Help us help you

As we aim to provide you with a really unique experience from a not so original concept we would love you to have an input!

If you can spare 2 minutes of your time to fill out this short survey, we would be eternally grateful

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Christmas Gift Guide for Dogs!

 

We have teamed up some really great dog brands to bring you our very first Christmas gift guide.

We have everything from treats, to style pieces and even a little something for the humans!

All social buttons in the guide are clickable and will take you to the brands website, or even to their social media so give them a follow!


[iframe src=”https://cdn.flipsnack.com/widget/v2/widget.html?hash=f7nsr5i51&bgcolor=EEEEEE&t=1543278048″ width=”100%” height=”500″]

 


 

Some of the featured brands will be selling in markets around the Christmas period

Tap the posters below for more information

 

Ticket Tailor Heading - White on black - Doggy Style

P.s we are heading down to the Doggy Style market so please come and say hi!

 

Club-Puppicana-poster

 

We would like to thank the brands involved in our gift guide!

we plan on producing and featuring more dog related brands in the future if you would like to be involved please email

dogswelcomewales@gmail.com

dogswelcomelondon@gmail.com

 

Best bars to take your dog, Cardiff Edition

Cardiff has always been a really nice little city with a range of different vibes, its also one place we’d never think to take our dog due to the footfall, and for what we thought a lack of places that allowed dogs.

We’ve tasked ourselves with finding some great bars in and around the city centre to prove ourselves wrong…and here is what we found.

The lansdowne

The Lansdowne is such a nice venue that I managed to stumble upon one day taking Hollie for a walk. Its fully dog friendly and the owner is great with dogs and owners. We had a nice chat with Hayley who explained that some owners have nervous dogs and some reactive and she lets her customers know what the dog situation is, which I think is such a great thought.

The Lansdowne also has a great selection of food, vegetarian, home comforts and a kids menu, its really a great family experience right down to solo dining. There is also a selection of drinks spirits and juices available, you have to check out their instagram to see their delicious dishes!

 

The 21st of November is host to a doggie quiz, they raise money for ‘Friends Of Dogs’ , and there is a donation pot on the bar which welcomes generosity all year round!

 


The Pen and Wig

Tucked away in a beautiful little street, fairly close to the city centre and the Cardiff museum where your dog can stretch their legs. The Pen and Wig offers a really cozy setting at the front with plush chairs and carpet, to a large beer garden out the back, it really fits into every season. The sweetest thing is the dog water station, check out that barrel!

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The Pen and Wig has a really nice family friendly vibe, and in the day can make for a nice peaceful coffee spot. The staff were really friendly with the dogs and came to offer Hollie some treats and attention.

There is a pup quiz on Thursday 22nd of November at 7pm proceeds are going towards City Hospice!

 


Mocka Lounge

Probably one venue you’d least expect, but these guys have gone all out when it comes to our pooches, everything from Mocka branded dog bowls to a hand crafted dogtail menu…they even stock the famous Pawsecco and Snuffle dog beer!

 

For those who haven’t been to Mocka lounge before or think its just for party goers, your totally wrong everyones welcome! Whilst its great in the summer to sit outside and bask in the Mill Lane sunshine, the winter isn’t as glamorous, don’t put your dogs into hiding take them inside with you. There are plenty of beds and blankets for your dog to snuggle into, what a great spot to meet some new furry pals!

 

To anyone that brings their dog with them before 7pm will receive 20% off their bill!


Pitch

Right next door is Pitch which boasts a cosy and avant garde style setting with open doors to dogs, Hollie met one of their regulars Lilly!

They offer a great range of cocktails and fresh home cooked style food, you can tuck into a seasonal menu indoors on a cold day with your pooch and when the sun is shining head outside to catch some rays. Its really great that both bars are neighbours, you have your own mini doggie bar crawl!

 


Kongs

Such an interesting space for both reminiscing adults and playful youth, the place is adorned with many retro games and plenty of space to stretch those paws!

