Dog-loving Ripon bistro owners have created a menu designed to attract customers accompanied by canines.
Lou Grant and her husband Tim, have launched Olly P’s Doggy Diner at Oliver’s Pantry on North Street, so that man (and woman’s) best friend can tuck into a meal or snack alongside their owners.
The menu includes Pooch’s Brekkie comprising sausage, scrambled egg and buttered toast, Scooby Scrambled, with eggs cooked to order and WaggyChino cups of whipped cream.
Ms Grant, pictured above with her two-year-old Labradoodle, Wilma, told the Stray Ferret:
“We trialled our doggy menu at Easter and got such an amazing response that we decided to make it a permanent part of our offer.
“Each of the dishes created for our canine customers has been tried by Wilma and her favourite is definitely the Scooby Scrambled.”
People wanting to dine with their dogs can use the downstairs and garden areas at the bistro, while upstairs is for humans only.
Read more:
Why Fountains Abbey is pawfect for dogs
This story is sponsored by the National Trust.
Finding something to do at the weekend can be challenging, especially if you have dogs, but the National Trust team at Fountains Abbey say they’re on a mission to make it easy.
Under the National Trust’s Paw Print dog-friendliness scheme, the attraction has been named a three-paw site – the highest possible rating.
Jenni Shepherd, senior marketing and communications officer at the National Trust, said:
“We’re always getting comments about how welcoming we are to dogs at Fountains Abbey.
“The admissions team even has doggy treats on hand for the waggiest tails!”
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and includes the ruins of the medieval monastery, the Georgian water garden and the deer park.
Where you lead, your dog can follow!
Visiting dog-walkers can see all the historic attractions up close, as well as following paths around the site and trails through surrounding woodland.
“When people see the amazing abbey ruins, they often think they can’t possibly take a dog there, but actually at Fountains, dogs can go pretty much everywhere their owners do,” said Jenni.
“We get a lot of tourists visiting from other areas of the country, where historic sites perhaps don’t welcome dogs so readily, and so they think they can’t bring their dogs here either.
“But Fountains Abbey is actually one of the best places to bring a dog.
“There are drinking stations and dog waste bins throughout, and there’s a wide range of pet products for sale in the Visitor Centre shop.
“There’s even dog-friendly ice-cream available at the Studley refreshment kiosk and in the Visitor Centre restaurant.
“Your dog can go everywhere you go. Dogs are even allowed in the deer park, as long as they’re kept on a short lead.”
Woodland walks are a favourite pastime among dog-owners visiting Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
Last month, the National Trust unveiled plans to upgrade its facilities at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
A new visitor building will be built around the existing tearoom. There will be a fully accessible café, more toilets and a new admissions area, with all areas remaining dog-friendly. Jenni added:
“Yorkshire as a destination is a dog-lovers’ paradise, and Fountains Abbey really stands out as one of the best places here to take your dog.
“There’s so much to do and see here, you can stay all day – and your dog never has to leave your side.”
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Find out more about visiting – with or without dogs – here.
Head out for a walk then visit one of these four dog-friendly pubs in the Harrogate district
With the warmer weather (finally) arriving, nothing beats a walk in the Harrogate district’s beautiful countryside with your four-legged friend.
We are truly spoilt for dog walks in the area – from the peaceful Nidd Gorge to the rolling hills of Nidderdale.
But all that rambling is guaranteed to work up a thirst.
To help quench it, we have put together a list of four dog-friendly pubs in the Harrogate district.
Obviously there are too many to possibly mention, so get in touch with your favourites and send your photos to nina@thestrayferret.co.uk
The Knox – Bilton, Harrogate
The Knox often crops up as a dog-friendly favourite, with furry companions being considered very much part of the family.
The pub’s website says:
“Dogs are more than welcome at The Knox, and if you ask one of our team members, they’ll be more than happy to bring your four-legged friend a fresh bowl of water. From time-to-time, we may even have treats available to keep your dog occupied and happy, just be sure to ask one of our team.
“We’re an extremely busy pub and we want your furry friends to feel relaxed, safe, and happy at all times during your visit.”
Sportsman’s Arms, Wath, Nidderdale
The quaint hamlet of Wath is in a wonderful area for walking; the circular route from Pateley Bridge is particularly good, four miles out along the northern fellside and back along the river.
Once you have stretched your legs, you can enjoy a refreshing pint and a spot of lunch in the bar area of this family-run 17th-century country inn, while your dog curls up under your seat.
Read more:
- The quirky new Harrogate café where customers can cuddle chihuahuas
- Charity seeks volunteers to care for dogs in Harrogate district
The Royal Oak, Staveley, Knaresborough
Landlady Catherine Audsley outside The Royal Oak in Staveley.
Staveley is actually home to a nature reserve, which takes you on a lone walk that stretches beyond the village. It has many wild and rare species of flowers and wildlife and is perfect for a summer dog walk (they are permitted on leads).
Once you have admired the otters, of which there are regular sightings, head to Royal Oak, a traditional country pub that reviewers on Trip Advisor have described as “the most dog-friendly place I have ever been to”.
The pub’s website says:
“A selection of local ales and various seating areas offer somewhere for everyone – even the four-legged friend.”
The huge beer garden is also very impressive if you want to catch some rays.
The Royal Oak, Ripon
Another Royal Oak, this time located in Ripon’s historic Kirkgate, this renovated 18th century coaching inn is a firm favourite with dog owners.
Enjoy a walk at nearby Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden and then head into Ripon for a wander.
The pub’s city centre location is a great base to explore this fabulous part of the district.
Dogs are allowed in the bar area and there is even a selection of dog-friendly tables in the restaurant if you have worked up an appetite.