The Golden Bean

The Golden Bean is a locally owned Bendigo roaster built around quick drive-through service, and it makes a genuine fuss of dogs at the window. The site to know for dog owners is the Lake Weeroona one at 264-266 Napier Street, on the corner with Nolan Street, open from 6am on weekdays and 7am on Saturdays, with a second outlet on High Street in Kangaroo Flat. This is grab-and-go rather than sit-down, which suits a dog that is mid-walk rather than mid-nap.

The dog setup

Dogs ride along for the stop, and staff are known for handing out water and treats to four-legged regulars, so the window visit becomes part of the routine. Because you are barely off your feet, it works for any dog, from impatient puppies to seniors who prefer a short pause to a long lie-down. The Lake Weeroona outlet is the easiest on foot, right beside the lake's walking track.

The vibe

The coffee is roasted locally and carries a strong reputation for flavour, and the service is famously warm to people and dogs alike. Food is fast and simple: sourdough toasties, banana bread, chia date slices and a cabinet of baked treats, with juices and hot chocolates alongside the espresso list.

Getting there and parking

The Lake Weeroona site has easy parking off Napier and Nolan Streets, and the drive-through lane means you can loop through without leaving the car on cold mornings. The Kangaroo Flat outlet at 227 High Street sits on the main road with the same quick-stop setup.

Close by with the dogs

The Lake Weeroona loop is an on-lead walk, so for proper off-lead time head to the Harcourt Dog Park in Strathdale, a large five-acre fenced reserve with agility elements and a separate small-dog enclosure, or the Allingham Reserve Dog Park near the Kangaroo Flat outlet. More dog friendly cafes are listed across VIC and in Bendigo.

Pepsi: treats at the window before the lake lap. This is my kind of roastery.