Britstops & dogs?

[Leakylunar]

Thinking of trying Britstops, we have a dog and wondered if it’s worthwhile.
My thinking is we can’t really have a meal/drink inside if our dog is with us
Think outside would be ok.
Just thought it would give us more options when trying to find a spot for the night as we are new to this after 4 years of caravan life.

 

[hchris]

Alot of Pubs will let you eat in the bar area with well behaved dogs

 

[PeteH]

Don`t use actual "Britstops" themselves but there are many Pubs in particular who have space and do allow dogs, What you will often find is that if you wish to dine and take the animal, then you may be asked to eat in the bar area away from other diners. My "policy" if you like is to phone, ask if they take overnight camper vans (confirm) at the same time ask what their policy on dogs is. Worst case scenario we have come across is having eaten, we retire to the bar and go and bring dog in from the `van. So far it has worked OK for us?.

 

[Zigisla]

If you join "BritStop" scheme all the hard word and phoning around is done for you. If the Pub / Farm Shop / Vineyard / Garden Centre etc is in the book, you can stay overnight for free without any obligation to eat. Obviously many do and we are one of those. We would eat out anyway, so why not find a pub in the book. The book also has a list of facilities they offer, and "Dogs" welcome is one of them. If there are any restrictions to this, they note it. I cannot remember out of the many many we have stayed at that haven't permitted dogs inside the bar area where we eat. If they didn't allow this, then we would either not eat in the pub, or leave them in the MH.

 

[maison]

I would echo the above re dogs? .

We have eaten in the bar area accompanied by our dog and also eaten in the restaurant part either bringing the dog into the bar later or simply returning to the motorhome after eating.

In the Lake District in particular there are many dog friendly pubs due to the number of walkers who h@ve them.

As for BritStops scheme we use it and also simply call in and ask the pub owner if we park overnight if we eat. Only had one refusal so far.

Incidentally, we stayed at a Britstop in Northumberland last week and when I asked if it was OK to stay overnight we were told “the deal is yes, if you are eating here”.

No problem for us as we were intending to eat there anyhow and it turned out to be an excellent meal in great surroundings. We only tend to stop at Pubs if we fancy eating out anyway.

However, I understood that, with BritStops, it should not be necessary to eat in order to stay.

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[Leakylunar]

Thanks for quick replies, our main concern is that she’s a rescue dog that is unpredictable with men/dog’s ?, my wife suggested leaving her in the van with toys for 30mins or so.
On balance think I’ll join/order book and give it a go?

 

[The Wino]

Don`t use actual "Britstops" themselves but there are many Pubs in particular who have space and do allow dogs, What you will often find is that if you wish to dine and take the animal, then you may be asked to eat in the bar area away from other diners. My "policy" if you like is to phone, ask if they take overnight camper vans (confirm) at the same time ask what their policy on dogs is. Worst case scenario we have come across is having eaten, we retire to the bar and go and bring dog in from the `van. So far it has worked OK for us?.

Me too I used the pub stops map on here a couple of times why not try that first.

 

[Leakylunar]

Just been to the britstops web site and new book out soon.

 

[Zigisla]

Incidentally, we stayed at a Britstop in Northumberland last week and when I asked if it was OK to stay overnight we were told “the deal is yes, if you are eating here”.

No problem for us as we were intending to eat there anyhow and it turned out to be an excellent meal in great surroundings. We only tend to stop at Pubs if we fancy eating out anyway.

However, I understood that, with BritStops, it should not be necessary to eat in order to stay.

Have you informed Steve at Britstops BritStops ?

 

[busby]

Thanks for quick replies, our main concern is that she’s a rescue dog that is unpredictable with men/dog’s ?, my wife suggested leaving her in the van with toys for 30mins or so.
On balance think I’ll join/order book and give it a go?

Have left my dog in my truck overnight as long as 6 hours with no detrimental affect,,Dogs cant tell the time..By the way it was a rescue dog,,BUSBY.

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[bigtwin]

Incidentally, we stayed at a Britstop in Northumberland last week and when I asked if it was OK to stay overnight we were told “the deal is yes, if you are eating here”.

However, I understood that, with BritStops, it should not be necessary to eat in order to stay.

Did you let them know that you were Britstops members?

If you did, let Steve at Britstops know and he will contact them and remind them of the conditions of their entry in the book. If that conversation doesn't go well, they’ll be removed from the book.

info@britstops.com

Ian

 

[Spriddler]

However, I understood that, with BritStops, it should not be necessary to eat in order to stay.

