For many of us, dogs are the most important part of the family – and perhaps the most spoiled members of the household.
This means we often want to involve them in our day-to-day activities, and for some, this includes a walk to the local coffee shop.
However, finding dog-friendly spots can be tricky – but not in one Suffolk town.
Bury has been running a dog-friendly scheme to help residents and customers recognise dog-friendly businsses. Picture: Phil Morley
In November, Bury St Edmunds was crowned the UK’s most dog-friendly town, and it also runs a scheme to help visitors and residents easily find pooch-welcoming businesses.
With many businesses participating, which Bury café is the go-to spot for dog owners?
We asked our readers and here are the top five:
Midgar
Midgar, in St John’s Street. Picture: Martyna Wiecha
There were no winners, but there was a clear favourite: Midgar.
Since opening in 2021, the town centre café has been offering its four-legged guests probably one the most popular dog treats – puppuccinos (whipped cream served in a cup).
The café offers a selection of drinks including tea, coffee, milkshakes and smoothies, alongside sourdough toasties and cakes.
Midgar. Picture: The Suffolk Terra & Co
To coincide with Bury being crowned as the most dog-friendly town last month, Midgar expanded its menu to include something for its furry guests.
The dog menu features a range of pup-safe treats such as meat grills, cookies and beef and chicken smoothies.
Bay Tree Café
Bay Tree Café, in St John’s Street. Picture: Mecha Morton
Just two doors down from Midgar was another favourite – the Bay Tree Café.
This independent business offers a selection of sandwiches, soups and pasta bowls among other dishes as well as drinks and cakes.
The café has been an integral part of St John’s Street for more than 20 years, with plenty of room for dogs and their human companions across its ground and first floors.
Ernie with his puppuccino at Bay Tree Cafe. Picture: Submitted
Owned by Alex and Lisa Rotherham, the café was awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2024, with some customers praising it as an ‘excellent’ dog-friendly café.
It’s a great stop for breakfast, light lunches and small bites, with complimentary puppuccinos available for well-behaved dogs.
No 5 Angel Hill
No 5 Angel Hill. Picture: Ross Waldron
Open seven days a week, No 5 Angel Hill is located in the heart of Bury St Edmunds.
This wine and coffee house is a perfect stop for cosy food and drink with your furry friend after a stroll in the Abbey Gardens.
It’s also an excellent spot for breakfast and lunch, with popular menu items including homemade scones with clotted cream, scotch eggs and sausage rolls.
The staff are welcoming to canines and the café even offers dog treats.
One customer said on Tripadvisor: “Staff are pet-friendly and accommodating. I ordered my dog a couple of rashers of bacon and they even brought a dog blanket for her.”
Folk
Folk, in Fornham St Martin, near Bury St Edmunds. Picture: Mecha Morton
Located just outside Bury St Edmunds, the café describes itself as a ‘destination to recharge and refuel’.
This British café offers a warm and inviting space with a simple menu featuring speciality coffee and artisan bread from local supplier Woosters.
It recently trebled in size following an extension and now boasts even more space, both indoors and outdoors – including plenty of room for well-behaved dogs.
Tripadvisor reviews have praised the café for being dog-friendly and for providing water and treats for their furry friends.
Wrights
Adam Wright, owner of Wrights on Cornhill, Bury St Edmunds. Picture: Mecha Morton
Another favourite town centre location was Wrights.
Launched by Adam Wright in 2018, it is known for its ‘Posh Cheese Toasties’ – including options such as salt beef Reuben and Bloody Mary-infused short beef rib – as well as freshly made salads and juices.
The café has since expanded with locations in Norwich and Helmingham Hall, near Stowmarket.
Although there are no puppuccinos on the menu, dogs are welcome.
Bury St Edmunds was named as the most dog-friendly town in the UK. Picture: Phil Morley
Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides also launched a dog-friendly tour of Bury St Edmunds in September.
Dog lovers were given a chance to discover 1,000 years of the town’s history along with their furry friends.
The next tour will be on February 9. Click here to reserve your place and to find out more about ticket prices.