Here's How To Create A 'Paw-Fect' Dog Friendly Afternoon Tea"
Time spent with our furry companions is never time wasted.
As more and more people admit to taking their dog out on dates (nearly 1 in 5 people!) and sharing special moments with one another, this Afternoon Tea Week (11th – 17th August), Marketing Manager at Ruffingtons, Cassandra Brennan, has shared how to create a dog-friendly afternoon tea experience for your pet. A trend that's soon set to take over.
"In order to make this a truly special experience with your dog, I'd recommend creating a like for like experience with your dog-friendly afternoon tea." Cassandra says.
"Swapping out traditional delicacies for ones that are suitable for furry friends can help you to achieve an aesthetic, yet safe and tasty, treat for your beloved pet. Try:
- Tea or coffee for you, and decaffeinated peppermint tea or bone broth for your dog
- Cooked meat sandwiches for you, and plain boiled chicken for your dog
- Finger cakes for you, and luxury, patisserie-style pet treats for your dog
- Fruits such as strawberries, and apples for both of you
"If you'd like to go one step further for your afternoon tea, why not create a dog-friendly cake for your pet? All you need to do is stir together the following ingredients, bake for around 45 minutes, and then allow to cool and decorate with treats".
- 210g plain or wholemeal flour
- 1 peeled banana, mashed
- 1 egg
- Half a grated carrot
- 2tsp coconut oil
- 250ml oat milk.
Ruffingtons, the luxury dog-treat business launched in the autumn of last year, has already experienced a big boom in interest from pet owners. It's even been endorsed by the likes of Radio and TV Presenter Scott Mills, Emmerdale and Heartstopper Actor Bradley Riches, and TV Personality Ollie Locke.
Extending the dog-friendly afternoon tea to create a fully-fledged experience day for your pet, Cassandra says: "Choosing the perfect location for your celebration is paramount.
"If you want a truly special occasion, why not take your pet out of your usual home environment, and host your afternoon tea at your local park or contained dog field?
"With all the nice weather we've been having, this is a perfect way to spoil your pet to new sights and sounds – coupled with the celebration of their afternoon tea experience."
Afternoon Tea week is celebrated every year, and this year falls on 11th – 17th August 2025. According to AfternoonTea.co.uk, it's an "annual celebration of the British tradition of afternoon tea, offering a chance to indulge in the ritual of tea, sandwiches, scones, and pastries."
According to Cassandra, Marketing Manager of the luxury Ruffingtons brand and expert in 'pet-iquette': "High-brow doesn't have to be high-stress."
"Remind guests (fellow furry friends) of basic etiquette" she says, "no jumping on tables, no stealing food, and always share water. Use delicate napkins to dab sweet pup muzzles and scatter treat stations so no one feels left out.
"Finally, don't forget to set the scene with a charming, vintage-inspired aesthetic tailored for paws and pinkies alike".
Why not try:
- Dog-friendly china (melamine sets or ceramic paw-print plates)
- A central table styled with elegant florals – out of reach of curious noses
- Soft blankets or plush dog beds for lounging
- Ambient classical music or soft acoustic jazz to complete the mood
"Dress code optional, but pup bow ties, bandanas, or floral collars elevate the mood beautifully. Party favours? Add your Ruffingtons to treat bags to make charming take-home tokens."
Many Instagrammers have been inspired by Ruffingtons to create their own dog-friendly afternoon tea, with @lifeofapoochon throwing a 'tea pawty', and @rainnthejackapoo also using Ruffingtons treats to create an afternoon-tea style celebration.
To find out more about Afternoon Tea Week – head here: https://afternoontea.co.uk/features/afternoon-tea-week-offers/ and for more information on Ruffingtons, follow this link: https://www.ruffingtons.co.uk/.
