A BOUTIQUE hotel is a finalist in this year's Great British Pub Awards.
The Greenhead Hotel is in the running to be crowned the Best Pub for Dogs in what is known as the Oscars of the pub industry.
The Greenhead, which is one of six finalists from across the UK, has seven dog-friendly bedrooms and a dog-friendly bar area. The hotel's restaurant does not take dogs.
"People really like what we've got on offer and how we make dogs feel so welcome", said proprietor Jordan Dodwell, who also has Italian restaurant Vercelli's on Hexham's Priestpopple and Hexham Holiday Homes. "People always says we're inclusive with dogs, rather than just allowing it. We invite them in."
Jordan, of Hexhamshire, and partner Anna Pearson took over and refurbished the Greenhead in August 2020. The hotel, which has an adjoining 45-bed hostel, did not previously allow dogs.
Jordan, who has a dog himself, added: "Dogs get a welcome pack on arrival with a treat, a ball and poo bags.
"We've also got a dog wash area; it's got hot and cold water and dog towels to dry off.
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"We've got treats free of charge on the bar, water is everywhere and we've just recently got in a doggie ice cream.
"We also give the dogs a sausage at breakfast free of charge.
"Everyone, so far, that works for us is a big dog lover so you can guarantee if you bring a dog in, the staff are going to make a fuss.
"It's a really nice atmosphere. It works well, it's nice having all the dogs around.
"I really like our dog offering and it'll be nice to get some recognition for that."
The hotel is on the doorstep of the Pennine Way and Hadrian's Wall and attracts a lot of holiday makers and walkers - though Jordan believes there to be limited dog-friendly rooms nearby or those that are suitable, tend to be more basic.
"It just made sense to us to allow it", he added. "In nearly two years, there's no dog done anything. You can barely tell there's dogs even been in."
The Great British Pub Festival and Awards will be held in Manchester on October 4.
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