Search Results

Mouse reading the nutritional information before choosing from the doggy menu I love rainy days! I know I am probably in the minority but I do. I can't help it. On this paricular day it was one of those lovely cozy days that never really ever seem to get light. It was grey and gloomy all day. Lovely! My hubby and I decided to go grab a slice of cake somewhere that was a bit of a drive away. Our first choice was closed so we made our way to Caistor only to realise that our second choice was also closed - it was the Easter weekend so I really should have checked beforehand but hey ho. Almost reluctantly we headed to Brigg Garden Centre. I have been to Brigg Garden Centre many times but never with a dog so I had my usual mini-panic about exactly how friendly this dog friendly place would be. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Brigg Garden Centre is super dog-friendly. The dogs are welcome everywhere within the store both inside and out and because the layout is really spacious it never felt like we were getting in people's way or Mouse was getting under people's feet. There were lots of other dogs there too! All of them looking really happy to be out with their humans! So I stopped worrying and just enjoyed being out and about. We browsed through the shop and I managed to mentally spend about £600 on lighting, plants and water features! To stop the fictional shopping list from becoming an actual credit card bill, we went for a piece of cake and a cup of tea. Clear signs made it easy to find the designated dog-friendly area. This part of the restaurant is huge and has it's own entrance to the right hand side of the main entrance. There are doggy menus and a fantastic dog station stacked with clean water bowls and a water dispenser for you to get fresh water for your dog. It was lovely to see so many happy pups enjoying a day out with their humans. Mouse loved watching all the other dogs too, her confidence is not great but these little visits out really do help her to see that the world is actually an ok place. Mouse does, however, love her treats and so she was thrilled to read the doggy menu. (She is a poodle after all - they can all read by the age of 5 months apparently). She was totally spoilt for choice when it came to picking out a treat, but in the end, she went for the "Woofington's Sunday Roast" and devoured every last morsel! We 'half and halved' a lemon drizzle cake and a mint chocolate shard cake because we both liked the look of each others'. Both were bloomin amazing!! We had another browse through the shop and this time I managed to just spend £10 on 20 lambs' ears. Bargain! I highly recommend a visit to Brigg Garden Centre. It's a great way to spend a couple of hours, browse the plants, treat your dog, and enjoy a tasty snack – rain or shine! We will definitely be back soon. Fingers crossed I find that £600 down the back of the sofa in the meantime! My fave! Also my fave!

Recently, I decided to check out Wrights of Willingham, a spot that's been on my mind since it appeared on the Dog Friendly Map for its ice cream offerings. Unfortunately, the experience left much to be desired, and I wanted to share my thoughts for those considering a visit. Upon arrival, the venue greeted us with a clean and welcoming atmosphere. The ambiance was nice, making it a pleasant place to enjoy a treat. However, the highlight of our visit—the ice cream—fell short of expectations. The flavors offered were ok but my choice of 'raspberry ripple' somewhat bland, lacking the exciting punch that is expected from a dedicated ice cream shop. There were several flavours to choose from but nothing that looked overly special. To top it off, the portion sizes felt overpriced compared to other local spots that offer better value for money. Although Wrights of Willingham is marked as dog-friendly, the signage seemed lacking. It would be beneficial if they actively promoted their dog-friendly status, as we noticed two other dogs outside during our visit. Perhaps their owners preferred the outdoor setting on that lovely day, but clearer communication would encourage more dog owners to bring their pets inside. Mint choc chip We had brought our dog along, excited to treat her to some doggy ice cream, but she wasn't a fan. The staff member who served us mentioned that most dogs don't seem to enjoy it, which was disappointing. I appreciate that they offer a doggy icecream but maybe they could make or stock one that most dogs would actually eat. I even offered the doggy snack to another dog outside but they also turned their nose up at it. What a shame. All in all, my experience at Wrights of Willingham was disappointing. Despite the clean venue and friendly service, the ice cream simply didn’t live up to the hype. Next time I'm craving a sweet treat, I think I'll have another look at the plentiful cafes that are on the map and choose somewhere else. In summary, while Wrights of Willingham has potential, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It’s a no from me this time around, but who knows? Perhaps they can change my mind on a future visit. Hope so! Raspberry Ripple

