IN a bid to ensure dog owners aren’t excluded from fine dining, a 2 AA rosette restaurant bordering the Lakes and the Dales has introduced a special dining area perfect for four-legged friends and their well-behaved owners.

To ensure dog lovers can enjoy the fine dining experience too, owners of the Sun Inn in Kirkby Lonsdale have just unveiled a separate restaurant area - complete with special clips for dog leads underneath the tables and iced water for canine companions.

Lucy Fuller, co-owner 17th century inn, said: "When we go away or out for dinner we sometimes like to take our dog, Betsy, with us, and we prefer not to be restricted to a pub or a cafe.

"With this in mind, we have created a cosy area that you can enjoy with your dog, which does not impact on other diners.

"It means dog owners visiting Kirkby Lonsdale can have the full restaurant experience you would expect from a two rosette restaurant, without disturbing customers who prefer to stay pet-free."

Seven out of eleven bedrooms at the Sun Inn are now also dog friendly and overnight guests who bring their dogs receive a complimentary ‘pooch pack’, including a towel, a dog bowl and a tasty treat.

The inn also provides a sheet with details of local walks along the nearby River Lune and offer complimentary use of sturdy wellington boots, macs and umbrellas for anyone wanting to walk their dog during their stay.

There is even a dog and boot shower just outside for guests to help refresh muddy paws.

Visit www.sun-inn.info/information/dogs/ for more on the Sun Inn’s dog-friendly facilities.