How Costa Coffee’s Announcement Reflects a Growing Trend in the UK
*And How They’re Totally Copying Us 😉
As a dog café owner, I’ve always loved seeing wagging tails and happy paws in our space. Over the past few years, it’s been incredible to witness the surge in dog-friendly spots popping up across the UK. From small independent establishments like ours to, well… Costa Coffee (who have clearly been taking notes).
So, why the rise in dog-friendly spaces? Let’s dive into it—but not before reminding Costa you that we did it first!
Dogs as Part of the Family
For many of us, dogs aren’t just pets—they’re family. Gone are the days when taking the dog for a walk meant leaving them tied up outside while you grabbed a coffee or ran errands. These days, more and more of us want to take our pups wherever we go. Dogs offer companionship, comfort, and a little bit of chaos, making even the most mundane outings feel a bit more special.
As a dog café owner, I’ve seen firsthand how much people love having a place where they can relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, and share that experience with their dog by their side. It’s not just about the coffee anymore—it’s about creating a space where people and pets can bond.
The Costa Coffee Effect
Costa’s decision to make all their UK branches dog-friendly is significant because as one of the largest coffee chains in the country, their announcement signals a shift in how big brands view their customers and their pets.
It’s no longer just the independent cafés and smaller establishments leading the charge—corporations are catching on to the value of being dog-inclusive.
Catering to the Modern Dog Owner
This trend isn’t just about a love of dogs—it’s about adapting to the modern customer. As our lives become more integrated with our pets, businesses are following suit. Whether it's providing dog-friendly seating areas, water bowls, or even pup-centric menu items, creating a welcoming space for dogs isn’t as complicated as it sounds.
At Charlie + Co, we’ve obviously taken ‘dog-friendly’ to the extreme but for establishments that are considering how to become more dog-friendly, the small touches like offering treats and bowls of water make a huge difference in how customers feel about your space.
The Controversy: Dog Lovers vs. Dog Haters
Of course, it wouldn’t be the internet if going dog-friendly didn’t stir up some controversy. Yes, you’ll reel in the dog lovers, but it also brings out the dog haters in full force.
I recently saw a Facebook comment on the Costa announcement saying, “It’ll be dogs in operating theatres next for god’s sake!”—and while I’m not sure German Shepherds assisting in hip replacements is the future we’re heading towards, it’s clear that not everyone is thrilled about this trend.
Did someone say bones?
It’s an interesting balance to strike as a business. On one hand, you want to create an inclusive space for your customers and their pets; on the other, you unfortunately must acknowledge that not everyone is a fan of dogs in public spaces. And trust me, as a dog café owner, I’ve heard it all. From people worried about hygiene to those who just aren’t “dog people,” there’s always someone ready to voice their concerns.
But here’s the thing: businesses are evolving to meet the needs of their customers, and for a growing number of people, that includes spaces where dogs are welcome. At the end of the day, it’s about giving people the choice. If you’re not into dog-friendly cafés stay at home, no one’s forcing you to go.
The Future is Furry
Here at Charlie + Co, we’ve always believed that life is better with dogs, and we’ve built our business around that belief. So, ‘dog-friendly’ making headlines the way it did with the Costa announcement just re-enforced what we’ve known all along, Costa want to be us life is better with dogs!
As far as we’re concerned, more dog friendly places, means more wagging tails across the U.K - and we’re all for that. Whilst Costa’s announcement feels like a milestone in the dog-friendly movement, let’s not forget who was ahead of the curve here (and I’m not just talking about us) I’m referring to all the other smaller, long standing, dog-friendly spots that have been championing ‘dog-friendly’ from the beginning.
If you’re in Nantwich/Cheshire, you know where to come for the real OG dog-friendly experience but if you’re based elsewhere and ever looking for a new place to visit with your furry friend, be sure to check out the directory at DogFriendly to discover even more dog-friendly spots across the UK!