Hybla Tavern(Albany)

Hybla Tavern sits on Flinders Parade at Middleton Beach, a short drive from central Albany, with the front of the house looking straight over the sand. It is a proper local pub kitchen: steak sandwiches, chicken parmigiana and a Guinness pie have all built followings, the squid is a regular order, and the sea views do the rest of the work. On weekends the deck fills with families and walkers coming off the beach path.

The dog setup

Regulars report dogs are welcome on the shaded front deck overlooking Middleton Beach, with water bowls typically provided. This comes from visitor experience rather than a written venue policy, so it is worth a quick word with staff on a packed summer afternoon, but the deck setup makes it a natural dog stop after a beach walk. Keep leads close while you wait for a table and the beach foreshore is only steps away for a leg stretch.

Worth knowing before you go: the kitchen is closed Tuesday and Wednesday, runs from 3pm on Monday and Thursday, and opens at midday Friday through Sunday. Planning lunch after a Middleton Beach swim works best on the weekend, when the full menu and the afternoon crowd are both in swing, and the lamb korma has its own fans among the regulars.

Make a day of it

Pair the tavern with a morning at the beach, then work through our Albany guide: Kate's Place and Dôme Café Albany cover the breakfast and coffee rounds for dog friendly mornings, while the Earl of Spencer Historic Inn is another pub where reported practice welcomes dogs. If you are turning the visit into an overnighter, ibis Styles Albany is a pet friendly base in town.