Lennox

Lennox is a small neighbourhood cafe at 505 Hampton Street with a front footpath and two shaded, pebble-floored courtyards, one out the front and a calmer one out the back. Both suit a visit with the dog, and staff are known to be accommodating, occasionally handing out treats. The feel is intimate and local, the sort of room that draws the same faces most mornings.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables out front, and the rear courtyard is the quieter, more sheltered bet on a windy bay day. Water bowls are typically available. If you want to sit in the courtyard with a dog, give staff a quick word on arrival to confirm the arrangement, since the back space is compact.

The vibe and the menu

Expect the usual brunch and lunch line-up with gluten-free options clearly marked, and scones, toasties and fish tacos coming up often in reviews. Hours run 7:30am to 3pm on weekdays and 8am to 3pm on weekends. Street parking runs along Hampton Street, with the side streets giving more options, and Hampton Station on the Sandringham line is a short walk away.

While you're out there

Hampton Beach and the foreshore are a short walk down towards the water, though Bayside Council runs seasonal on and off-leash windows, so check the beach signage rather than assuming. The Sandringham Jetty to Ricketts Point walk is the longer coastal option, and back on the strip Whistling Kettle keeps a dedicated doggy menu, Merrymen and The Hamptons Bakery round out the dog-friendly morning circuit.

More of the area's dog-friendly venues are on the Hampton destination page, with the state list in the VIC cafes index.