 

Hollie couldn’t resist but to check out some of the games and have a little wander around. She even got VIP treatment at the bar with some yummy treats!

 


Brewdog

One of the best dog friendly chains, but unlike the unfriendly Whetherspoons they are crazy over dogs, its in the name after all!  There are many Brewdog venues across the UK which all open their doors to well behaved pooches. The cardiff venue offers a really comfy space for your dog and can be quite a chilled setting with many games and plenty of space between tables. Brewdog also has amazing food and a great selection of ales!

 

The best thing about it is.. they host dog birthday parties!!

 and you can book yours through this link

 

 


 

Head Of Steam

We were very lucky to attend the launch party for this lovely new bar! What used to be the old Harvester has now transformed into a Head of Steam. We had a warm welcome into the bar and Hollie sniffed around and gave it the paw of approval.

The bar caters for all, family, sporting events, dinner with friends…even dinner with your dog!

Prices are very fair for food and drinks, and there is a long list of ales for you to choose from , as a tip keep checking their page for offers.

Its the perfect place to socialise a dog as there is enough happening around for them to get used to a busier environment, but also enough space that you have enough privacy.

 


 

We look forward to bringing you a part 2, if you are a Cardiff business and want to be featured please contact us.

If you have a dog that would like to stretch its legs and come along with us please get in touch we’d love to meet you !

dogswelcomewales@gmail.com

As always, if you visit any of these venues share your thoughts and images with us!

#dogswelcomewales

@dogswelcomewales

@dogswelcomewales

Oh ! What’s occurring Barry island ?!

Auttmn can be a such a great season for dogs and with the Welsh weather being so intermittent one would usually assume October is cold wet and rainy. However October can also be warm and sunny and with many places out of season, this can be the perfect recipe for a dog day out !

With a perfectly dry and sunny day forecast how could we not take Hollie our Westie to explore Barry Island, the seaside town famously brought back to life by Ruth Jones’ Gavin and Stacey. Barry is the nearest seaside town to Cardiff and probably the most accessible in terms of transport. The town has undergone a great regeneration which has been great for visitors and locals, and especially dogs!  With a beautifully spacious promenade, colourful beach huts (which you can rent) and an investment in more eateries.

Hollie and I have handpicked some of great dog friendly places to share with you!

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Whitmore & Jackson

Whitmore and Jackson is fully dog friendly, and we were greeted by a range of adorable dogs upon entering. What I think is great about whitmore & Jackson is its dual setting, one side accomodates dogs, the other is stricly reserved for us humans. Its nice knowing everyone around you has a dog and you wouldnt have to be too wary of disturbing others nearby, Despite the two areas nothing in terms of the menu is restricted.

There area nice range of souvenirs on sale, some for dogs too!

They have a fantastic range of food available, from hot and cold fresh dishes and have a license to serve alcohol, so of course we went back in the evening for a prosecco afternoon tea!

K9 Plus 1

The famous dog friendly cafe, effectively a doggie paradise, It is adorned with dog themed features comforts and a great selection of foods and drinks to keep the owners busy. K9 plus 1 has made sure your dog is the centre of attention by providing beds, towels, water and food stations, a selection of treats and even cater for a doggie celebration!

Cadwaladers

If theres one thing Hollie loves, its icecream and Cadwaladers have a nice spacious venue in Barry that welcome well behaved dogs. Cadwaladers is a local buisness which started out in Wales in 1927 selling handmade icecream locally. The buisness has now developed into the wider community selling their famous icecream, cakes, light lunches, teas and coffees.

A place famous for its icecream hasnt forgotten about our doggies, they are stockists of Frozzys, which Hollie generiously tucked away!

Barrybados

If your visitng Barry you have to pop into the Beach Hut gift shop. They stock the famous Barrybados themed gifts, among other tasteful soveniers, including some dog toys and amenities (don’t panic if you’ve forgotten anything, they have you covered!)

