Bloom Espresso

Bloom Espresso is the little Pimlico coffee shop that the Townsville Bulletin called a destination for dog owners, and the label fits. It is a compact suburban spot in a small group of shops, pouring Bear Bones coffee with batch brew, chai and a cabinet famous for its oversized weekend cookies. The covered outdoor seating out front is dog territory, and the local dog-walking crowd has claimed it as a regular stop.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor and covered seating areas out front; the small interior is people-only. Leads stay on and dogs should settle, since the outdoor zone is shared with other tables. Ask about a Pupperchino for your dog; the staff are famously dog-loving and happy to oblige, even if it is not on the printed menu. Given the compact space, a dog that tucks in under your chair will have the easiest time.

The vibe

This is a coffee-and-treat stop rather than a full-kitchen brunch house: specialty coffee, cold brew, fresh toasties, croissants and those weekend cookies that sell out. Reviews mention the happy staff and the easy, chatty atmosphere as much as the coffee. It closes at midday every day, weekdays from 6am and weekends from 7am, so morning is the only window.

Getting there and parking

Bloom sits in Pimlico, a few minutes from Charters Towers Road and close to the Hyde Park and Aitkenvale side of Townsville. Parking is on-street along the surrounding residential streets. Weekend mornings fill up fast with the regular crowd, so arrive early with the dog or be prepared to wait for an outdoor table; weekday mornings are the calm option for a dog that dislikes crowds.

Close by with the dogs

The Townsville Main Dog Park at Aitkenvale is the big off-leash option nearby, and The Coffee Tree is another Pimlico cafe on the books. If you want a garden setting instead, The Gypsea Collective at Mundingburra is minutes away.

More options are on the QLD dog friendly cafes guide and the Pimlico destination page.

Pepsi: a giant cookie, a covered table, and a Pupperchino with my name on it. Pimlico knows how to treat a dog.