Slate Cafe, Bennett Springs
Slate Cafe in Perth’s eastern suburbs is the perfect blend of child and dog friendly. With a playground for kids and another for dogs, this is a cafe the whole family will enjoy.
Slate has recently given their playground a makeover. This now features a colourful climbing wall inside the recycled shipping container, with swings and a climbing frame outside. The swings include a regular swing, a toddler swing and a birds nest swing for swinging with siblings or mates. The swing area is covered with shade sails.
The new climbing frame includes monkey bars, a rope ladder, a trapeze swing and a flying fox. Elements of the old playground still stand, including a wooden tee pee and tires to climb on.
Slate Cafe boasts a large grassed area to play on. Further, there’s a shaded artificial turf and decking area behind the swings, or you could bring a picnic blanket to lay down. There’s even a few rockers, ride on cars and kids picnic tables to use. On weekends and during school holidays, especially in the summer months, a bouncy castle is usually added to this play area for added fun.
On the other hand, if your child likes to stick close, there is also a kids play corner inside the cafe. This is packed with books, blocks and toys to keep little ones busy. Between the two play areas, Miss 5 was busy running around and playing the whole time. It was also against this indoor play area where we found a number of high chairs for littler diners.
In separate fenced off areas, dogs are welcome to meet for doggy play dates. The area off the dining area includes shaded seating. Slate Cafe regularly host breed specific play dates for your pooch so you can meet others with say a schnauzer or border collie. If you are trying to train your dog, one of these dog friendly areas is an obstacle course with ramps, seesaws, tunnels and more. A great spot to practise with your clever pooch.
As a result of being a dog friendly cafe, there are water bowls available and doggy treats to buy. Dogs are welcome outside and in the dining area. However, obviously not in the main building that houses the kitchen.
During our visit, Miss 5 opted for an m&m slice and a juice, while I grabbed a lemon slice and a latte. The m&m slice must have been good because it was polished off in about 3 minutes flat! My coffee was excellent, very smooth, and the lemon slice was a delightful blend of sweetness and tart citrus.
In addition to morning tea favourites like brownies, slices and muffins, Slate also has a full all day menu available, including options for kids. Children’s can choose from chicken nuggets or fish with chips, avocado smash with chips, scrambled egg on toast or a pancake served with ice cream, maple syrup and berries. There’s something all tastes.
The mains menu takes just about everyone into account. There’s options such as eggs and bacon on toast or beef burgers or pulled pork for the meat eaters and bruscetta and avocado smash for vegetarians. There’s a vegan burger available for vegans, and gluten-free options for those who cannot tolerate gluten.
The drinks menu is also extensive. I’m not sure I’ve seen so many tea and iced drink options outside a tea shop before! I’ll definitely be coming back to try a red velvet latte and an iced matcha latte. They sound delicious!
Did you also know that Slate Cafe is available to hire as a party venue? I didn’t realise this before today. Choose from balloon twisting and face painting, Frozen or Superhero themes, or even a Zumba Dance theme for older birthday kids. Party packages start from $35 per child (minimum 10 children. Slate can also be hired for other events too, such as weddings for example. Perfect if you’re looking for an intimate, family friendly setting.
In conclusion, we enjoyed out visit to Slate Cafe and will definitely head back. It’s a great venue for families with plenty of space to park a pram or just chill out with friends. We also loved the colourful pop of wall art here and there that are a perfect photo opportunity, especially of your little angels.
Slate Cafe, Bennett Springs
Located at 12 Dulwich Street, Bennett Springs, just off Marshall Road. Parking is available behind the cafe and across the road.
Slate Cafe is open 8am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
You can follow Slate Cafe on Facebook and Instagram. Bookings can be made via their website.
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Holly Clark is currently a stay at home mum of one, a self-confessed coffee addict and a baker of sweet treats. She studied Professional Writing and Editing, and occasionally writes on her recipe blog, Lucky Star’s Kitchen
