The Cambrian Hotel

The Cambrian Hotel at 200 Arnold Street in North Bendigo is a multi-award-winning pub with a genuine craft beer focus, and it wears its dog-friendliness openly: the beer garden regularly fills with locals and their dogs, and the atmosphere stays casual enough that a well-mannered dog fits right in.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating and beer garden areas on a lead, which is a relaxed, safely separated space rather than a footpath squeeze. Message or call ahead when you are heading in during peak weekend slots to lock in an outdoor table, since the garden fills quickly when the craft taps are pouring. No pokies and no TAB means the room noise and commotion that unsettle many dogs simply are not part of this venue.

The vibe

The drinks list is 100 percent independent craft beer, backed by a solid wine selection and cocktails. The kitchen runs well beyond standard pub grub: Korean fried chicken, dumplings and bibimbap bowls sit alongside chicken parmy, house-aged steaks and house-made pasta, and Bendigo's first cook-at-your-table Korean barbecue feast runs by booking. Hours are 4pm to late Mondays and midday to late Tuesday through Saturday, with Sundays closed.

Getting there and parking

The hotel sits in the heart of North Bendigo on Arnold Street, with a free on-site car park plus street parking along Arnold Street and the surrounding blocks. The entrance and facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Close by with the dogs

Let the dog run off the lunch at the Emily Way Dog Off Leash Area in Golden Square, or make a day of it in town with the Bendigo Tram Cafe before the pub session. If the night runs long, Hotel Ernest Bendigo accommodates dogs nearby. More options are listed under VIC pubs and the North Bendigo guide.

Pepsi: Craft beer garden full of dogs, no pokies noise, and someone at the next table dropped a dumpling. Best pub.