At Neutral

1★ – A brutal way to lose loyal locals To the management at Neutral — specifically Bruno, We live within 200 metres of your café. Until today, it was our favourite place. Between my wife and I, we’re usually in daily. When my wife comes, she often brings our two girls — yes, they’re two tiny Pomeranians — and they remain in their pram, not taken out, not wandering, not barking, not bothering anyone. They sit there quietly the entire time (happy to show the photo). Today, my wife was told she is no longer allowed to sit inside because there have been “complaints.” Let that sink in. A loyal customer — a local regular — effectively banned from sitting inside… because two silent, contained dogs in a pram apparently offend someone. Since early December 2025 (about 6.5 weeks), we’ve spent $1,557 at Neutral — roughly $220 per week. That’s not “we drop in occasionally.” That’s consistent support. And this is how you choose to treat us. Here’s what makes it worse: Bruno, we’ve spoken to you while seated in your café and you said nothing then. Instead of having a respectful conversation, you sent Juan to deliver the message that my wife is “no longer welcome” inside. While this was happening, people were still bringing their dogs into the café to order — and at least one person even chimed in publicly that she “agreed,” adding humiliation to the insult. So what exactly is the rule here? Because from where we’re standing it looks like this: Dogs are acceptable in the café… unless they’re ours, contained quietly in a pram. If this is genuinely a policy issue, say that clearly and apply it consistently. But “complaints” is not a reason to single someone out, embarrass them in front of others, and quietly exile them — especially when we’ve never caused a problem. You didn’t just set a rule — you made my wife feel unwelcome. This wasn’t just disappointing — it was disrespectful. I’m posting this because I want a response, not silence. I want you to explain: What exactly is the policy? When did it change? Why wasn’t it communicated directly and respectfully? Why is it enforced against a pram, but not against dogs being allowed in to order? Right now, it feels like Neutral has decided that appeasing “the odd complaint” matters more than the locals who actually keep the doors open week after week. If you want to fix this, you can. Start by contacting us directly, apologising to my wife for how this was handled, and clarifying a fair, consistent policy. Because as of today, Neutral went from “our local” to a place we won’t recommend to anyone. — Dom

I walked into the cafe, sat down, and waited around 15 minutes before someone finally came over just to hand me a menu. Then I had to wait another 15 minutes to even place an order. If the place was busy, I’d understand, but it wasn’t busy at all and nobody seemed to care. It honestly felt like I was invisible sitting there. I used to come because I liked the atmosphere, but the service today was really disappointing.

One of my favourite cafe so far. I love this bowl with mountain bread. Always come back to eat it. The juice is so fresh too

Just want to say how much I miss this place. I moved out of Cremorne and it’s been so hard to find a good coffee which is not bitter and a decent muffin (which so far you guys have the best one I have tried). The waiters and the little guy are absolutely legends and super professionals. Will have to drive 35min just to visit you guys now.

+ A varied menu with nourishing wholefoods taking centre stage. Enjoyed b&e roll and avo on toast. + Loved the home made pickles and gluten free bread. + Friendly and efficient service