Sanctum Cafe

Sanctum on Darby, usually just called Sanctum Cafe, is an all-day breakfast spot on the Darby Street strip in Cooks Hill, a short walk from Newcastle's Civic precinct. It is dog friendly in the alfresco seating out front, with a menu that runs from shakshuka to haloumi and a steady stream of regulars who make it one of the better-value cafes on the strip.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables right on the Darby Street footpath, not inside. Bring your own water bowl to be safe, though staff are generally accommodating if you ask. Keep dogs leashed and close, because the footpath seating sits right on a busy strip with constant foot traffic, prams and other dogs passing.

Pepsi: Darby Street on a Saturday is a dog parade. Pick the outer edge of the footpath seating and let me watch it all.

Worth knowing

It is known for its all-day breakfast list, from vegan wraps and fritters to eggs benedict and pancakes, and for being solid value on a strip where prices can run high. It trades daily from around 7am to 4:30pm, which makes it one of the later-running breakfast options in the city. Weekends get busy, so an early table is the easy one with a dog.

Getting there and parking

Sanctum is at 113-125 Darby Street, Cooks Hill. Street parking is available on Darby Street and side streets like Union or Dawson, though it gets tight on weekends and around lunch. The strip is an easy walk from Civic Park and the Newcastle CBD.

Close by with the dogs

King Edward Park Off-leash Area is a short walk downhill for views over the ocean, and Newcastle Dogs Beach is a few minutes further if a swim is on the agenda. For another dog-friendly table on the same strip, Corner House Newcastle is up the road.

Browse more dog friendly cafes in NSW and other dog friendly spots in Cooks Hill.