Dog-friendly pub competition heats up

More than 300 pubs from across the UK have entered the competition, run by dog boarding and sitting firm Dogbuddy, and which closes on 31 October. 

The awards follows research by the firm that showed two thirds of dog owners were put off going to pubs that are not dog friendly​.

The company has created special media packs that pubs can apply for online and use to boost their local nominations. 

Editor of the The Morning Advertiser​ and judge of this year's competition, Ed Bedington, said: "It's really fantastic that so many pubs have come forward as dog-friendly and entered the competition.

"It goes to show that pubs are the best friends of all creatures – great and small."

Dogbuddy highlighted the work of one pub, the Bull, Benenden, Kent, which was a recent Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) award winner.

Relaxed

Licensees Lucy and Mark Reid took the freehouse over 15 years ago and have welcomed dogs ever since – and have many four-legged friends who regularly visit their local with their owners. 

Lucy said: " I put this down to the relaxed atmosphere in all areas of the pub, our chef who's a big softie and can be found cooking sausages specially for furry friends, and more recently the fact that my daughter's two cats Blossom and Petal are very dog-friendly.

"We think its vital that pubs in the town and country alike welcome dogs – after all, who better to go for a drink with than man's best friend?"