Giovanni’s On the Prom

If your walking along the promenade Giovanni’s also serve icecream for dogs by Marshfields, as well as ice-cream, drinks and snacks for us humans.

Gavin & Stacey

Ofcourse we couldn’t go to Barry without experiencing some Gavin & Stacey spots, here are some of hollies snaps!


Hollie thorougly enjoyed her walk along the promanade, grassy areas and ofcourse the beach. I have to mention Whitmore bay in Barry only allows dogs to roam from the start of October to the end February, March to September are off limits!

Here are some of the lovely spots she explored!

As always if you have visited any of the places mentioned we would love to see your photos.

tag us!

 ⌗dogswelcomewales

Pumpkin picking!

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 We took Hollie to Pencoed Fach organic farm to do some pumpkin picking as we heard they are very dog friendly.

Why head to the supermarket and take away all the fun surrounding choosing a pumpkin, Pencoed Fach’s organic farm offers a really nice experience for the whole family to simply choose your own.

They have thought about all the details that make it a really fun experience, from plenty of space to roam, some livestock to say hello to and even a neat little setup to take some selfies!

The pumpkin patch is open from the 15th of October right up to Halloween selling teeny pumkins from as little as £1 right up to giant ones at £10!

One of the owners of the farm is running the London marathon to raise money for Motor Neurone disease Association. There is a children’s toy lucky dip to help raise money for the cause so come armed with your 50p’s !


Pencoed Fach Organic farm – Bedwellty, NP12 0BQ, turn right at the pumpkin sign!

 There is plenty of parking onsite

Pencoed Fach Organic farm – Facebook

Check out some of our snaps from the day!

 

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We’d also like to share with you the delicious meal we made with one of our large pumpkins. ( they’re not just for decoration )

Recipe can be found here

We added some chillies to the purée to give it a little heat and complimented it with a loaf of corn bread.

Welcome Hollie!

 We want to introduce you to our furry pal Hollie!

 

The reason we started this brand is purely out of the frustration with the lack of social space available for our doggo. Wherever we decide to spend our free time we wanted Hollie to be there enjoying it too. We also did some research and even then we struggled to find any websites or blogs that had a clear focus. I’m sure many dog owners agree it’s a difficult to find a great selection of places that welcome dogs, so we thought what better time to share our own adventures with the dog community!

Hollie


Westie

23/11/12

Loves : Squirrels, toys, playing ball, beef, Cats, Coronation Street and the beach!

Dislikes : Postman, The rain, Fireworks

For anyone who already has a Westie knows of their cheeky side, they are bundles of personality with ounces of stubbornness.


 

Here are some of her finest moments!

 

If you want to keep up to date with her madness head over to her Instagram page

@hollie.paws.adventures

#Holliespawadventures

 

Dog and Pug fun shows @ Elvis weekend,Porthcawl

Why let all the humans have all the fun?! Get your dog into the heart of the action to kick off a really great weekend! Hope rescue are running a dog friendly ‘Hound Dog’ show for Elvis weekend. Alongside this we have Pugfest hosting ‘Pug Me Tender’, Great fun for great causes.  Even if you don’t have a dog please go down and show your support, theres a dog parade in it for you!

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Hound dog fun show – Hope Rescue

{All proceeds from the event go to the host Hope rescue}

They have many categories for you to get involved with from as little as £1

Best Elvis

Best Priscilla

Dog that looks like its owner

Pound dog (best rescue)

Waggiest Tail

Junior Handler (aged 16 or under)

…And of course best in show 2018!

Details

Saturday 29th September 2018 Outside on the sea front by the Grand Pavilion

10 am Registration opens

12:30pm Hound dog parade (all entries)

1pm judging starts in the show ring

2pm Best in show is presented

fundraising@hoperescue.org.uk

Here are some of the entries from last year, we hope to see some of your own images please feel free to share with us through out the day for a feature!


