Guide Dogs Puppy Hour at Chef & Brewer dog-friendly pubs
Dogs – they enrich our lives in so many ways. They’re our loyal companions, our best buddies and beloved family members. But for people living with visual impairments, dogs offer an indispensable level of safety and independence.
Here at Chef & Brewer, we think service dogs are four-legged heroes. And ultimately, more trained service dogs means more support for people with visual impairments. That’s why, at our dog-friendly pubs, we’ve teamed up with Guide Dogs to help more people consider becoming ‘Puppy Raisers’.
What is a Puppy Raiser?
Good question, glad you asked. Every trainee guide dog requires a loving home and dedicated foster humans to help them graduate. Around 125 guide dog puppies are placed around the UK per
month, so volunteers are in high demand. Puppy Raisers generally look after a puppy for 12-16 months. During this time, they help guide them through their training and socialisation journey, while providing a safe, stable and loving home environment, giving them the best opportunity to thrive.
Becoming a Puppy Raiser is a tremendously rewarding experience. True, puppies aren’t always the easiest creatures; all those puppy pads are proof of that. But the sense of pride and achievement when your little buddy graduates to become a fully qualified guide dog is immeasurable.
It’s Puppy Hour!
Puppy Hour? Our favourite time of the day! Jokes aside, ‘Puppy Hour’ is the name of a new scheme launching from Guide Dogs to encourage more dog lovers to consider the Puppy Raiser lifestyle. Socialisation and distraction management are some of the most important aspects of guide dog training. This time of year is the perfect time for young trainee pups to be exposed to areas with plenty of people, dogs and other distractions – all things they’ll need to get used to and be comfortable with, because one day, they’ll need to go everywhere with their owner and help them in all manner of situations.
Puppy Hour sessions also help to highlight the wonderful sense of community that volunteering as a Puppy Raiser can bring. And where better to do than a warm and welcoming dog-friendly pub?
What's in it for you?
Aside from getting to spend some time with a bunch of adorable puppies? How about a free drink? Yep, everyone who attends a Chef & Brewer Puppy Hour gets a free hot drink – perfect for warming you up on these cold, dark days. However, if you get peckish, there’s a whole menu of delicious treats on offer, including winter warmers, seasonal specials and fabulous desserts. Plus, if you’re still thirsty after that free hot drink, you’ll be pleased to find a bar full of refreshing tipples, from quality wines and cask ales to low and no alcohol favourites.
And don’t worry; there’ll be treats behind the bar so you can bribe those puppies for a cuddle.
Our dog-friendly pubs taking part
Fancy getting involved? Choosing to become a Puppy Raiser is quite the responsibility, so pop along to your nearest participating Chef & Brewer pub and find out how to take that first step. Here’s a list of dog-friendly pubs who will be hosting a Puppy Hour.
A lively, country-style pub in the heart of Bowdon less than a mile from central Altrincham, offering delicious food, quality drinks and warm welcomes.
A charming Victorian country pub tucked away in the historic village of Winwick, not too far from the M6 and M62. The ideal setting for a Sunday roast.
With its traditional charm and vibrant atmosphere, the Roebuck sits surrounded by the beautiful Lancashire countryside, perfect for a post-walk pitstop.
If you’re after a rural retreat with cracking traditional pub grub, the Ferry Inn offers some peace and quiet away from Nottingham’s bustling city centre.
A stunning historic pub nestled just a mile away from Newstead Abbey, ancestral home of Lord Byron. Expect excellent food and a compelling atmosphere.
Perched on the edge of Nottingham in the village of Mapperley, the Travellers Rest boasts fantastic service and stunning view of the surrounding countryside.
A historic 18th century pub in the picturesque village of Beckwithshaw, enveloped the by the rugged natural beauty of North Yorkshire.
Situated 12 miles from central Sheffield, the Red Lion is a fabulous country-style pub with an on-site hotel featuring 30 cosy en-suite guestrooms.
A rural Northumberland gem with an impressive menu of hearty pub classics and seasonal specials. Perfect for date nights, mates’ nights and more.
Join us at a dog-friendly pub for a puppy event
So, if you’re lucky enough to find yourself near one of our pubs hosting a Puppy Hour session, come and join us! Have a chat with the volunteers, grab yourself a complimentary drink and meet some furry little pals. If you're visiting another time, simply pop in to a Chef & Brewer pub near you after your next countryside dog walk – everyone’s welcome, two legs or four.