There is an A La Barke menu. A boozer has been crowned the best pub for dogs - thanks to its library of sticks and two dedicated menus for pooches. PHOTO BY PIX/SWNS
A boozer has been crowned the “best pub for dogs” – thanks to its library of sticks and two dedicated menus for pooches.
The Bellflower in Garstang, Lancs., won the accolade at the Great British Pub Awards this week for the second year running.
The family-run boozer began catering to four-legged friends five years ago and now offers a huge range of treats to keep them well-watered and entertained.
This includes an “A La Barke” menu, which has sausages, burgers, and even shrimp on the menu, with portions ranging from “Teacup’ to ‘Great Dane.”
Owners can also pour their thirsty pets a dog-friendly beer, wine, and gin at one of two dog bars located in and outside of the pub.
And the venue even has a separate Sunday food menu for “really good boys and girls,” where dogs can enjoy a roast as well as their humans.
Announcing the news on social media, manager Heather Porter-Brandwood said: “We WON! The Bellflower are OFFICIALLY the Nations BEST Pub for Dogs 2023!”
The pub was named the best for dogs by the Great British Pub Awards in 2022 – after receiving three nominations in a row.
And following their win at the awards ceremony in Manchester on Tuesday (Sept 19), they’ve now cemented themselves as a prime pet-friendly hub.
Heather, 35, previously said about being in the running: “To be recognized and make it to the finalist stage again is just brilliant.
“We have worked really hard to make sure we are inclusive for everybody including dogs.
“I always joke saying the dogs offer a little bit of staff therapy.
“When you have had a long day, you can spend a little bit of time talking to the owners and getting some cuddles from the dogs. It is lovely.
“It is great to see lots of wagging tails.
“We do loads to make dogs feel at home at the Bellflower.
Heather said the pub was particularly proud of its dedicated dog-friendly menu, which caters specifically for four-legged pals.
She went on: “We have the ‘A La Barke’ menu for our dog customers alongside a Sunday special menu for those who have been good.
“Two dog-friendly bars which include dog-friendly gin, wine, ale and lager.
“We also have ‘dog doo-dah’ all-natural treats from chickens’ feet to pig stouts, and dog stick library and a muddy paws station in the beer garden too; these are just some of the things we do for dogs here.”
The menu has portion sizes for every pooch.
Heather, who also lives in Garstang, Preston, added: “The smallest we do is the ‘teacup canine’ which is a small meal of a burger, sausage, and gravy, all the way up to the ‘Great Dane’ containing multiple sausages, burgers, mash – all the good stuff dogs like.
“The pub is really popular with dog lovers.
“We have people who travel from across the nation to visit.
“We get lots of reviews on Tripadvisor or Facebook sharing how much they love the place and what we do which is always fantastic.”
The pub also has two separate dog-friendly areas, so if people don’t want to sit near mutts, there is enough space for them to enjoy their food elsewhere.
The pub garden’s large green area can fit up to 150 guests at its many tables and in the morning, the area can even be rented out to exercise your dog.
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
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