Cherry Darlings Bakehouse

If the idea of a vegan bakery fills you with uncertainty, get to Cherry Darlings Bakehouse. Its baked pastries will win over even the most ardent meat eater.

The business started life as a catering passion project before going permanent – first in Forestville and then to a more spacious digs inside the Richmond Village in Marleston. The owners note that even a few years ago vegan alternatives were hard to find – if you wanted to make or eat vegan food, a lot of experimentation was involved. Now, vegan menus seem only restricted by imagination.

Popular items at Cherry Darlings might include a cheeseburger pie that uses a textured vegetable protein (TVP) burger, its own melted cheese and, of course, tomato sauce and pickles. Another favourite is the lentil potpie with its root vegetable base and creamy chicken-style gravy.

Despite being entirely vegan, the menu reads like an outback truck stop bakery and with several rotating options, there’s a lot to sample. For the sweet tooth, there’s a classic vanilla slice and a cheekily named Snackers doughnut – peanut butter and salted caramel with a chocolate drizzle.