When you mention Margaret River’s iconic Caves Road, you’re likely to conjure up images of manicured vineyards and polished fine diners. Rightly so, as Caves Road is home to Vasse Felix, Cullen Wines, Frui Momento and Amelia Park to name just a few. But venture a little further south, and you’ll find Pies & Ale.

“We’ve been baking pies for 12 years, originally at Subiaco Farmers Market. We moved to this part of the world to raise our family and – after running the Gracetown general store and Prevelly general store – this idea came to us,” owner Mike Lane tells Broadsheet. “Simply, it came to us over a glass of wine. We thought, ‘Pies & Ale, what an idea!’

“Our pies have a bit of a cult following, especially among the surfing crowd, and we love that we can offer something a bit further south than the main hub. We’re employing locals and creating a beautiful product. Each pie is hand-pressed daily, and when they’re gone, well, they’re gone.”

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With no neighbouring vineyards to speak of, and a menu far removed from the realm of fine dining, Pies & Ale offers diners something that’s entirely familiar, yet refreshingly original for the Margaret River region.

As the name suggests, the team at Pies & Ale really only serves two things: house-made pies and freshly poured beer. But make no mistake, these pies aren’t your standard bakery spec. Fillings are generous and rotate regularly. You might find chicken katsu curry with a rich gravy, a cheeseburger filling of American cheese and pickles with Harvey beef, or a generously spicy Thai green curry lentil, alongside more typical offerings like beef and onion or spinach and ricotta. They’re all wrapped in flaky house-made pastry and served piping hot from the kitchen.

You can upgrade your pie with an array of sides, including a classic mushy peas and mash combo, house-made pickles, spicy guindilla peppers, onion rings and local pork chipolatas, evolving the humble pie into a substantial meal. Four taps feature brews from WA outfits like Artisan Brewing, Margaret River Brewhouse and Rocky Ridge.

Pies & Ale is a decidedly simple offering, flying the flag for casual dining in WA’s South West. The only caveat is, it often sells out. Visit early to avoid disappointment.

Pies & Ale
7981 Caves Road, Forest Grove
(08) 9757 7635

Hours:
Tues to Sat 11am–3pm
Sun & Mon closed

@piesandale