London House Bendigo

London House occupies a restored historic building at 53 Bull Street in the heart of Bendigo, and it runs two reputations at once: a busy all-day breakfast and brunch room, and one of the town's go-to spots for a bookable high tea. For dog owners, the draw is the footpath seating on a central street with plenty of foot traffic to watch, and it is listed among Bendigo's dog-friendly cafes.

The dog setup

Well-socialised dogs are welcome on lead at the outdoor footpath tables, which is where the dog stays under Victorian food rules regardless of how friendly the staff are. Water bowls are among the thoughtful touches, though carry your own to be sure. The footpath tables are prized at peak times, so call ahead to hold one on weekends, and be honest about your dog's temperament: this is a lively, high-traffic corner that suits a confident dog far better than a nervous one.

The food

The regular menu covers all-day breakfast and brunch with corn fritters and bao buns among the popular plates, plus toasted sandwiches and a kids menu, and the balcony seating gets singled out for the view. The high tea is the headline act: sittings run two hours with 48 hours notice required, and packages start at $50 per person including unlimited tea and coffee, finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, lamingtons, eclairs and profiteroles. Book by phone on 03 5443 8599.

Getting there and hours

The cafe opens 7am to 3pm Wednesday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on weekends, closed Monday and Tuesday. It is central and walkable from the CBD and Rosalind Park, with street parking along Bull Street and nearby blocks plus off-street car parks a short stroll away, so check the signed time limits before a long high tea.

While you're out there

Rosalind Park is a five to ten minute walk for an on-lead green leg-stretch, and Lake Weeroona north of the city has a flat 2.5km on-lead loop track plus a designated unfenced off-leash grass strip along the northern shoreline, well clear of the playground and cafe zones. For more stops, PEGGYS CAFE and The Golden Bean are both central Bendigo options.

Weekday mid-morning beats the weekend brunch crush. Plan the rest of the visit in the Bendigo guide or browse more dog friendly cafes in VIC.