It's not often that you see patrons of a restaurant eating sand from a fake beach and sniffing each other's rear ends, but this is business as usual for Alfie's Island Café. Located on a large site in Timperley, the dog-friendly space is the creation of husband-and-wife duo Tony and Tania Golden - former owners of Central Bark Café.
The couple, originally from the United States, have taken what was formerly the Manor Farm and transformed it into a community hub for both humans and their four-legged friends. The pair also work with Starlight Barking Trust to bring strays over from Greece - where there are charities and facilities to care for and rehome dogs - and help them to find the dog’s forever home in the UK.
I’ve always felt a bit sorry for pets when their owner goes off on holiday and they get shipped off to the kennels. Rather sweetly, this café has its own beach and a décor inspired by more tropical climes than south Manchester - complete with deck chairs and parasols for dogs to sit back and enjoy their own staycation.
