the eye part and on this was a quality tasty cheese. It is the sort of cheese and bacon pie I would make at home if I was any good at cooking. The price was also very reasonable. Next time I am passing through Castlemaine, I am sure to stop and have another.

Excellent food and they also grind their decaf on the spot so you're guaranteed real, fresh coffee…read more Their pastries are to die for, absolutely irresistible. Cheers!

Can I give them more stars? Friendly counter staff, good coffee, but hey, it's a bakery and that…read moreis what you come here for. The range of meat pies is simply awesome, the pastries likewise, as are the king size meringues. Never been disappointed in 20 or so visits over the years. My parents live in Castlemaine, and they and my family from California always find something delicious.

Their postcard holds the tag line "Home of Castlemaine's famous vanilla slice." and while I'm not…read moreone to question origins, you'd be a fool not to grab yourself one. On the main road into Castlemaine from Melbourne, there is often a few seated inside, a couple at the window about to start their day or a young family hearing about threats spice. Locals pop in at all hours of the day - they're open 7days a week not including public holidays - so a pastime while here could include listening in on conversations while enjoying a coffee. All the pastries look like winners, and if you're after something heavier their savouries smell delicious. A good stop for a coffee or a quick bite, and Castlemaine centre is just around the corner

Hyperbole aside, the vanilla slice may actually *be* famous, if not worldwide, then definitely…read morelocally. The vanilla slice (and the shop around it) appeared on a friend's list of "places to go to in Castlemaine". Our experiences with the baked goods were a little hit-and-miss. The pies weren't as good as we'd hoped, but the desserts -- yes, including the vanilla slice -- were great. I would certainly recommend checking it out and seeing for yourself.

A very friendly cafe with quality eats and coffee. Attractive garden often with mothers and young…read morechildren. Popular with the locals.

What a gem of a bakery. My husband did a motorbike trip with his mate and stumbled upon this place…read more He's been here 3 times since and only now he has taken me! Sausage rolls, pizza, veggie pie, sweet treats and everything sourdough! Staff were ever so friendly and were able to help with taste profiles so that it would pair well with making a Camembert toastie! The ambiance is very quaint and I loved reading about the history of the bakery. If you're around Daylesford, make a trip here for lunch and have a walk around town!

WOW. What a gem. I…read moreread about an amazing sourdough bakery in Trentham, so decided to try Red Beard on the way home from Daylesford (about a 20 min drive). What a great decision. The sourdough is fantastic - certified organic and baked in a wood fired oven - tasted unlike any I had tried before. I went home with the Blonde (described as a 'crusty Vienna load who'll go home with anyone') and the most perfect fruit bun. Next time, I'll be the Redhead (the traditional tin loaf) and the pumpkin thatch (and maybe more fruit buns). Loaves are around $6 to $8. Breakfast at Red Beard is delicious. We had the best Eggs Benedict that we've ever had - beautifully buttered sourdough topped with amazing ham, perfectly poached eggs and a thin but creamy hollandaise. Bliss. Nice coffee too. Beautiful courtyard outside for a relaxing summer's day. Oh, and the cakes looked divine (e.g. rich vanilla slice, beesting, dense & rich carrot cake). If you're keen, you can also book in for a guided tour or baking workshop (the latter comes with a bottomless coffee, food, a bag of organic flour and your own creations). I'm adding this to my list for next time, for sure.

Only tried a chocolate cupcake from this bakery, and it was excellent. Definitely recommend trying…read morethis place.

This cafe was delightful, though it is more of a country cafe than one of those inner city…read moreestablishments. Then again these country cafes have been around for somewhat longer, and tend to be rather delightful. The service actually was pretty good, and the atmosphere quite relaxing. They made a really nice pot of tea, and the breakfast itself was pretty good as well. It is definitely one of those places I would recommend stopping off at.

It was a 17 degree autumnal morning when we dropped in having decided to go somewhere different to…read moreour local cafe in Seville. Worth the 6 hr round trip for well made coffee, good food and pleasant company. Call by when you can.

Chunky beef pie? Let's call it a chewy beef pie. I will always judge a bakery on its most basic…read morepie. If they can't get that right then I'm out and this time round I was thoroughly disappointed. I always hold high hopes for small country bakeries. They're usually a gem. But unfortunately the best thing about my experience was the tomato sauce.