It is not just people who help make the atmosphere of a pub – it is also the resident pets which make the bar their home

Great British Life: Charlie at the Cellar House in EatonCharlie at the Cellar House in Eaton (Image: Archant)

Every pub has its regulars – but there are none as popular as the resident dog, soaking up the attention from customers, loitering for titbits and taking their place at their favourite table – usually by the fire.

As part of a new series, we are looking for Norfolk’s favourite pub pets – whether your local has a dog, cat or even a parrot, we want to hear about it.

Great British Life: Charlie in the beer garden at the Cellar House in EatonCharlie in the beer garden at the Cellar House in Eaton (Image: Archant)

Many pubs in the county not only have their own pets making themselves at home, but also welcome customers’ four-legged friends. And if you have been out for a long walk with your dog there is nothing nicer than ending it with some refreshment in a warm and inviting pub.

This month, we meet four-year-old golden retriever Charlie who is resident at the Cellar House in Eaton. Such is his popularity he even has his own Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Cellar House owners Victoria and Grahame MacDonald took over the pub when Charlie was a puppy so he has very much grown up in the bar.

“Everybody loves him but he’s a rubbish retriever as he never brings anything back, but he does great tricks for a doggy treat. His favourite is sausages from our suppliers, Harvey’s Butchers.”

Although the couple don’t live at the pub, they are there most of the time so Charlie has very much got pub life in his blood.

“When we go to the pub he even recognises the phrase ‘Cellar House’ and gets very excited when asked if he’d like to go to the Post Office – which is now located inside the pub and brings in a lot of people, often with their dogs,” says Victoria.

The couple also run the White Lodge at Attleborough and the Old Ram at Tivetshall St Mary and both are dog friendly – with the White Lodge even having a snug with its own water bowl.

“Being a dog-friendly pub creates a really nice atmosphere and it is always a talking point. We find that many people take their dogs out for a walk and end it with a drink in the pub and Charlie loves to meet other dogs. Here at the Cellar House it is a relaxed environment and this time of year, the fire is roaring, so customers like to warm themselves in front of it – and their dogs tend to sit and do the same,” she laughs. w

The Cellar House, 2 Eaton Street, Norwich, NR4 7AB, www.thecellarhouse.co.uk.

Follow Charlie on Instagram and Twitter @pubdogcharlie.

Does your local pub have its own resident pet? Are you a landlord or landlady whose pet is an important part of your team? Email us at norfolkmagletters@archant.co.uk