They’ve long been hailed as man’s best friend, but now a national pub group has launched a Pubs for Pups campaign to encourage bars across the UK to welcome dogs back to the pub for a drink with their owners.

Vintage Inns surveyed British dog owners and found that over 80 per cent, or 7.2 million people, struggle to identify pubs that will welcome dogs – with most admitting to double checking online and on pub signage before feeling confident enough to take their pup inside.

This trepidation from owners is understandable given the fact that signage around pubs is often unclear and some chains have even moved to ban dogs entirely from their premises.

But as a nation of dog lovers, Brits’ appetites for taking their best pal to the pub remains unmoved, with almost half saying they would most like to go to the pub with their dog after a long walk in the country and around a quarter admitting they could think of nothing better than settling down for a pint with their puppy on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

To put their minds at rest, Vintage Inns gave one lucky dog the chance to take over a pub for the day, with border terrier Bramble given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience what life would be like as a pup landlord.

Bramble was given the run of the pub with the opportunity to don a bow tie, taste test the treats and head behind the bar to serve up some doggy beer.

Now, The Sandpiper in Bickerstaffe is backing the campaign and reminding dog owners in the Ormskirk area that they are welcome to join them for a drink.

Dominic Dunning, landlord, told QLocal this afternoon: “Many of our regular customers are dog owners and they love having the opportunity to bring their four-legged friends along when they come to the pub for a drink or a bite to eat.

“We find that dogs contribute to a warm, relaxing atmosphere and for that reason we are backing the Pubs for Pups campaign to encourage dogs to visit – and look forward to welcoming them over a glass of doggy beer and some treats.”

WOOF&BREW also spoke out in their support of the campaign. The makers of the renowned Pawsecco and Bottom Sniffer beer, the latter of which is available at Vintage Inns across the UK for a limited time, agreed that its important for pubs to welcome their guests’ furry friends.

Lisa Morton, the company’s co-founder and brands director, said: "The bond we share with our dogs is like no other. Any dog owner can relate to just how special they are and how much they enrich our lives. Everything we do at WOOF&BREW has our dogs’ health and happiness at heart.

“At a time when others are turning their backs on accommodating our best friends, Vintage Inns are showing that they recognise the opportunity in being dog-friendly and truly understand how important our four-legged friends are to us. The way to a ‘man’s’ heart is through his dog after all..."

Dogs are welcome at The Sandpiper any time during the pub’s opening hours. More information can be found at https://www.vintageinn.co.uk/dog-friendly