Pug Me Tender

Aimed to be a family fun evening, ALL members of the family! Pugfest are hosting three events this weekend!

Starting with a Pug me Tender evening at Costa coffee.

Tickets are £5 and all proceeds are going to ‘The French and Pug Dog Foundation’, your ticket includes access to all the below.

Drink and cake on arrival

Elvis themed raffle

Elvis tribute performances from Brian Troy & Rami Elvis

Children Elvis themed fancy dress

You aint nothing but a pug fancy dress

Lots of fun and giveaways are promised!

Details

Costa Coffee, 67 John Street, Porthcawl, CF36 3ay

Friday 28th September 2018 7pm-9pm

 

Saturday

Saturday 29th September 2018

Seaside cafe, John Street Porthcawl

12-4pm

“Blue Hawaii Party Day”

The “Dog friendly” Seaside Cafe is serving up an afternoon of puggy Elvis themed fun. Get into the Hawaiian beach theme with colourful shirts and floral lays.

Tickets are £5 and include the following

fancy dress competition.

Superb Elvis tribute acts performing

kids give aways.

Have a free coffee and cake on arrival

and treats for the dogs too.

Blue Hawaii fancy dress competition

We will then be joining all the fun on the seafront in front of the pavilion theatre and meeting up with all the Elvis’s for pictures and to soak up all the Elvis festival fun.

Sunday

Elvis & Pricilla Pug Parade”

Head down to the Pavillion on the beachfront for a free fun filled Elvis pug day!

The Current schedule is below.

12 Noon

Pugfest Elvis & Pricilla Parade arrives (from Lock’s Common)

With Valley Rock Choir performing on Pavilion Roof

12.30

Judging of Best Elvis and Priscilla Pugs

2.00

Priscilla Queen of the Promenade Contest

3.00

Maesteg Gleemen performing on Roof

4.00

Elvis Concert on Roof


Facebook page : @dogswelcomewales

Instagram : @dogswelcomewales

Twitter : @dogswelcomewales

Email : dogswelcomewales@gmail.com

Don’t forget to tag us to be featured on our social media!

images from hope rescue & pugfest

Elvis weekend paws edition

With Elvis weekend fast approaching we thought we would put together a list of spots Porthcawl has to offer for your fourleged friends!

Did you know 35,000 people visited the festival last year…that’s a big UH HUH!

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The Jennings building

This historic building had a make over a year ago and is now home to three eatterys with back to front views of the harbour. The jennings building Situated in the corner of two promenades with with plenty of walking space. It also boasts a scenic view of the coastline and the famous lighthouse and RNLI lifeboat station.

Jennings building, porthcawl CF36 3YR

Coffico

Allows dogs inside and out in all seasons, as long as they are well behaved ! They also provide water outside if your dog needs to refuel. Coffico porthcawl has a really cosy setting for the winter months and a great sun spot for the summer in and out with its decor and floor to ceiling window space, its the perfect relaxation spot not only for you but your dog.

Another reason we love coffico so much is the food and drinks on offer, the pastries available are all handmade locally and come in a variety of delicious flavours from ‘curry up’ to ‘smoky Joe’ and our dog definitely approved of the ‘Steak & Wales!’

The signature hot chocolates and coffees on offer are to die for even my non chocolate loving mother couldn’t resist drinking half of mine! With flavours like ‘After Eight’ and ‘Jaffa Cake Mocha’s’ to choose from

This will be a great spot for the whole of Elvis weekend, Kicking off With a prosecco evening from 4-5pm on the Friday with a bottle of prosecco £14.99, so why leave your dog at home when your having a catch up with the girls!

The harbour kitchen

Next door to the lifeboat station the harbour kitchen offers a dog friendly space outdoors. They aren’t willing to let you get chilly in the colder seasons with patio heaters and heavy duty umbrellas .The harbour kitchen offers contemporary food with locally sourced ingredient,a traditional Sunday lunch and a great selection of vegetarian and vegan meals. For the dogs they offer water bowls and a dog parking station on the terrace. Some of our personal favourites from the menu are ‘Herb crusted rack of lamb’ and the ‘ strawberry prosecco Sundae’ for afters!

