A North-East pub is offering dogs their own menu. Julia Breen and her dog Bramble find out more.

JAMES Davies, the new landlord of the refurbished Parkwood Hotel, isn’t happy.

“We’ve spent hundreds of thousands of pounds refurbishing this place, and we have a gorgeous new menu,” he says.

“But all people ask about when they ring up is the dog menu.”

The Parkwood, just half-a-mile away from Ropner Park in Stockton, has long been a favourite of dog owners who like taking their four-legged friends with them for a pint after a stroll nearby.

But this is the first time the Parkwood has decided to offer dogs their own menu – and even a bottle of beer.

It’s not alcoholic, of course. In fact, I can testify that it’s absolutely disgusting, having taken rather too large a swig.

It smells like Pedigree Chum and tastes like watered down gravy, but with a dog-food tang.

But after a few doggy crisps – which were actually OK – a bit like Hula Hoops – my dog Bramble is thirsty, and he laps up the “beer”.

It gives a whole new meaning to hair of the dog. I’m not sure the beefy taste of dog beer would do much for a hangover though.

The Parkwood, on Darlington Road, Hartburn, reopens its doors to the public on Friday after a six-week closure while the pub, restaurant and rooms underwent a £400,000 revamp.

For humans, there are five cask ales and a wine list, as well as a new menu, children’s menu and now – in cahoots with dog boutique Wags and Whiskers, based in Stockton – a dog menu featuring special canine crisps, tasty doggy snacks and even beef and garlic dog sausages.

As soon as he spies the string of sausages, Bramble climbs over his beer and crisps and makes a beeline for them. If you don’t mind the garlicky after-aroma, they’re great.

Canines from around the area will be able to sample the new menu on Sunday when the hotel holds a doggy fun day, including pet photoshoots, a dog buffet and tasting the infamous beer.

Mr Davies says: “People want to take their dogs with them when they go out more, and they used to ask for an extra sausage or something for them. We welcome dogs in the bar area and I think it’s great they can eat with us too.”

Carl Shepherdson, from Wags & Whiskers, which supplies the dog menu, has been campaigning for more dog-friendly places in Stockton.

“I take my dogs everywhere with me and I think a lot of dog owners are the same. It’s great they can come here and know they are catered for,” he says.

“More places are allowing dogs – Caffe Nero is pet-friendly now – so the idea is catching on. Parkwood has gone the extra step with its menu.”

Bramble and I will be back – but I’ll leave the dog beer to him next time. I don’t want to feel too ruff in the morning.