There’s nothing better than tucking into some classic pub food on a cold day, especially after a long dog walk.
At The Slanj Bar and Restaurant, near Loch Lomond, dogs can join their owners at the table – and even get their own special menu, with doggy versions of many human favourites.
Opened by Tom MacDougall in 2016, The Slanj, which is housed in a former 18 th century church in Tarbet, has always offered pups a bowl of water and wee treat upon arrival.
However, as of 2019, the popular family-run venue also offers a ‘dogs dinner’ menu full of pet-friendly dishes such as burger and fries, and bangers.
Owner and founder Tom explained to TeamDogs : “We are a very popular stopover for motorhomes and campervans, with some deciding to travel with their dog – so why not have them dine in as well as the guests?
“We have always been an all-inclusive establishment, with folk dressed in their best enjoying a delicious meal while a few walkers off the hill enjoy a warm bowl of our homemade soup sat at the next table.”
He added: “We had the idea when a couple of campervanners asked if their dog could have their biscuits while they ate.
“Giving us the idea of ‘why don't we provide something ourselves?’”
In fact, the menu has proved such a hit with pet parents that some even travel to the restaurant just so their dog can sample its dishes – and we’re not surprised based on the offerings.
On the menu are doggy-friendly versions of some of the UK’s favourite dishes, ranging in cost from £3.50 to £5.
As well as the 'burger and fries' (a beef mince patty with carrot sticks) and ‘bangers’ (sausages served with seasonal vegetables), ‘dinner’ portion of the menu also includes plain pieces of chicken breast with gravy and veggies.
As for ‘doggy dessert’, canine clients can opt for a pup-safe vanilla ice cream topped with ‘a sprinkle of bone biscuit treats’.
Unsurprisingly, dog-owning Tripadvisor reviewers have been raving about the business.
One user wrote: “First time we visited we hadn’t booked a table but the staff went out of their way to accommodate us and our rottie Dave.
“All of the staff are extremely friendly and made real effort to come and say hi to Dave and fuss him – he is only a year old and lacks manners sometimes but they were all brilliant with him.
“We were on holiday for five nights and ate here every night due to the atmosphere and the staff. The food is also really good and added bonus they have a doggy menu which Dave loved.”
They added: “It’s sometimes really hard to find dog friendly places especially with a Rottweiler but I can’t emphasise just how much all of the staff were absolutely brilliant with him and it took the stress away and allowed us to relax and enjoy dinner.
“We can’t wait to visit again soon.”
TeamDogs user Jennie Sanders even nominated The Slanj for the WeLoveDogs dog-friendly businesses award.
She explained: “They have a menu for doggies too and the food looked amazing.
“Our pup even went home with a doggie bag. He had loads of attention from staff and restaurant guests and was thoroughly worn out at the end.
“Good time had by all.”
Luckily, those unable to make the trip just yet can also get a taste of the pet’s paradise through The Slanj’s Instagram ( @slanjlochlomond ), where photos of the adorable four-legged visitors are regularly posted.
Tom added to TeamDogs : “The popularity of the menu has definitely grown more this year as we have pushed our Instagram more with pretty pictures of our pooch guests.”
However, catering to canines definitely isn’t the traditional Scottish venue’s only draw.
As well as being only a stone’s throw from the scenic destinations of Loch Lomond and Loch Long, there’s also home-cooked Scotch dishes, cask ales, live music and even free overnight parking for motorhomes and campervans.
Food offerings include pub favourites like burgers, fish and chips and a slow-cooked Scotch beef pie, plus an abundance of options for fish lovers – think mussels in white wine sauce, homemade fish pie, salmon en croute and monkfish curry.
The more adventurous human diners can also try Scottish classics with exciting twists, such as the beer-battered Arrochar Alps haggis ‘bon-bons’, served with homemade whisky cream sauce, and scallops with black pudding and Dijon mustard mash.
Tom added: “Our amazing team have worked tirelessly over the past 18 months to keep our business going with the hardship the hospitality industry has had to endure.
“So we are beyond happy to have all our customers, humans and dogs alike return to our establishment.”
Have you tried this dog-friendly spot? Do you know of one that should be nominated for the TeamDogs WeLoveDog awards?
