THE DOG ADVISOR KENT BLOGS

THE DOG ADVISOR KENT BLOGS

Canterbury Tails February 2024

Our Canterbury Tail had me and Toby tagging along with a shopping human in the spirit of research. How does Canterbury fare in the dog-friendly rating? Here's what we found out!

The start of our tail

We started at St Radigund's Car Park (not cheap!), chosen as it's right next to the Great Stour river and makes a lovely walk into town along the river.

Love a little river walk with a bridge! Beware the swan though!

A short off-lead pit stop in Abbots Mill Garden to wear out Mr Toby before shopping and cafe training!

Dog-friendly Lost Sheep Coffee & Kitchen

I had my eye on Lost Sheep Coffee next to the Cathedral Gate which professed to be dog-friendly and it truly was and did a great brunch. Toby enjoyed an oat milk puppacino brought to him in a dog bowl along with a big bowl of drinking water so he was well catered for and the human brunch was delicious, french toast, maple syrup and bacon if you're interested! The staff were very welcoming and gave Toby lots of attention so Lost Sheep Coffee and Kitchen will get multiple Dog Advisor paws when we start our rating system!

Toby loved his oat milk puppacino!

Canterbury Cathedral Grounds

Our other human went off to do shopping while Toby and I explored (explawed does that work?!). It transpired that Canterbury Cathedral Precinct (the grounds) are free to enter until 10th March 2024. It made for a nice dog walk and lots of human interest so well worth trying to go before 10th March if you get the chance.

The Fig and The Thomas Becket

We spotted The Fig Restaurant on Orange Street in town was dog-friendly but didn't go in so might be worth a try! Had it been later we'd have tried The Thomas Becket pub on Best Lane, very dog friendly, doggy photo board and everything, they even have an Instagram account for the dogs @4pawsofthebecket

Why not give 4pawsofthebecket a follow if you're on Instagram and pop in and try the Dog Menu if you get the chance!

Dog-friendly Shopping

Now onto shopping! Shops either only allow assistance dogs, don't mention dogs at all or very occasionally say they welcome dogs! We saw a dog going into Fenwicks and went in and asked and they do allows dogs so that's a good one to remember otherwise you're quite limited! It's Fenwicks or Flying Tiger who had a dogs on lead welcome sign so well done to the Fs!

Well done to Fenwicks for allowing dogs into the shop!

Dog-friendly Real Eating Company

Another cafe that definitely welcomes dogs is Real Eating Company on Whitefriars so we popped in and got a takeaway coffee and Toby was made very welcome, treats and drinking bowl so a happy dog. Also on Whitefriars a couple of cafes with outdoor space and verandahs so those are an option. We would have liked to try Cafe St Pierre at the end near Westgate Towers but ran out of time. Cafe St Pierre welcomes dogs and also has a little garden at the back.

Try the Real Eating Company if you are in Canterbury

All in all, I'd go back to Canterbury with the dog for a mooch, if not for a serious shop, it gets a Dog Advisor thumbs up from us!

Anna's Animal Physiotherapy

Based in Ottinge, Canterbury, and new to the Doggy Directory is Anna's Animal Physiotherapy. Animal/Veterinary Physiotherapy is a complementary therapy carried out with Veterinary consent. The main aim is to restore mobility, function and quality of life to patients by stimulating the body's natural healing process so why not get in touch with Anna to see if she can help your pet!

Anna pictured with her two gorgeous dogs who inspired her to train to be an animal physiotherapist!

Are you a dog-friendly business in Canterbury?

If you're a dog-friendly business in Canterbury and we've not found you yet why not sign up to our Doggy Directory or get in touch by Whatsapp to introduce yourselves and we'll see if we can include you in our next episode of Canterbury Tails!