With summer almost here and the days staying lighter long it’s now the perfect time to explore the countryside with your dog. Finding new walks is a favourite pastime of ours, the Somerset and Wiltshire countryside is full of hidden gems with most walks starting or ending at fabulous dog friendly pubs and tea rooms.

We were honoured to be approached by Sarah – owner and baking goddess at the No 10 Tea Rooms in Avoncliffe near Bradford Upon Avon. So groomed and tidy wearing their gorgeous Hettie Company bandanas we set off.

 

Nestled at the bottom of a steep hill overlooking the Kennet and Avon Canal, No 10 is a dog walkers haven! Several walks can start and end here and the tea rooms would make a perfect pit stop part way through an amble through the Wiltshire countryside. To be honest, I can come up with plenty of reasons and excuses to stop here!

When we arrived at No10 we were warmly greeted by Sarah and shown through to the beautifully presented garden. Borders of daffodils and tulips surround a large lawned area leading onto a gravelled section with picnic benches overlooking the aqueduct and canal below. Sarah had thoughtfully already got the girls a fresh bowl of water and a little blanket to lie on and asked us what we’d like to order. So much choice!

No 10 has two very key factors. The first is everything is homemade by Sarah and her team. None of the scrumptious cakes or snacks are made offsite and bought in to sell. EVERYTHING is made in the little kitchen area which is easily seen inside. Even the dog treats are homemade by Sarah (more about these later!) The second impressive string to the bow are the food miles. All the ingredients are sourced as locally as possible – this even includes the tea & coffee! The tea has the longest journey coming from the UK’s first tea plantation – Tregothnan in Cornwall.

I selected a mouthwatering slice of coffee and walnut cake – this is actually phenomenal and the best C&W cake I’ve had! Teamed with a large cup of coffee it was a perfect way to relax on a sunny afternoon. The coffee was as amazing as the cake, a smooth roasted blend from local micro coffee roasters Dusty Ape based near Bath. The coffee is even in the cake and very appealing to little noses!

The special part of our visit was not just the fact the dogs were welcome – they also have their own little menu to choose from!

No 10 prepare the sweetest little puppachinos! Dogs have their own mugs with little paw prints on with a warm frothy goats milk beverage – a complimentary biscuit is given to all four legged visitors and there is the option to buy a delicious homemade peanut butter and coconut ball for your pooch! The peanut butter is specially made by Neoh and Nobo a small batch, organic dog treat company in Birmingham.

We had a lovely time at No 10, fantastic setting, wonderful food and perfect hosts. The girls thoroughly enjoyed their drinks and snacks and we can’t wait to return!

We highly recommend a visit here and to sample as much as your tummy will allow! Click here to visit the website for No 10

Special thanks to Judith White for taking more beautiful photos for us!