Tucked away in the charming outskirts of Durham City, Barking Blends Coffee House is a unique café that caters to both human and canine guests with equal flair. With a stellar rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 208 reviews, this beloved establishment has carved a niche as a dog-friendly sanctuary where excellent coffee and delectable treats meet an inviting, pet-friendly atmosphere.
Atmosphere and Experience
From the moment you step into Barking Blends Coffee House, you’re greeted by a warm and welcoming environment that immediately puts both you and your four-legged friend at ease. The café is designed to be both comfortable and functional, with ample seating for humans and designated areas where dogs can relax. The décor reflects a blend of cozy and playful, with subtle nods to the canine theme that makes this place so special.
The friendly staff enhance the experience with their attentive service and genuine affection for dogs. It’s not unusual to find patrons engaging in lively conversations about their pets or participating in friendly banter with the café team. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it an ideal spot for a casual lunch, a leisurely coffee break, or even a special celebration for your furry friend.
Menu Highlights
Breakfast Items
Start your day with a selection of breakfast items that cater to both traditional tastes and those looking for a bit of variety:
- Toasted Crumpets: At just £1.75, these crumpets come toasted to perfection, providing a warm, buttery start to your morning.
- Slices of Toast: Simple yet satisfying at £1.90, these slices are ideal for a quick and comforting breakfast.
- Large Toasted Teacake: For a more indulgent option, the large toasted teacake at £2.20 is a great choice, lightly toasted and served with a dollop of butter.
Freshly Baked Paninis
The café’s paninis are a must-try, offering a variety of fillings that cater to different tastes:
- BBQ Jackfruit: A delightful vegan option at £6.50, this panini features a tangy BBQ jackfruit filling.
- Mature Cheddar & Red Onion: At £5.90, this panini combines sharp cheddar with the sweetness of red onion.
- Tuna Mayonnaise & Red Onion: Also priced at £5.90, this panini is a great choice for tuna lovers.
- Chicken, Chorizo & Mayonnaise: For a heartier option, try this filling at £6.50.
- BBQ Pulled Pork: Another popular choice at £6.50, this panini is packed with flavorful pulled pork.
Scones
The café’s scones are freshly baked and come in two varieties:
- Cheese Scone: Savory and satisfying at £2.30.
- Fruit Scone: Sweet and slightly fruity, priced at £3.95.
Freshly Baked Dog Treats
Barking Blends Coffee House doesn’t forget about its canine patrons. The café offers an impressive selection of freshly baked dog treats:
- Pupcake: A fun, dog-friendly cupcake priced at £3.10.
- Woofin: A dog-friendly muffin available for £3.00.
- Donut: A tasty treat for your dog, priced at £2.30.
- Paw Cookie: A delightful treat shaped like a paw, priced at £2.20.
- Bone Cookie: A classic dog treat shaped like a bone, available for £2.10.
Additionally, there are meaty and cheesy treats like sausages, chicken chunks, and cheese chunks available to delight your pet.
Drinks & Iced Treats
In addition to coffee and tea, the café offers unique beverages for dogs:
- Posh Pooch Wine (250ml): A non-alcoholic wine for dogs priced at £3.99.
- Doggy Beer (330ml): A dog-friendly beer available for £3.99.
- Iced Treats: Cool down with dog-friendly iced treats priced at £3.35.
Sweet Treats
For those with a sweet tooth, the café offers an array of delicious treats:
- Huge Slice of Cake: At £3.80, this generous slice of cake is perfect for sharing—or not!
- Selection of Traybakes: Priced at £1.00 each, these traybakes are a fantastic option for a quick, sweet bite.
- Apple Crumble & Custard: A classic dessert at £4.60, this dish is a warm, comforting option that’s sure to please.
Dog-Friendly Features
Barking Blends Coffee House stands out not just for its human offerings but also for its exceptional dog-friendly features. The café sells a variety of high-quality dog toys, grooming essentials, and accessories, including items from the renowned KONG brand. They even host special events like dog birthday parties and Sunday morning walks that culminate back at the café.