Are dogs really unhygienic? As a nation of foodies and dog lovers, we Brits adore our cafes and restaurants, and many of us can't imagine enjoying a cuppa or a meal without our furry friends by our side. But have you ever wondered why some eateries welcome dogs with open arms, while others give them the cold paw? It all comes down to hygiene regulations, folks! In the UK, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) sets the rules for food safety and hygiene in cafes and restaurants. And, let's be honest, it's all about keeping us humans safe from those pesky germs and bacteria. But what about our canine companions? Can they really be a hygiene hazard? The Hygiene Lowdown According to the FSA, dogs are not inherently "unclean" animals, but they can carry bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, which can be transferred to humans through contact with their fur, paws, or saliva. Yikes! However, this doesn't mean that dogs are banned from all cafes and restaurants. It's all about the type of establishment and the measures they have in place to prevent cross-contamination. Dog-Friendly Cafes: The Exceptions Some cafes and restaurants are happy to welcome dogs, as long as they're well-behaved and kept under control. These establishments usually have a few things in common: Separate areas: They often have designated dog-friendly zones, where furry friends can relax with their owners, away from food preparation and serving areas. Easy cleaning: Dog-friendly cafes tend to have easy-to-clean surfaces, like hardwood floors and wipe-down tables, to prevent the spread of bacteria. Staff training: Employees are trained to handle dog-related situations, like cleaning up after accidents or dealing with allergic customers. Why Dogs are Left Out in the Cold in Others On the other hand, some cafes and restaurants are not dog-friendly, and it's usually due to one of the following reasons: Food preparation: If a cafe or restaurant prepares food in an open-kitchen, they may not want to risk cross-contamination. Allergies and sensitivities: Some customers may have severe allergies or sensitivities to dogs, so establishments may choose to keep them out to avoid any potential issues. Small or cramped spaces: Tiny cafes or restaurants with limited seating areas may not have the space or facilities to accommodate dogs safely. The Bottom Line It's all about finding a balance between keeping us humans safe and happy, while also accommodating our furry friends. If you're a dog owner, it's always a good idea to check 'The Dog Friendly Map' as we have called ahead for you to check their individual rules. And, if you're a cafe or restaurant owner happy to welcome those all-important dog-loving customers and you are not on the mop already, drop us an email ( hello@thedogfriendlymap.co.uk ) and we will include you. It's free! After all, who doesn't love a good cuppa with their pooch by their side? Just a normal day for this pampered pooch!

From the bustling seafront to the quaint town centre, Cleethorpes is packed with dog-friendly venues that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking to indulge in a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, browse unique gifts and souvenirs, or enjoy a pint of local ale, you'll find plenty of options that welcome dogs with open arms. So, what does a day in Cleethorpes look like with a fur baby? Start your day with a visit to Roll the Dice Cafe , a board game cafe where you can enjoy a coffee and a game with your dog by your side. Then, take a stroll along the picturesque seafront, where you can stop by Kingsway Kiosks  for a snack or drink and enjoy the stunning views of the North Sea.  Next, head to Helm Cafe for a delicious lunch, where your dog will be treated like royalty. After lunch, take a walk along the coast and visit the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway , a dog-friendly attraction that's perfect for a fun and relaxing ride. In the afternoon, visit In Good Hands , JK's Lifestyle , or Coastal Blue , where you can browse unique gifts and souvenirs with your dog by your side. Don't forget to pop into Howlin' Jacks , a dog-friendly record store that's a must-visit for music lovers.  As the day draws to a close, head to one of Cleethorpes' many dog-friendly pubs, such as The Old Vic , The Notts , or The Counting House , where you can enjoy a pint of local ale and a delicious meal with your dog. Alternatively, for a more family friendly local, visit The Wellow  or The Trawlerman , where you can relax and unwind with your furry friend.  There are many more pubs to chose from on 'The Dog Friendly Map' both in Cleethorpes and surrounding villages. If you're looking for some exercise and fun with your dog, why not hire "In the Dog House' dog park and let your furry friend run free? With so many dog-friendly attractions and venues to choose from, Cleethorpes is the perfect destination for a dog-friendly holiday or day out.

