Lenny the Ox

Lenny the Ox is a prime location for two of Fremantle residents’ favourite pastimes: coffee and people watching. Occupying a 1920s building, the whitewashed cafe, with its exposed brick and mismatched furniture, has the feel of a classic Freo home, but one completely open to the neighbourhood.

With its combination of alfresco tables, wholesome food and a relaxed disposition, the Ox is synonymous with long, relaxed brunches in the sun. And the name? It’s a reverse mashup of owner Chris Ford and his brother’s shared middle name, Lennox.

At first glance, the all-day menu is a run-through of staples: porridge, eggs on toast and baked beans. But it’s the thoughtful additions to each plate that commands the crowd of locals. The smashed avocado on Loafers sourdough is atypically sprinkled with an umami-rich dehydrated olive and seed mix.

The potato hash with eggs and hollandaise is freshened up with a bed of zucchini salad – it sounds strange, but it works. The menu is notably flexible in catering for the vegetable inclined, plus much of the cake display is gluten free.

Lenny the Ox’s seven-bean blend by local roaster Crema produces a smooth but perky espresso. If caffeine isn’t your thing, green smoothies and salted-caramel milkshakes have your beverage needs covered.