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Double zero pizza

Not something porthcawl has a great deal of is handmade pizzas and these are all made to order, a great range of Classic flavours complemented by some of the more unknown, they also boast a multi course children menu.

Dogs are not allowed indoors but are welcome on the terrace and there is also dog parking bowls provided

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In the town ‘popin’s’

If your taking a wander through the town these are some local must see’s..they aren’t dog friendly but more to show some take away offers.

Jenkins – a local bakery suppling cakes and pastries, with seats outside if you ned that 5 minutes rest. all locally sourced and hand made foods.

Maple chocolatier – Has several shops in Porthcawl for a variety of home based needs but the chocolate shop towards the end of town is well worth a visit, all handmade and range from fruity to boozy flavoured pieces, and also the more creative sculptural chocolate sections to take home.

Sidolis – either for a quick sit down or order some ice-cream through the window hatch.

Home and colonials fine foods – all locally handmade pastries and cakes and fresh welsh cakes cooked daily, you have to have one fresh of the stove!

Esplanade

If you want to spend some time gazing out at sea and be in with the heart of the action many of the promenades eatery’s off spots for you and your dogs

The waterfront @ marine

Always packed wind rain and shine!

The waterfront is dog friendly on its outside terrace, which in my opinion is where you want to be, with its close proximity to the Grand pavilion hosting all the main Elvis events your guaranteed to spot a few side burns and silky suits.

They have a number of events over the weekend, and weather permitted ofcourse starting with some acts on Friday evening and Karaoke on the saturday. They serve up a range of food including a roast on the Sunday and plenty of drink offers!

Pietros

A childhood favourite of mine! Pietros offers homemade sandwiches, baguettes and pastries. You can even pop in for some icecream or stick around for a Sundae. They don’t allow dogs indoors but outdoors is really where you want to be, taking in the beautiful view and plenty of space for your fury pals to sprawl out on the terrace. Water is also provided.

The cosy corner

Offers a great flair to the Porthcawl seafront with its industrial vintage decor. The cosy corner is also dog friendly on the outside terrace and they have a supply of dog bowls. They appeal to those who want coffee in a relaxing setting, to small lunch complimented by bespoke cocktails. Its a prime viewing location with local produce on the menu, and famous Sunday roasts, sit back sip on their ‘cc belini’ and admire the Elvis flock and sea view this weekend!

Piccolo bar & Booths cafe

In the heart of Porthcawls esplanade sits Piccolo bar and a short walk from Booths cafe. The bikers rest family run cafe/bars are offering all the nesscesities for a sit down by the sea. In or outdoors offers a spectacular view of the coastline and some great bikes. Being very close to the Grand Paviliion your definately in the heart of the action here! dogs are welcome outside….

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The fairground eateries

Most places around the fairground in all fairness allow dogs to roam as it’s right next to the beach but we’ve still put together some places that dogs are welcome!…This is the place you want to be if you want to stroll along the beach and sample some fresh fish and a range of ice-cream flavours

The high tide

Full of life all year round with entertainment, a large space in and outdoors and a terrace overlooking the beach. The high tide does allow dogs in and outdoors aslong as the dogs are well behaved, on a lead around your table. For Elvis weekend they are only allowing dogs outdoors as this venue will be much busier than normal. Flocked with Elvis entertainment all weekend and a ticket run event in the evening see http://www.elvies.co.uk and bar food will still be served all weekend!

The amusements Nextdoor also allow well behaved dogs on a lead!

Mansels chippy

Before you head into the fair this little spot is a nice place to sit and indudge in good traditional chippy food! All outdoors and dogs are ofcourse welcome to sit and guard your food. For those fans of motorbikes this a prime parking spot for many.

