Clarks Village named UK's most dog-friendly shopping centre

Clarks Village has been named the most dog-friendly shopping centre in the country. The Somerset shopping outlet has set tails wagging by winning the coveted title at the DogFriendly Awards 2024.

The DogFriendly Awards recognise and reward dog-friendly places and pet businesses that go the extra mile for the UK’s 12.5m dogs and their owners. After being nominated for the award, Clarks Village quickly earned the top rating of ‘five-paws’ from members of the public before going on to win the Dog-Friendly Shopping Centre Award at a ceremony at the Kennel Club Head Office in London.

Guests, along with their dogs, can enjoy a day out at Clarks Village thanks to its outdoor spaces with wide paved walkways and lush green landscaped gardens.

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With a dog-friendly environment and facilities, pooches and their owners can shop and dine together throughout Clarks Village and within many of the outlet’s brands and eateries from Barbour, Calvin Klein and Rituals to French Connection, Vans and Sweaty Betty. Well-behaved dogs can join owners for a coffee break or bite to eat in The Cornish Bakery, Caffe Nero, Costa and the soon-to-open Bill’s restaurant – which will even have its own doggie menu – as well as within outdoor dining spaces at Wagamama, Pret A Manger, Prezzo and Slim Chickens.

Clarks Village even has its very own dog team member; Canine Executive Officer Dudley. The three-legged Hungarian Vizsla won a canine-casting competition to find the top dog at the outlet’s 2024 dog-friendly Pawsome Pooch event. More than 100 dogs entered the competition, having a free professional pup photo shoot alongside a doggy day out at Clarks Village. After being one of 10 dogs to be shortlisted for the final, Dudley stormed into the lead in the public vote on Clarks Village’s social channels to be crowned the winner and taking the CEO title.

Dudley’s owner Kareen Higgins commented: “I couldn't be happier that Clarks Village has won the award for most Dog-Friendly Shopping Centre but I’m completely unsurprised, it's so very well deserved. The outlet should stand as the blueprint for how to safely welcome all members of the family, including the four (and three) legged ones. Dudley would like all his furry friends to bring their hoomans along to enjoy the bargains, the great food, the fun and of course the Puppachinos.”

Chris Davis, centre director of Clarks Village, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have won the UK’s Dog-Friendly Shopping Centre Award, recognising everything we do to make dogs welcome. It’s even more special that the award was voted for by the public. We’d like to thank guests for their support and know they’ll continue to enjoy visiting Clarks Village with their dogs as much as we enjoy having them.”

For more details about Clarks Village, including the festive ice rink, artisan market, and opening hours, visit https://clarksvillage.co.uk/