KENT-BASED BREWER’S FIRST POP-UP DOG ‘PUB’ GETS A ROUND OF A-PAWS BY PUPS AT PAWS IN THE PARK

Independent family brewer, Shepherd Neame, got plenty of pooch approval at Kent’s annual Paws in the Park dog show at the weekend when it launched its first pop-up dog ‘pub’.

The ‘pub’, The Dog and Bear, was at both days of the popular event at the Kent Showground in Detling, near Maidstone.

For the first time, showgoers were able to get their paws on branded Shepherd Neame dog bandanas and ceramic dog bowls, which were launched at the show.

The bandanas, embroidered with the Faversham-based brewer’s logo, come in red, blue and green; in medium and large; and with a collar loop design or tie-back, to suit a variety of canine shapes and sizes. 

The brewer also showcased its first Dog Friendly Treats, made using spent grain from the brewing process and created in conjunction with the Tunbridge Wells Dog Biscuit Company. The biccies were on sale on the stall, with plenty of dogs lining up to try them before buying!

Another popular section of the stand saw owners taking selfies of their posing pooches, for the chance to win one of four £50 Shepherd Neame gift on social media and also on sale was Jude’s Ice Cream for Dogs, which is available at 15 of its pubs and hotels, with 5% of sales going to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Well-behaved dog owners were also allowed into the Dog and Bear to buy and take away some award-winning beers, Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager and Whitstable Bay Pale Ale. And for all those who purchased something on the stall, there were free Bear Island sunglasses and a tote bag to take away.

Joanna Richardson, Shepherd Neame’s Director of Marketing & Communications said: “What a weekend this was, with the launch of our pop-up ‘pub’. The event was a fabulous opportunity for us to showcase a variety of new dog-related merchandise, but also to meet many, many dog owners - and their dogs, of course – some of whom were new to us, while others were already Shepherd Neame customers.

“Shepherd Neame prides itself on being dog-friendly, with the majority of our 300-strong estate across Kent, London and the South East welcoming well-behaved pets, so we hope many more people will be visiting our sites with their four-legged friends in future. Some may even be sporting one of our bandanas!”

Shepherd Neame is also set to hold a sponsored dog walk with its Charity of the Year, Kent Wildlife Trust, in October. Walkers will be able to raise funds for the charity and enjoy some of Kent’s most beautiful scenery, while also learning about how dog walkers can help the environment. More details of the sponsored dog walk will be available soon.

The brewer’s dog bandanas and bowls will be available to buy online soon. You can also find out more about Shepherd Neame’s dog-friendly approach at: https://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/dogfriendly