Wolf and Hound Cafe

You only have to head over to my ‘About Me’ page, the first thing I wrote when I created this blog, to see how much I love my dog. Ted is pretty much the centre of our universe (and our bed). So when we saw a cafe emerging nearby and spotted the owner working on his new venue with his dogs in tow, we sensed a kindred spirit. The dogs? A Wolfhound and a Greyhound, both rescue pooches, have given this super little local it’s name. 

Luke Whitworth (previously of Streat) has created a lovely, welcoming place for dog and human alike, out of the tiny space that was previously Made Cafe on Pin Oak Drive (right near Newmarket Station). The concept is simple: fantastic coffee; simple food with fresh, good quality ingredients; and plenty of care for your dog. I am not the sort of dog owner that happily leaves my pooch tied up outside a shop or cafe – yes, I’m a bit precious with him. But that isn’t a problem here. I regularly walk Ted past of a morning and when I need a takeaway coffee, the staff are very happy for me to order it at the door and bring it out to me when ready. They even offer chinos for your pooch, should he/she be so-inclined.

There is plenty of outdoor seating and word has spread quickly around the neighbourhood, there are always a number of doggy visitors. We betrayed Ted this visit and left him at home, because it was cold and we wanted to sit inside. #BadDoggyMummy

The coffee, supplied by Rumble coffee, is always excellent (and I’ve had a few) – perfect temperature, rich and creamy.

The ‘kitchen’ consists of a couple of large sandwich presses but it is amazing what they manage to create with them. There are toast and muesli options, along with some serious toasties and a salad or two for lunch.

My Love ordered The Franklin (named after the Wolfhound) $14 

A rich, flavoursome toastie filled with slow-cooked pork, ham, swiss-cheese, mustard, sauce, and pickles with a side of pretzels.

I went for The Grizz (a quick stalk of Instagram revealed that Grizz is a cat ) $13.50

Stuffed with a mixture of lemony, herby mushrooms, melted brie and rocket; dusted with freshly grated pecorino on seeded bread. I didn’t know a toasted sandwich could be so good.

Even then, I had slight food envy when saw Dr Marty’s crumpets slathered with 99th Monkey hazelnut spread, fruit, pomegranate maple molasses, labne and almonds ($14.50) delivered to the next table.

If you need another reason to go, they are also stockists of Melbourne’s most decadent cookie, The Butterbing. I can vouch for all the flavours 😉

Wolf and Hound is the dog-friendliest cafe in a dog-friendly area. Service is charming and speedy and you can pat a dog while you wait for your coffee. 

I almost didn’t want to tell you about it because the Butterbings will run out more quickly. Save a peanut butter one for me?