A popular photo exhibit, which has become a shrine for local dog owners, is set to remain at a Coventry café after an unprecedented increase in four-legged footfall.
Dog owners have been straining their leads since the turn of the year to get their pooches featured on the ‘Doggy Wall of Fame’ at The Park Bistro in War Memorial Park – and the attraction is set to continue indefinitely due to its popularity with the public.
More than 50 polaroid images of canine visitors now make up the installation at the venue, which is operated by No Ordinary Hospitality Management (NOHM).
The Park Bistro underwent a £300,000 refurbishment last year and offers a range of refreshments from afternoon tea – inspired by fellow NOHM venue Coombe Abbey Hotel – as well as vegan sausage rolls, brunch and weekly homemade specials.
The initiative was first rolled out as part of Walk Your Dog Month which ran throughout January, with outdoor seating at the café often populated exclusively by dog owners.
Ryan Hobday, Manager at The Park Bistro, said: “We trialled our Doggy Wall of Fame during January as a bit of fun for our customers, but we’ve had such great feedback from visitors and it’s become so popular that we’ve decided to make it a permanent feature of the café.
“Many of our customers are regulars, so having their pets featured on the wall really adds to the sense of community we’ve created at The Park Bistro since our refurb last year. They are literally part of the furniture.
“It’s also a nice way for our staff to connect with customers and for guests to get to know each other and socialise via their dogs. We keep the dining area inside pet-free, but the outdoors area is always buzzing with visitors and their pets, and we hope that continues – as we also sell doggy sausages and ice cream!”
For more information visit www.warmemorialparkbistro.co.uk
Pictured: Phil Jeffery and his dog, Mia, with Jan Wastell, of The Park Bistro