In a year when one of Britain’s biggest pub chains has banned dogs from its venues, one public house has fought off fierce competition to be crowned Britain's most dog-friendly.
The Dog pub in Grundisburgh proved it deserved to win the title after coming top in the DogBuddy Dog-friendly Pub Awards, beating 11 other regional finalists voted for by dog lovers across the country.
Extra mile
The aptly named pub was chosen as the most suitable venue that recognises those that go the extra mile to make dogs and their owners feel welcome.
Owned and run by self-confessed dog lovers Eilir Rogers and husband Charles, the couple's paw-some pub gives pooches plenty to wag their tails about.
The traditional Suffolk pub, near Woodbridge, lays on a treat for pooches with dog biscuits on arrival, as well as a water bowl – while their owners can enjoy locally produced food and a family-friendly atmosphere.
There is also the option for pet owners to pre-book a table together with their four-legged friends.
Incredibly touched
Upon receiving the prestigious national award, the couple exclaimed in surprise and delight.
“We are incredibly touched by how many people voted for us,” Eilir said.
“We are very happy that so many other people think that we are as dog-friendly as we believe we are.
“We have a lot of loyal customers who really support us and they wanted us to win as much as we did.”
Superb service
As well as showing some well-deserved appreciation of existing dog-friendly establishments, the awards aim to inspire dog owners in the UK to discover and visit their local pubs.
Richard Setterwall, founder and CEO of dog-sitting platform DogBuddy, said the winning pub was “well deserved” and hopes the awards will inspire dog owners to visit and support their local.
“The superb service demonstrated shows a real consideration for dog welfare and happiness,” he said.
“The whole DogBuddy pack is proud to congratulate the Dog on its achievement, and hopes that the Dog-friendly Pub Awards will inspire dog owners country-wide to discover and support their local pubs.”
Dog haven
Suffolk is setting the pace as a place for dog lovers to rejoice in the east of England, since its pubs not only took top prize, but also scooped five places in the region’s top 10.
Eilir said she hopes the award will encourage more dog owners to visit her dog haven venue.
“Hopefully more dog owners will know that there is a really dog-friendly place they can come where they will be made to feel very welcome by us, the staff and our regular customers,” she added.
Regional winners
- East of England: The Dog
- West Midlands: The Royal Oak
- North East: The Keel Row
- London: Hand in Hand
- South West: The Halzephron Inn
- Wales: The Bryntirion Inn
- North West: The Maltings
- East Midlands: The Lion at Basford
- South East: Admiral's Arm Micropub
- Northern Ireland: O'Hares Lounge Bar
- Scotland: The Weston Tavern
- Yorkshire: The Last Post
