FOLLOW THE PIE TRAIL

Michelle Symes

I think we can all agree that when it comes to winter comfort food, few things are better than a pie. The cooler weather is when the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region really comes into its own. Whether you’re a meat lover, a vegan, a vego or a ‘pie is a sometimes food’ person, we have you covered.

In Kyneton, wear your elastic waisted pants because the pies here are seriously moreish. As you arrive at Piper Street Food Co., the front window reads “We make splendid pies” and they really do. Their traditional pork pie is dense and rich, everything a pork pie should be, and you can also pick up an array of goodies for a picnic.

Further down Piper Street, visit Grist Artisan Bakers, their chicken, cauliflower and parmesan pies have visible layers of puff pastry and come in family size or party pie size.

You also can’t miss Country Cob Bakery – famous for their award-winning pies and numerous accolades, including being named Australia’s best pie maker on three separate occasions. Try the Beef with Mac and Cheese. This is not a pie to be eaten with one hand whilst driving. This is a grab extra napkins and find yourself a seat. Super rich filled with creamy mac and cheese and smoky bbq sauce.

In Woodend, Bourkies Bakehouse is an icon of the region, try the Stockman’s steak and veg pie topped with swirls of mash. Further up High Street, café and gift store Maison Moloa offers a delicious range of homemade pies. Or for a pie washed down with a cool beverage (or a local glass of red), The Victoria Hotel has the aptly named ‘Victoria Beef Pie’.

Another pub favourite is the Guinness Pie at the Pig & Whistle Hotel in Trentham East, served with minted peas and Trentham spuds. Or pair your pie with a local brew at Darraweit Valley Cider House, your tastebuds will be sent into a spin with their pork and caramalised apple pie. Every bit as decadent as it sounds.

The Daylesford Hotel is famous for its weekly pie night. Picture a ceramic bowl, a moat of gravy, steamed peas bobbing around with said pie atop a mountain of buttery mash. Or for families seeking a no fuss options, The Daylesford Bakery pies are no nonsense and delicious. The pepper beef is loaded with pepper and big chunks of meat. For a sweet treat order the apricot pie.

Daylesford Meat Co. make all their pies onsite using seasonal ingredients, they even have a ‘Keep Calm and Eat Pies’ pack, a selection of five family size pies to keep you fed all weekend. A little further up Vincent Street, Himalaya Bakery have a range of handmade vegan and vegetarian pies. The spinach and potato or smoked tofu are popular options. visitmacedonranges.com/events/pie-tart-trail

In Castlemaine, Johnny Baker is wowing punters with their sheer variety of flavours. Think beef rendang and potato, cauliflower cheese or venison and port. Choosing which flavour to go with is the hardest part.

If you love flaky pastry goodness, check out the Autumn ‘Pie & Tart Trail' which is running as part of the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival. Dozens of venues across the Ranges are taking part, ensuring that all your pie cravings are taken care of.

Photos (L-R): Autumn Pie & Tart Trail, Grist Artisan Bakers. Photography by Chloe Smith.

Piper Street Food Co.