IMHO and regardless of the Britstop policy I think it's perfectly reasonable to expect people to eat at the pub.

 

[Puddleduck]

Our rescue could not be left in the house as she caused damage but would happily stay in a vehicle for hours (and even overnight) as long as she was able to sleep on the seat I usually used (driver's seat in my car and passenger seat in Martin's car in the days when we had two cars). I was her human and she never let anyone forget that in her eyes I was the Alpha in her pack.

 

[Puddleduck]

IMHO and regardless of the Britstop policy I think it's perfectly reasonable to expect people to eat at the pub.

Or at least have a drink BUT it is not part of the BritStop scheme that you have to make a purchase. I don't drink alcohol (and wouldn't if driving next day in any case) so I doubt any publican would make much money from me.

I love the more unusual BritStops, a toy factory, an aircraft museum and the like We've found places to visit we never knew existed through BritStops.

 

[Langtoftlad]

IMHO and regardless of the Britstop policy I think it's perfectly reasonable to expect people to eat at the pub.

Then you don't understand or accept the premise of Britstops.
There should be no "expectation' whatsoever.

Being in the Britstop book is nothing more than having a free advert.
Not every advert translates into actual business.

So, it might be your opinion that its "reasonable" but it's unreasonable to suggest or imply that it's an expectation.
Such opinions can put people off from buying the Britstops book so actually deprive businesses from potential revenue.
[/rant off]

To the OP, the guide tells you if dogs are allowed... it's upto you on the day if you think it's suitable. Have a meal, or have a drink, or maybe ask for your food as a takeaway back to your van, or take your pint of ale back to your van or just go in & say hello.
Options are endless.

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[Puddleduck]

I always leave a "thank you" card for our host after a BritStop

 

[Zigisla]

I always leave a "thank you" card for our host after a BritStop

We do this as well. We bought ours with “Thank You, from BanHam the Motorhome” On the front and with space to write on the inside. Funny to see them up on a return trip. We’ve used the same cards when we have stayed on Aires and dropped them in the Marie or left them on notice boards. Written in French of course.

 

[Spriddler]

There should be no "expectation' whatsoever.

Being in the Britstop book is nothing more than having a free advert.

I did say expectation not obligation.
I doubt that landlords advertise 'free' overnight parking for the price of a pint.


expectation
/ɛkspɛkˈteɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
noun: expectation; plural noun: expectations

1. 1.
   a strong belief that something will happen or be the case.
   
   

 

[Puddleduck]

I am sure that any business person who advertises (free or paid for) expects extra trade as a result of the advert. There should be no expectation that every person responding to an advert should buy.

Only once have I been put in a position where I felt I had to buy or move on and Steve sorted that out.

There is one BritStop that we make for BECAUSE the food is so good and will often stop there for a meal and not stay over - timing our trip so we are there for either lunch or supper. It's a little off route but well worth the detour. Without BritStops we would never have found the place and must have spent at least a couple of hundred pounds there over the years.

 

[2CVer]

I am sure that any business person who advertises (free or paid for) expects extra trade as a result of the advert. There should be no expectation that every person responding to an advert should buy.

Only once have I been put in a position where I felt I had to buy or move on and Steve sorted that out.

There is one BritStop that we make for BECAUSE the food is so good and will often stop there for a meal and not stay over - timing our trip so we are there for either lunch or supper. It's a little off route but well worth the detour. Without BritStops we would never have found the place and must have spent at least a couple of hundred pounds there over the years.

Could you share the Britstop site number? We're just starting to use Britstops and would like to build a kind of 'Off the beaten track' guide to places with great food.

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[138go]

r

Did you let them know that you were Britstops members?

If you did, let Steve at Britstops know and he will contact them and remind them of the conditions of their entry in the book. If that conversation doesn't go well, they’ll be removed from the book.

info@britstops.com

Ian

I feel very uncomfortable with this. I know it's the Britstops way but nonetheless I think that common decency dictates that if you take up a parking space on someone's land, you should eat in their establishment. Just saying.

 

[TinaLes]

Could you share the Britstop site number? We're just starting to use Britstops and would like to build a kind of 'Off the beaten track' guide to places with great food.

Nice try, but under the "Rules" no signed up member is allowed to divulge any locations to anyone that is not a member, hence the use of location numbers only and never the name of the pub or venue.
Especially to Carthago owners like us
LES

 

[Puddleduck]

Could you share the Britstop site number? We're just starting to use Britstops and would like to build a kind of 'Off the beaten track' guide to places with great food.