The SMALL portion of scampi and chips! Mouse is a nervous puppy.  She isn't like any dog I've had before.  My experience of dogs up to now has been to have an over-exuberant pup who feels they are blessing the entire planet with their presence and is convinced that everyone they meet feels the exact same way.. Not Mouse. Mouse is scared of, well, most things.  She won't go for a walk, she won't play with my other two dogs and new places make her freeze up.  So I take her with me when I go out and about as much as I can and make sure I gently and frequently expose her to positive interactions. So I took her and my Mum along to The Ugly Duckling restaurant, for those that maybe don't know it (I didn't before this map) this is the stunning restaurant on Caistor Lakes Leisure Park.  They don't just cater for their on-site residents, this beauty is open for us locals too! Immediately, Mouse was feeling quite brave as she met another pooch at the next table. The water bowl in our designated doggy area was very welcome too.   We met some fantastically friendly fellow customers who were all great with Mouse and helped her to relax and may I say, even enjoy her trip out!  Thank you so much. The menu was great!  A huge plus for me and my Mum was the option of having a smaller portion as neither of us are big eaters.  Mum did a fab job at polishing off the chilli con carne though and I reckon she could have hammered the large one if I'm honest.  I had the scampi and was loving it.  They cut their chips in a U shape and it makes them so crispy, highly recommended!!!  We were also amazed at how reasonable it was!! We had a great time at The Ugly Duckling and would definitely encourage you to venture out to Caistor with your fur baby.  You will be made to feel exceptionally welcome and have a fantastic meal too. The Menu @ The Ugly Duckling, Caistor Lakes

Despite The Big Red Shed not actually being on the map as they don't allow dogs to walk on the floor, they do allow you to put your dogs into a trolley and be pushed around the store.  To make this a pleasurable experience for the dogs they provide cushioned pads for the dogs to lie on. Some owners will not be up for heaving their four legged friends into a trolley but I'm not one of them.  At least not with Mouse who weighs a full 2 and half kilos.  So not much,   We needed to buy 2 things.  Ordinarily I would have put it down as a 5 to 10 minute dash in and dash out.   This time we were there for over half an hour, as various staff members came to say hello, have snuggles and then went to tell other staff members who, in turn, had their snuggles too.  Mouse was fussed and cooed over and lapped up every minute of it!  Earlier that day, someone had brought their Rottweiler in and put them into a trolley and the staff had taken his photo.  Apparently he has been coming since he was a pup and loves to see everyone! I can honestly say it was one of the warmest welcomes I have had as a dog owner who is brand new to taking pooches into places.  I do still feel nervous about whether they will be truly welcome.  I shouldn't have worried at The Big Red Shed.   Thanks everyone at Big Red for making us feel so welcome!! I can't wait to take her back! Mouse getting some TLC at The Big Red Shed

Peps and Boodle with The Brew Stop team! As we were passing by, we visited The Brew Stop in Cleethorpes. It was a freezing, windy day and we were having the BEST time but Mum didn't look as happy being outside in such glorious weather! She told us we were in for a treat and led us towards a cozy building right next to the beach huts! I love those huts! We loved it in there. Me Pepsi and Boodle all had a milky bone each Mum had a sausage roll! It smelled delicious and I managed to sneak a bite when she wasn't looking. Mum said it was lovely and I agree. We were spoilt rotten!! We got so many fusses and it was lovely and warm inside! Once we had all refreshed ourselves, had a drink and eaten our treats we were happy to settle down and wait until Mum was ready to leave. (Hurry up Mum!!) Our little stop off definately gave me an energy burst and I had a mad case of 'the zoomies' once we got going again! I can't wait to go again and I know Pepsi and Boodle loved it too!! Thank you The Brew Stop - see you again soon! Love from Mouse. xx This is me having the zoomies. I almost broke the sound barrier.