Simply Yumm

Simply Yumm is a casual healthy-eating cafe on the Pacific Highway in Swansea, popular for loaded teas and smoothies after a walk around Lake Macquarie. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating, so it works as a quick stop with the dog attached rather than a sit-down brunch.

The dog setup

Dogs go on the footpath and outdoor courtyard tables, on a leash and close by so they are clear of foot traffic, and there is no charge for bringing one. Staff are generally accommodating, but there is no water bowl laid on as standard, so pack a travel bowl. Open seven days, roughly 7:30am to 5pm on weekdays and 8am to 4pm on Sunday.

Worth knowing

The menu leans sugar-free loaded teas, gourmet smoothies and a solid vegan and vegetarian snack selection, with coffee poured from beans by Glee Coffee Roasters. It is a grab-and-go style operation: dine-in, takeaway and delivery, and no on-site restroom, so treat it as a refuel rather than a destination.

Pepsi: this is a waypoint cafe. Order, settle at the outdoor table, then get back to the lake or the beach walk before the dog gets restless.

Getting there and parking

It sits at Suite 7, 172-178 Pacific Highway, across from the Australia Post on Lake Road in Swansea. Free street parking and a public lot are close by, which makes an in-and-out stop simple.

While you are out there

The Swansea Dog Exercise Area gives the dog a proper run nearby, and The Channel Cafe on Belmont Street is the alternative outdoor table near the water. A few minutes further south, The Orana Hotel in Blacksmiths covers a longer lunch stop.

More options are on the NSW dog friendly cafes guide and the Swansea destination page.