This month we’ve gathered up our four-legged friends, piled into the appetite Volvo and headed off to some of our favourite dog-friendly spots. Here’s more…
The Old Storehouse, Chosen by: Blue, from Hexham
There’s only one thing I like better than a big walk on the beach at Amble, and that’s stopping off at The Old Storehouse afterwards. My human tells me that the menu here features salmon smoked from Seahouses, Northumberland cheeses, and the best of the North Sea, not that she ever saves any for me, the rotter…
The Old Storehouse, Links Road, Amble, NE65 0SD
tel 01665 710 500, www.theoldstorehouseamble.co.uk
Café Des Amis, Chosen by: Nellie, from Gosforth
I do like a leisurely stroll around Morpeth with all its fab foodie places and little shops where the human likes to browse, followed by a nice rest in a quiet corner at Café Des Amis. The conservatory and heated coffee garden are the perfect spots for a dog to doze while the humans enjoy tea and cake. Sometimes they even drop the odd crumb for me!
Café Des Amis, Newgate Street, Morpeth, NE61 1BQ
tel 07585 614 156, www.facebook.com/Café-Des-Amis
The Barn at Beal, Chosen by: Misty, from Ponteland
My human first discovered the coffee shop at The Barn at Beal when he was on one of his cycling adventures. He was supposed to be going all the way to Edinburgh, but he liked the homemade cakes, scones and traybakes so much, he cancelled the rest of the ride and spent the rest of the day here instead. There’s also an excellent restaurant for the humans, with everything from burgers to the best North Sea fish on the menu.
The Barn at Beal, Beal Farm, Berwick, TD15 2PB
tel 01289 540 044, www.barnatbeal.com
The Meadows Coffee Shop
Chosen by: Charlie and Doris, from Haydon Bridge
We may be small, but we like a big walk at Rainton Meadows nature reserve with its woodland, lakes and wetlands teaming with wildlife. Then we get to go to The Meadows Coffee Shop for lovely homemade food, from soup and sandwiches to paninis and light bites – just the thing for two hungry dogs!
The Meadows Coffee Shop, Rainton Meadows, Houghton-le-Spring, DH4 6PU
tel 0191 584 3112, www.durhamwt.com/visitors-centres/rainton-meadows
Blenkinsopp Castle Inn & Tea Room,
Chosen by: Meg, from Barnard Castle
We love a walk along the Roman wall followed by a trip to the tea room at the Blenkinsopp Castle Inn in Brampton. There’s always a big selection of homemade treats, from cakes and scones to lunch specials, main meals from the bar menu, and a fab Sunday lunch, and wherever possible the produce is sourced locally, which makes it extra special.
Blenkinsopp Castle Inn & Tea Room, Castle Home Park, Brampton, CA8 7JS
tel 016977 47757, www.blenkinsoppcastleinn.co.uk
Tomlinson’s Cafe & Bunkhouse, Chosen by:Tess, from South Shields
Tomlinson’s Café & Bunkhouse in Rothbury is popular with cyclists, walkers, climbers, and of course us pooches, and overlooks the River Coquet. It’s a perfect place to relax after a long walk, and the café serves hearty breakfasts, lunches and light snacks from the best local and seasonal produce. Heaven for a hungry dog!
Tomlinson’s Cafe & Bunkhouse, Bridge Street, Rothbury, NE65 7SF
tel 01669 621 979, www.tomlinsonsrothbury.co.uk
The Staiths Café, Chosen by: Alfie, from Whitley Bay
We love a wander along the river by the Dunston Staiths before piling into The Staiths Café for coffee, cake and a snooze under the table. The menu here is full of fresh café food, plus there’s a shop and events including live music, which I’ve been known to howl along to. Happy days!
The Staiths Café, Autumn Drive, Staiths Southbank Gateshead, NE8 2BZ, tel 07733 335 313 www.thestaithscafe.co.uk
