“Goods baked daily arrive early from Little Sutton’s inaugural Sutton location, bringing loads of country love with every delivery.” Dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON reports from a new bakery in Deakin.

Stats vary, but one I’ve read reports that Aussies eat around 270 million meat pies a year. And, as we all know, the secret to a great pie is not just flaky pastry, it’s a tasty filling.

With this in mind, I hopped in the car with a friend and scooted over to Little Sutton Deakin, a new bakehouse recently opened at the shops (former Locale location).

Goods baked daily arrive early from Little Sutton’s inaugural Sutton location, bringing loads of country love with every delivery.

Gourmet pies are $9.50 (except lamb, $10.50) and gluten-free pies $13.50. If you buy five pies you get the sixth for free.

Little Sutton Deakin packed a punch with my chunky beef pie, loaded with slow-cooked Rosedale Angus beef. Slow cooking results in deep flavours and tender meat – so soul satisfying. This one was made with field mushrooms, and the gravy was thick and bursting with flavour. It was “bloody good”.

My friend opted for the country chicken pie, also loaded with quality, local ingredients. The free-range chunks of chicken breast were also tender and married well with anise-like tarragon. The creamy white wine sauce was elegant and the pie featured chunks of seasonal vegetables.

Little Sutton Deakin specialises in quality focaccias ($18 to $22) and croissant lovers can indulge in one featuring double-smoked ham and tasty cheese ($14.50).

A trip to a bakehouse wouldn’t be complete without a sweet treat. My raspberry tart looked pretty on the plate and didn’t skimp on wonderfully fresh, vibrant looking berries, delicately decorating the top ($9.50). I appreciated that it wasn’t overly sweet.

My friend enjoyed her almond tart ($9.60) for the same reason. The line-up of treats include slices, muffins, lamingtons, squares and other delectable creations.

The full range of coffees is available (with seriously special beans by local Redbrick). Iced drinks include strawberry matcha ($14) and six organic teas are on the menu ($7). Our coffees were perfectly executed ($5.80 for a cup; $6.80 for a mug). My cappuccino was just the right temperature. Award-winning Allie’s cold pressed juices are available for dine in or grab and go.

Little Sutton Deakin focuses on artisan-quality products, and the original location in the tiny town of Sutton took off like a rocket when it first opened.

Quality ingredients include Pepe Saya butter, long favoured by chefs and bakers. You can buy the butter (including a smoked variety) and a range of other goodies at Little Sutton Deakin, including Pepe’s lemon curd and passionfruit curd.

Little Sutton Deakin’s atmosphere is warm, cosy and inviting.

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