Customer Reviews
Customer feedback highlights the exceptional experience at Barking Blends Coffee House. Visitors frequently commend the café for its:
- Outstanding Service: Staff are consistently praised for their friendliness and attentiveness.
- Delicious Food and Drinks: Both human and canine menu items receive high marks for taste and quality.
- Welcoming Atmosphere: The café’s environment is noted for being both comfortable and engaging for dogs and their owners.
One reviewer mentions how their family enjoyed a first visit with their dog Daisy, appreciating the exceptional service and the chance for kids to interact with other dogs. Another review emphasizes the café’s top-notch coffee and cakes, noting that their Akita puppies loved the pupcakes. Long-time patrons appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and the variety of food and drink options, along with the opportunity to participate in dog-related events.
Key Features of Barking Blends Coffee House
- Location: 40 Canterbury Rd, Durham DH1 5PY, United Kingdom
- Phone Number: +44 191 447 6161
- For Reservation: Visit the website
- Hours of Operation:
- Thursday: 10 am–3 pm
- Friday: 10 am–3 pm
- Saturday: 10 am–4 pm
- Sunday: 11 am–3 pm
- Monday: 11 am–3 pm
- Tuesday: 10 am–3 pm
- Wednesday: 10 am–3 pm
- Rating: 4.9 out of 5 based on 208 reviews
- Price Range: £1–10
- Dog-Friendly Features:
- Freshly Baked Dog Treats: Including pupcakes, woofins, donuts, paw cookies, and bone cookies.
- Special Dog Drinks: Posh Pooch Wine and Doggy Beer.
- Dog Toys and Accessories: Featuring KONG products and other high-quality pet items.
- Dog Birthday Parties: Available for celebrating your pet’s special day.
- Sunday Morning Walks: Organized walks that end back at the café.
- Menu Highlights:
- Breakfast Items: Toasted crumpets, slices of toast, large toasted teacake.
- Sweet Treats: Huge slices of cake, selection of traybakes, apple crumble & custard.
- Freshly Baked Paninis: BBQ jackfruit, mature cheddar & red onion, tuna mayonnaise & red onion, chicken, chorizo & mayonnaise, BBQ pulled pork.
- Scones: Cheese scone, fruit scone.
- Drinks & Iced Treats: Various coffee options, iced treats for dogs.
- Customer Experience:
- Friendly Staff: Known for exceptional service and warmth.
- Inviting Atmosphere: Cozy, relaxed, and pet-friendly environment.
- Variety of Food: Catering to both humans and dogs with high-quality ingredients and options.
Final Thoughts
Barking Blends Coffee House is more than just a café—it’s a community hub for dog lovers and their furry friends. With its inviting atmosphere, excellent service, and a menu that caters to both humans and dogs, it’s a place where you can enjoy a delicious coffee or meal while knowing your pet is being well cared for. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Durham, a visit to Barking Blends Coffee House promises a delightful experience for both you and your canine companion.
FAQs
- Is Barking Blends Coffee House dog-friendly?
Yes, Barking Blends Coffee House is a dog-friendly café. You are welcome to bring your canine companions along while you enjoy your meal. - What types of food and drink options are available for dogs?
The café offers a range of freshly baked dog treats, including Pupcakes, Woofins, Donuts, Paw Cookies, and Bone Cookies. There are also meaty and cheese treats like sausages, chicken chunks, and cheese chunks. For a special treat, dogs can enjoy Posh Pooch Wine and Doggy Beer. - What is the average price range for food at the café?
The price range for food items at Barking Blends Coffee House typically falls between £1 and £10, making it an affordable option for a casual meal. - Are there any special features or services offered?
Barking Blends Coffee House provides a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, with a variety of food and drink options for both humans and dogs. Additionally, the café offers birthday parties for dogs and sells a range of dog-related products such as toys, coats, bandanas, and treats.
