Pet food maker Forthglade has launched a search for the West Country’s most dog-friendly pub.
The Devon-based company is running the ‘South West England’s Most Dog Friendly Pub of the Year Awards 2019/20’ in association with the South West Tourism Awards.
The aim of the awards – running throughout the summer – is to shine the spotlight on pubs that throw their doors wide open to our four-legged friends, and to encourage even more pubs to embrace a first-class dog friendly policy.
Gerard Lovell, joint MD of Forthglade and owner of Labrador Bo, said: “There’s nothing better than going for a long walk with your dog and then finding a cosy pub for a bite to eat. The South West is renowned for being a phenomenal hotspot for food and drink, not only for those of us lucky enough to live here, but for the millions of visitors to the region – a staggering proportion of whom bring their canine companions along with them.”
The South West’s Dog Friendly Pub of the Year Awards will run individually across four regions: Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, plus Bristol, Bath and Somerset. The winners from each of the four counties will then go head-to-head to compete for the overall title.
VOTES
Pubs will be voted for by the general public, with a simple voting form found at www.forthglade.com/vote
Votes close on August 18. The three pubs with the highest number of public votes will receive mystery shopper visits via the South West Tourism Awards, to decide who will receive the gold, silver or bronze award at the event final. Regional finalists will be announced between September and November, with the overall winning South West pub announced next February.
Pubs in the region are being encouraged to seek votes from their dog-owning customers, with the help of a Dog Friendly Awards promotional pack, which includes posters, beermats and promotional cards to share with customers. There will also be a social media campaign running across the summer to support the awards.
Members of the public who cast a vote will automatically be entered into a draw to win a prize package worth £1,000, including a three-night break in Cornwall (dog friendly, of course) and more than £250 worth of Forthglade natural pet food.
Robin Barker, organiser of the Tourism Awards and owner of Sprollies Jessie and Millie, said: “We’re really excited to be launching this new award alongside Forthglade, recognising the region’s pubs that work so hard to make us and our four-legged friends feel so welcome, especially as, for so many, our dogs really are part of the family.
“Little things – like providing fresh drinking water and obvious signage – are great ways to let customers with dogs know they’re welcome, while going the extra mile might include healthy dog treats, dedicated dog-friendly areas, or even providing a wholesome meal for the family dog.”
