October 9, 2024

UK’s first cinema and coffee bar for dogs set to premiere this Saturday

North Wales is due to play host to the UK’s first cinema and coffee bar for dogs.

The purpose-built complex cost £100,000 and forms part of an overall £1.3m revamp at PetPlace in Abergele.

As well as a cinema screen there will be a health store, play park and coffee bar selling nutritional food and drink for dogs.  Pooches can sip canine tea and coffee or sip a bowl of the aptly-titled Pawsecco or doggie beer, Bottom Sniffer.

They can also enjoy healthy snacks and watch a selection of movies, from Beethoven to 101 Dalmatians and more.

Managing Director Sion Pritchard says the unveiling comes after months of hard work by the PetPlace team, who have managed to keep it a secret while refurbishing the 4,000 square foot site in time for the red-carpet launch.

“The entire Abergele store has had a complete rebrand in the last year, and this is the icing on the cake,” said Sion, who joined the firm in 2000 before taking the helm five years ago.

“We looked at several options for the space before deciding to do something unique, something no other pet store in the UK has ever done before.

“Cinemas and theatres have allowed dog owners in to watch movies for one-off events but this is different, it is a facility designed for the dogs all-year round.”

Having visited the United States on numerous occasions and seeing how they target the market, Sion says he was inspired by the Americans’ attitude to the pet care arena.

“They are years ahead of the UK in terms of the service they provide in-store, from vets to kennels and dog groomers,” said the 38 year-old.

“That said, the quality here is far superior, we have taken it to a whole new level and included a social aspect that will attract pets and their owners.”

He added: “The focus is on health and nutrition, but also the fun aspect in being able to watch movies or play in the park. It’s unlike anything else in the country and we are delighted with how it looks and functions.”

Employing more than 90 workers at its five stores in Llangefni, Chirk, Mold, Ruthin and Abergele, and head office in Mochdre, PetPlace is winning new business and impressing long-standing customers with a fresh approach to the industry.

The health and happiness of the animals is the number one priority, ensuring they and their owners have a great experience rather than just shopping for items and leaving.

“We are focused on the pet, not the amount of stock we hold or sales targets,” said Sion.

“The cinema and coffee bar are testament to that, and the product lines we are selling – including the Pawsecco and doggie beers – are all healthy and nutritious, as well as being fun and creating a buzz.”

He added: “It’s going to be incredible; we will hold movie nights, specific sessions for puppies and senior dogs and other activities. The park will be focused on agility and exercise in a controlled environment.

“Everyone here is so excited to be part of something special, and staff at our other stores can’t wait for us to roll it out across the rest of the group.”

The launch takes place from 10am on Saturday December 1 at PetPlace in Abergele. All dogs are welcome, as long as their owners behave!

For more information, visit http://www.farmandpetplace.co.uk/Abergele and @petplaceUK on Facebook and Instagram.