PM sent with vague details but if you have the book you will find it

 

[Langtoftlad]

Nice try, but under the "Rules" no signed up member is allowed to divulge any locations to anyone that is not a member, hence the use of location numbers only and never the name of the pub or venue.
Especially to Carthago owners like us
LES

Actually, on the Britstop Facebook Group it is perfectly acceptable to mention the area, the venue number and the book year eg "SW123/19"
If you have the current book, you'll find it - if not, then it means nothing.

I feel very uncomfortable with this. I know it's the Britstops way but nonetheless I think that common decency dictates that if you take up a parking space on someone's land, you should eat in their establishment. Just saying.

It's nothing to do with 'common decency' - it's the cost they pay to get a listing in the book.
Parking space <-> advertising.
Better deal than handing over hard cash for an advert in any other publication.
Although the majority of listings are pubs, by no means all are... I know of an Antiques shop, and one a Sewing Shop... now, I'm happy to go & have a look [as it's my part of the deal] but I doubt I'd be buying an old table or a reel of cotton.

 

[Puddleduck]

one a Sewing Shop... now, I'm happy to go & have a look [as it's my part of the deal] but I doubt I'd be buying an old table or a reel of cotton.

Maybe not the old table and certainly not one reel of thread, a box or two of thread would be much more realistic plus a few needles and I'm sure I'll need one of those thingies and ohm what is that for ......... might be cheaper (but not so much fun) to be on a site. lol

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[138go]

Actually, on the Britstop Facebook Group it is perfectly acceptable to mention the area, the venue number and the book year eg "SW123/19"
If you have the current book, you'll find it - if not, then it means nothing.

It's nothing to do with 'common decency' - it's the cost they pay to get a listing in the book.
Parking space <-> advertising.
Better deal than handing over hard cash for an advert in any other publication.
Although the majority of listings are pubs, by no means all are... I know of an Antiques shop, and one a Sewing Shop... now, I'm happy to go & have a look [as it's my part of the deal] but I doubt I'd be buying an old table or a reel of cotton.

My opinion, which is just as valid as yours, is that it is, common decency. Yes, I know how it works thank you. Anyway, I wouldn't dream of taking up a parking space and not eating and drinking, I would feel uncomfortable and a cheeky f****r, if I did.

 

[bigtwin]

I feel very uncomfortable with this. I know it's the Britstops way but nonetheless I think that common decency dictates that if you take up a parking space on someone's land, you should eat in their establishment. Just saying.

It's nothing to do with 'common decency' - it's the cost they pay to get a listing in the book.
Parking space <-> advertising.
Better deal than handing over hard cash for an advert in any other publication.

I agree with Langtoftlad ’s response. Everyone benefits from the arangement:

• Britstops customers get a directory of hosts where they KNOW they are welcome. This is unlike the likes of Search for Sites where any Tom, Dick or Harry can add an establishment to the database without the business owner’s knowledge/consent.
• Britstops hosts get a free entry into the Britstops book with the knowledge that they will gain custom from a proportion (the majority?) of Britstop customers.
• Britstops make a living out of the venture and pay taxes accordingly.

I have opinions on many things but I apply a filter to the extent that I express them. Sometimes it’s appropriate and sometimes it isn’t. Just Saying.

Ian

 

[138go]

I agree with Langtoftlad ’s response. Everyone benefits from the arangement:

• Britstops customers get a directory of hosts where they KNOW they are welcome. This is unlike the likes of Search for Sites where any Tom, Dick or Harry can add an establishment to the database without the business owner’s knowledge/consent.
• Britstops hosts get a free entry into the Britstops book with the knowledge that they will gain custom from a proportion (the majority?) of Britstop customers.
• Britstops make a living out of the venture and pay taxes accordingly.

I have opinions on many things but I apply a filter to the extent that I express them. Sometimes it’s appropriate and sometimes it isn’t. Just Saying.

Ian

If an opinion is racist then yes, apply a filter! If we're talking about Britstops and parking then I really can't see your point.

 

[bigtwin]

If an opinion is racist then yes, apply a filter! If we're talking about Britstops and parking then I really can't see your point.

Just my opinion. Just Saying.

Ian

 

[PeteH]

For me they don`t substitute for sites. They are more a "Night Halt". And in line with the fact that the other option would be a Campsite (or a layby), then as someone who likes food and wine/Real Ale. It fits in with my lifestyle. BTW. recently we have observed that some of the Marston Pubs, are allowing overnights, at least two within or general locality now. I assume the thinking is that we might get an extra meal or two out of "What"? the overnight use of a parking space?.

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