Veer off the Hume Motorway and spend some time in historic Marulan. Since my first visit several years ago, the town has expanded its visitor options beyond the service centre hulks on the roadside. There’s an antique shop, a gentrified general store that does a bit of everything, a bakehouse, a pharmacy, and a handful of other businesses, and enough historic buildings to keep the history buffs occupied while stretching legs. What’s interesting is what the Meridian Cafe is up to. Most walls in the main dining area are covered with framed pictures of pooches with the odd cat, guinea pig and chook. Donate $20, along with a picture of your pet, and the cafe will frame and hang it, with all proceeds going to the Hearts for Makamba charity. What a great idea! Order a scone or two – they are light and fluffy – while perusing the pictures. The jam is average and the cream just a tad too light, but the whole ensemble comes together well.

Scones:

Jam:

Cream: 

Tea: A good selection of T2 loose-leaf teas served in a good-sized pot.

Price: $$

Overall: Heaven for pet lovers.

Location: 85 George St, Marulan NSW 2579 Ph: 02 4841 1126 meridiancafe.com.au

Reviewed May, 2018