Coffee, cake and the company of canines. What could be better than a dog friendly café?
There are about 600,000 dogs in Wales, so it seems like good business sense to allow customers to bring their four-legged friends inside coffees shops.
But which ones have stood out as being some of the best? We've made a list of some amazing spots people have been raving about that you and your pooch can grab a cuppa (or two). If you think your business should be included, email us at: bethany.gavaghan@reachplc.com.
Read more: Most dog friendly companies to work for in the UK revealed
Dinas Castle Inn, Talgarth
This pub, guest house, bunkhouse and campsite in a stunning location, close to Hay on Wye, Crickhowell and Brecon in the heart of the Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacons- a dreamy location to spend some time in with a four-legged friend or two while grabbing a meal. The business is currently having major renovation into the spring where the B&B rooms and bunkhouse will be improved, allowing customers with dogs to stay over if they wish.
Julie, from the pub said: "We are dog lovers and owners ourselves and we feel that yes it is business-savvy to cater for the section of the population that we feel is not being covered sufficiently but we love to see the animals and owners enjoying themselves together. In the current climate of UK holidays needing to cater for the public more due to financial challenges people are facing and the shadow of Covid it is also important to keep in mind the importance of pets and mental wellbeing."
Fido, Cardiff
A well-loved Cardiff café closed for good in September 2022 with plans for a dog-friendly spot to take its place. Kemi's in Pontcanna was a popular venue, and despite moving locations a few times, had been around in the capital for more than 20 years. Jon and Vicky Griffin took over in October continuing with the same favourites from the menu, keeping the same team of staff including chef Ollie and manager Jen - but the café had a new twist.
The rebrand also saw dog treats added to the menu and dog accessories put on sale, making it even more pooch friendly.
Vicky, from Fido Coffee said: "We opened Fido in October and the response from our customers- including the four-legged variety- has gone beyond our expectations. We spotted a gap in the market as we were having trouble finding a dog-friendly café that valued its dogs as much as its humans and also served great food and coffee. As a dog-focused café we positively encourage dogs, rather than just tolerate them.
"We have a dog menu which includes homemade dog biscuits and puppuccinos, and we also offer a wide range of treats, toys and accessories. Customers without dog are welcome too, of course, for our homemade breakfasts, salads and cakes."
Fido Coffee is on Pontcanna’s Kings Road and is open every day, except Tuesday.
The Black Lion, Abergorlech
This charming pub is nestled in a small and picturesque village, on the bank of the River Cothi situated between Llandeilo and Carmarthen. And they are extra keen to welcome four-legged friends of all kinds onto their site.
George, from the pub said: "We welcome dogs and the occasional horse. We just ask you to keep the dogs on a lead please."
Enjoy the stunning Gorlech River forest trails, either on the short or long designated walks or on the wonderful mountain bike paths, and then go to The Black Lion for some warmth by the fire in the winter or to unwind in the Beer Garden by the River and take in the scenery.
K9 Plus 1, Barry Island
This quirky café is every dog-lover's dream. They believe they are the first and only canine-themed coffee shop in the area, and pride themselves on serving treats for dogs and owners to enjoy, providing seating and snacks for pets instead of making them stay outside.
The business has clearly made an impression on the community, with a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor. A spokesperson for K9 Plus 1 said on the site: "Dogs are not obligatory however they will be well looked after with their own personal bed, feeding station and freshly made doggy treats.
"We are well placed to serve all customers who want to relax in a warm and homely atmosphere and enjoy a range of freshly brewed coffee, homemade cakes of the day, all day breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. We look forward to welcoming you soon."
Gathering Ground, Cardiff
An independent family and dog friendly licenced coffee house chain - this business has venues in Roath Park, Whitchurch and Victoria Park- and seems to have something for everyone. One person who paid a visit wrote on TripAdvisor: "Banging food I must be honest- the CHEESE, THE CHEESE, it’s so mwa.
"I loved the food and I think my dog liked the egg too- highly recommend." Replying to the enthusiastic customer on the review site, the manager, Terry replied: "Maybe we can get you and your dog to do a CHEESE for the camera next time you're in."
Terry, from Gathering Ground told WalesOnline: "We are very much dog friendly at all our venues in Cardiff. We've also just launched a luxury holiday apartment at our Canton venue, which is also dog friendly and accommodates up to six people. Ideal for visiting families and friends or a base for a city break with our lovely café below."
L’s Coffee and Books, Conwy
Anyone who loves to treat their pet to a pamper will be pleased to know their furry friends will be be truly looked after at L's Coffee and Books. The shop is located halfway up the left hand side of the high street in Conwy and sells all things from books, to savoury food, coffees and tasty treats.
A spokesperson for the business said on their website: "Children and dogs are always welcome here and with free doggie treats and plenty of water- we'll look after your four legged friend just as well as we would look after you." And it seems they are living up to fulfil that promise.
One person left a review on Tripadvisor enthusing about the service, writing: "Delicious lunch and so lovely for my dog to be able to join us. Great service and an ample serving of scampi and chips with huge salad garnish."
The Sun Trevor, Llangollen
This atmospheric pub is so dog friendly it was even shortlisted for a 'Rover Dog Friendly Pub Award.' On the page which allowed people to vote, it said: "Really dog friendly, treats on the bar, water bowls dotted around, and the locals dogs have their own dog beds which are available to non locals too with great walks all around, plenty of parking and a roaring fire in the winter, and beer garden in summer! Food served daily from 12pm – 9pm with bar and restaurant area to enjoy your food with your dogs all year round."
The Bear, Crickhowell
The Bear in Crickhowell is family-run, and is still going strong after being established hundreds of years ago. They are extremely dog friendly with dogs getting to stay for free.
Every new arrival is given a bowl of chicken, and dogs are allowed everywhere apart from the restaurant. But if guests are staying over, people can eat with their dog in the bars and they even lay dog breakfast tables in the bar as well.
Lynda Howell from the pub said: "Dogs and Inns have had a symbiotic relationship at The Bear since 1432. Dogs are a great part of our countryside and the National Park and we welcome them into the Bear with well behaved owners."
The King's Head, Llandudno
Renowned for being the oldest pub in Llandudno, The King's Head welcomes dogs, both inside and outdoors of this 300-year-old inn. It is located near the famous tram track and also serves food in a setting with a open wood burning fire to keep people and pets toasty during the winter months.
Steve, from the pub said: "Indeed we do allow dogs in, with them being Britain's most popular pet. It's important to our business to let them bring their owners in for a bite to eat or drink whilst they are relaxing by the open fire."
Scruffy Pups, Cardiff
This hidden gem which sits in Llanrumney has a whole menu for dogs, as well as being a dog groomer's- including puppacino's and doggy doughnuts. One person left a review on Facebook in March 2022 and was full of glee after their visit to the business.
The excited customer said: "I cannot recommend a visit to this place enough... such a lovely little café for you and your pooches! The food for both pups and us was incredible- the cutest outdoor secure play area which was completely free and the lovely and friendly staff!
"They also do dog grooming and have it all on site and what better way to support a small business and give your dog a pamper!"
Coed-y-Mwstwr, Bridgend
This Victorian mansion is an ideal choice for both people and pets, it seems. Not only is the location a dreamy place to be able to walk your pooch around and take in some glorious views outside, but you can also dine with your dog in the lounge and bar areas.
The restaurant even offers a 'doggy afternoon tea'- adorable. Here, your four-legged friends could enjoy some bacon, a peanut butter bone biscuit, chicken and beef meatloaf, yoghurt paw pops and a bottle of 'pawsecco' to wash it down.
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