The pub that's proud to serve up dogs' dinners

There can be more dogs than people in Paula Leason's pub high up in Swaledale, which accounts for the unusual menu appearing on the tables from this Friday onwards. Pedigree Schmackos, a non-alcoholic beer with added meat extract and Chewsticks (rolled cow hide): even the hungriest rambler in the Yorkshire Dales might say thanks but no thanks. But this list isn't for people, who can order perfectly good ham and eggs or pie of the day at the King's Head in Gunnerside, washed down with a straight glass of Black Sheep or Copper Dragon. Fending off her springer spaniel crossbreds Bogart, Alfie and Dave, Leason says: "I just got so sorry for all the dogs we get here, sitting patiently while their owners tuck in." She slipped them bits of Yorkshire pudding and carvery offcuts at first, but then got chatting to a dog psychologist, Clare Ackroyd, who also lives in the prime dog-walking countryside of the lovely valley. Bulk orders of Schmackos and CrackerJacks proved possible and Leason, who has been landlord for two years, expects around 100 dog orders a week. Is it a trend? Not widely yet, but the Wheatley Arms at Ben Rhydding, over the fells in Wharfedale, has a "dog owners' guzzling society", which feeds dogs as well as the 25 all-male members. The initiative has motives other than animal welfare, however. Founder Neil Bolton says: "Members tell their wives that they're taking the dog for a walk, then come round here." The menu To start Meatystrips 10p Chewsticks 10p Mains Sunday roast – beef, pork or turkey with potatoes £1 Weekday meat platter £1 Pedigree Schmackos 30p CrackerJacks 30p Pudding Choc Drops £1 To drink Beaphar Dog Beer £2.15