The Meeting Pool Café

The Meeting Pool Café sits within the grounds of Montsalvat, the historic artists' colony at 7 Hillcrest Avenue, Eltham. It is a cafe and Friday-night wine bar in a rustic, garden setting, and dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas, which is the real reason to bring yours along.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating around the cafe, with room to settle beside your table in the courtyard. Indoor access is generally restricted to assistance dogs, so check at the counter. Water bowls are often available, but bringing a portable bowl is the safer bet.

Good to know. Known for coffee, pastries, toasties and cheese grazing boxes, with a tranquil wine-bar feel on Friday evenings. Typical hours are Wednesday to Sunday, but confirm before a special trip as the cafe sits within a managed arts venue.

Getting there. 7 Hillcrest Avenue, about 30 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, with on-site parking at Montsalvat a short walk from the cafe.

Nearby with the dogs. The Montsalvat grounds are walkable on-leash, the main Eltham strip is close by, and the Diamond Creek Trail is a short drive for a longer walk.

Sources

• The Meeting Pool is Montsalvat's new Cafe and Wine Bar · instagram.com
• Montsalvat Arts and Events · facebook.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.