Dog-friendly - Word has been spreading

Woodhall Spa and Horncastle are the hub of the Rosie Awards for dog-friendliness, earning a two-page description in a national dog-friendly directory, Phileas Dog’s Guide, by Jane Common.

Started by myself and Jonathan Perks over a decade ago, the awards have spread into Norfolk, Suffolk, Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cumbria, but central Lincolnshire has the most.

In Horncastle, the first award was given to the cosy and superbly situated Bridge Café.

Subsequent winners were the Old Stables off the square, the historic Bull Hotel and Captain and Cook, the café and deli just off Church Lane.

The most recent recipients were Jof’s Coffee Shop in North Street, and the atmospheric King’s Head.

An award was also 
requested and given to the Horncastle Antiques Centre in Bridge Street a few years ago.

In Woodhall Spa, your dog can enjoy visiting the Mall Tavern, Kitchenetta, Archie’s Coffee Shop, Petwood Hotel, the Cottage Museum and, in the heart of the town, the Teahouse in the Woods.

Several earlier winners have had to withdraw their kindness because of problems caused by dog owners.

Not all recipients display the award, but many people have been spreading the word for some time.

The effect has been to increase trade, badly needed in Horncastle given its parking charge problems.

Edward Mayor

Horncastle