FABRICA

FABRICA is a family-run bakery cafe in an industrial-style space at 1/16 Charlton Avenue, Cheltenham, with a micro-bakery out the back and a coffee counter out the front. Locals rate it for handmade food and a genuinely warm welcome, and the team goes out of its way for dogs.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the alfresco tables out the front, and this is one of the few cafes around that puts out actual dog beds so pups can settle properly while you eat. Water bowls sit near the door, though a travel bowl is still worth packing for a longer catch-up. Indoors is people-only, so order at the counter and pick your spot outside.

Worth knowing

The bakery side is the draw: artisan breads, house-made pastries and sweet treats like their well-known lemon cake, plus a sausage roll that regulars describe as densely filled and worth the trip. Hot brunch dishes such as the Benedict rosti and baked eggs come out of the kitchen from about 7am, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free adjustments easy to arrange. Baked goods can sell out, so earlier is safer. Hours are 6am to 2.30pm Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday, and the small space gets busy at peak brunch.

Getting there and parking

Street parking runs along Charlton Avenue and the side streets, tight at the weekend peak but manageable on weekday mornings. Cheltenham Station is a short walk away, which makes an on-lead stroll to coffee an easy car-free option.

Close by with the dogs

The Farm Road Reserve Fenced Dog Park is within easy reach for a fully fenced run before or after coffee, and the Cheltenham Park Dog Off Leash Area opens up its ovals for off-lead play when sport is not on. For another cafe with the same neighbourhood feel, Frank's is nearby in Cheltenham.