Head down to Devonshire Square this July, and you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stepped into a live action remake of 101 Dalmatians.
A pop-up dedicated to the dotty dogs opens at restaurant and bar Devonshire Terrace — near Liverpool Street — for one day only. It's open to dalmatian owners and their monochrome friends, as well as dalmatian lovers who don't have a dog of their own.
The pups are catered for with a 'Pupuccino Bar', serving up all sorts of dog-friendly treats, and Rudi's The Doggy Barkery is on hand to provide iced pupcakes, dognuts and jammy doggers (!). It's a safe area for the dogs to roam and mingle off-lead.
For humans, it's a chance to meet and chat with other dalmatian owners and prospective owners, over food or drinks. Both species can join together to enjoy photo opportunities with cute props and dog-sized furniture.
Oh, and fear not — the event's not organised by Cruella de Vil. It's actually the work of POP + BARK, a start-up business specialising in dog events, which appeared on a recent series of Dragons' Den. They've previously hosted events for cockapoos, corgis, pomeranians and golden retrievers. Guess they thought it was time to go a bit dotty for their next big event.
While you're in the area with your pooch, look out for the bench dedicated to Geoffrey Barkington, which is round the corner on (where else?) Houndsditch.
The Dalmatian Cafe is at Devonshire Terrace on Sunday 23 July 2023. Tickets must be booked in advance — and are selling out fast. All images courtesy of POP + BARK, except that last one.