The Royal Oak

Slightly furhter away from the fairground but providing some great Elvis action all weekend with live acts. Dogs are welcome in the bar and outside

Off the beaten track

Both bars adorn the small village of Nottage in Porthcawl, slightly out of the way in terms of the town center however this may be handy if your accomodation is nearby.  Both pubs circle a small grass area and park.

The jolly sailor inn

Allows dogs inside the bar area, not the restaurant and the outside perimeter. They serve up a range of tasty home made favourites and is a Brains pub.

The ancient Briton

Allows dogs inside the bar area and the outside perimeter. Again they serve up a great range of tasty home made favourites, a traditional Sunday menu and give off a really great local vibe.

Newton beach

Allows dogs all year around within walking distance and a lot quieter than the usual tourist spots. Its the perfect beach to let the dog roam around without the worry of bumping into children, deckchairs, tents and donkeys!

Rest bay

Malcolm’s surf cafe

I would love to say there’s a place available at rest bay that has the best view and a cosy fireplace and surfboard shaped tables. But sadly this year the 23 year old family run cafe has been demolished by Bridgend council to build a new leisure complex. We’ve kept in touch with Malcom and hope to let you know of his new place! we will also be kept into the loop as to whether the new space will remain dog friendly.

Takeaway?

If your all Elvis’d out and have a lovely accommodation to go home to and want to enjoy some food there, why not take some back with you ? Here are a range of places that offer food to take away and it travels well!

Porthcawl tandoori

If your ringing up to order be prepared to stand by the phone and hit call the minute it opens as this place gets really busy with orders, When you’ve had the food you’ll really understand why!. They do deliver and are very prompt but I would say if you can collect it yourself do so.

Details – 1 Eastern Promenade, Porthcawl, Cf36 5TS – 01656 788193

Beales fish and chips

Queues out the door for this one, cooked to order fish and chips and always the best produce.

Details – Nextdoor to the above !

Boathouse fish and chips

Along the front if you want to take a stroll or simply sit on a bench and indulge with your fury pal oggling at you head down to the boathouse for the best catch, again great cooked to order produce.

Details – 37 Esplanade, Porthcawl, CF36 3YR

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if youve visited any of the places listed please tell us your favourites and send us some photos of you and your fury pal having a great time !

We are on instagram so tag us to be featured in our story over the weekend!

#dogswelcomewales

@dogswelcome wales

New paws on the block!

🐾 Hi fellow dog owners 🐾

The idea of Dogs welcome Wales is to flaunt the hottest spots in wales for your fury pals. This is anything from pubs, coffee joints, dog events and accommodation.

Gone are the days of planning around your dog..sitting under shelters or in your car eating food eyeing up all the cosy folk indoors!

We asked the public some of your common worries when finding a place that states it’s dog friendly, and comprised this in to a friendly accessible amenities guide When contacting places.This by no way reflects the spaces quality but more of what they have to offer to suit your visit for us to flaunt!

The amenities guide

 🐾  Are dogs allowed indoors?

🐾  Are dogs allowed all year around?

🐾  Do you provide any amenities for dogs? (Water,biscuits, bedding etc)

🐾  Are there any restrictions? (Only small dogs allowed etc)

🐾  Are there any interesting features or events held? (Dog yoga, homemade treats, vegan human foods)

                        ———————-

All we then ask is for a full address

What category it fits into – pub, coffee and cake, restaurant or accommodation.

If there are any interesting sights and features around attractive to dog walkers, such as a nice park or a tourist attraction where the whole family can get involved

And ofcourse some snazzy imagery taken by myself !

-——————

We are also happy to take on any recommendations so please email us a photo of your visit with any social handle, and ofcourse the full address of the spot!

dogswelcomewales@gmail.com

@dogswelcomewales on Facebook

 @dogswecomewales on instagram

@dogswelcomewls on Twitter

🐶 stay pawsome 🐾

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