A Wimbledon pub is in the running for the most dog-friendly boozer in London for the second year in a row.
The Hand in Hand situated on the edge of Wimbledon Common is renowned for its dog-friendly reputation and an up-to-date leader board revealed they are once again on the path to victory, 140 votes ahead of their nearest rival.
The pub runs a ‘Dog of the Day’ competition for owners who bring their four-legged friends along with them and they have a wall full of pictures of previous winners.
Landlord Andrew Ford said: “We have always been a dog friendly pub due to our location and the extras we offer to dogs.”
The pub also provides homemade chicken liver and complimentary dog biscuits for canine visitors and staff have been involved in a series of dog charity fundraising events over the years.
In April this year the pub’s assistant manager Christine Blackman ran the London Marathon for the fifth time for the Blue Cross in a full ‘Daisy the dog costume.’
Mr Ford said during 2018’s hot summer months the pub set up their very own ‘Lido for Fido’ where dogs could cool down in paddling pools set up just outside the pub. 
Hand in Hand’s next big idea is a dog’s Christmas dinner where diners coming for a festive meal can order a two-course feast, including meatloaf and gravy, for their hounds.
Mr Ford added that the pub has several dog regulars that come in most days including Kenzo the Boston Terrier, Milo the Labrador and Tom the Border Collie to enjoy the ‘dog beer’ on offer.
Tilly celebrating her 11th birthday with us today!😍🐾 Look at that happy face! pic.twitter.com/t5yrjnORaO
— The Hand in Hand (@HandWimbledon) October 21, 2018
DogBuddy’s CEO and founder, Richard Setterwall said: “We launched the DogBuddy Dog-friendly Pub Awards three years ago to encourage pubs across the country to embrace ‘paw power’ and welcome not just two, but four-legged customers as well.
“Not only do the awards show some well-deserved appreciation of existing dog-friendly establishments, but they also aim to promote dog-friendly values across all pubs nationwide, inspiring dog owners in the UK to discover and visit their local pubs.”
Voting closes at midnight this Sunday and the winners will be announced shortly after. Vote online here.
