Dog lovers, this one is for you!
Whilst its website describes CuppaPug as ‘a cozy café where you can sip, snuggle, and enjoy playful moments with our resident pugs’, I would say it’s more of an experience than a cozy café. There are no comfy chairs or tables that you might expect to find in a café, and you eat & drink at your own risk, as these Pugs have absolutely no concept of personal space!
CuppaPug offers hour-long sessions for up to 20 people to enjoy cuddles and playtime with 10-12 resident & rescue pugs. Morning sessions tend to be playful and energetic, while afternoon sessions are calmer. I paid £15 for myself and £10 for my niece, and we chose the first session of the day (10am). I booked online a few days in advance.
Finding CuppaPug was easy, and it took us just 20 minutes to walk from St Peter’s Square in Manchester. There is a bus stop right by CuppaPug, and Salford Railway Station is just a short distance away.
Everyone is let into the cafe area at the top of the hour, having read the rules and signed in.
No sooner had we found a place to sit than I was love-bombed by a Pug barrelling onto my knees for a fuss. One particular Pug came back again and again, and quickly became my favourite (despite me being more of a cat person than a dog person).
The excitable dogs ran around and greeted their new guests for the hour. A couple of the Pugs got overexcited and urinated on the floor during the session, but the staff cleaned it up quite quickly.
There were toys for the dogs to play with, and when you order your drinks, you can also order some treats for the dogs. Everyone else had their treats given to them as their drinks were being served, but I had to remind a staff member about the treats we’d ordered, as we seemed to have been missed out. Easily done, and it was swiftly sorted.
Of course, the pugs loved the treats, and my niece was immediately surrounded by the dogs as soon as she began offering them out.
I do wonder if the environment is suitable for the puppy Pugs. The smallest one pretty much fell asleep on one guy for half an hour after all the initial excitement. Although I don’t think the guy minded, after all, who doesn’t love cuddles with a puppy?!
There was one dog there who must have been having a bit of an identity crisis, as it obviously wasn’t a Pug, but it seemed to be having a good time nonetheless!
We had great fun, had plenty of cuddles, and the hour went quickly. It was obvious that the Pugs were well looked after.
I found it to be a different concept to the Cat cafés that I’ve visited, as they’re more laid-back and more café-like. Though after a morning of fun and excitement, I’m guessing afternoon sessions with the Pugs are much more relaxing.
Would I go again? Definitely! I have a friend who I know would love CuppaPug.
You can find CuppaPug at 220 Chapel Street, Salford, Greater Manchester, M3 5LE.
26 Comments
Kelly
I would LOVE to visit one of these cafes…. cat OR pug! I truly think being around animals (especially knowing you aren’t ultimately responsible for them) is great for one’s mental health. You have shared SO many cute photos here and I was tickled to see the faux-pug (dachshund). Now if someone will just open a Rottweiler cafe!
Nikki
You are so right… It is a great boost for mental health!
somewhereinireland
What a fantastic place to get a cuppa.
Kris P
It sounds like you and your niece had a great time! While I’m familiar with cat cafes, I’d never heard of any geared to making introductions to dogs. Of course, an online search turned up a few in the Los Angeles area (although they’re not as common as cat cafes). None were focused on a specific breed, though. I’m glad to see people involved in animal rescues and adoptions have gotten creative 🙂
David M. Gascoigne
I am ambivalent about this. On balance, I don’t’ think it’s for me. I think I prefer my dog romping along outdoors with me, and my coffee drunk without distraction. I am glad you enjoyed the experience, though.
Tanja
Seems fun!
Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au
I’ve heard of cat cafes (and REALLY want to visit one!) but never a pug cafe – I think I’d enjoy that too – a little bit of fun with a cuppa to wash it down.
Nikki
I love cat cafes and definitely recommend visiting one.
lisl
Not really for me, Nikki. But I would always be pleased to visit a Cat Cafe
Alan Rolfe
They are not particularly attractive dogs and I can’t imagine enjoying a cuppa in their presence. Still, no doubt the place does well with those who like dogs. Now ifs the place was full of cats.. well, that’s a different matter…
Nikki
Cat Cafes are wonderful!
Ginnie Hart
I’m more of a cat person, too, Nikki, and would probably only want to be a fly on the wall in this pug café, just to watch and take photos. HA! I like that you described this place realistically, with both its strengths and weaknesses…and then especially at the end saying you would definitely go back again. Good for you and your niece…and for giving it this kind of realistic review.
Margaret
How lovely to have a place like that to visit once in awhile. People who adore and love their pets.
Jo
Oh my goodness, all those lovely pugs. I’d love to visit.
Beverley
Looks like you had a lot of fun with your niece and all those cute pugs. Wonderful photos of all the pugs along with their dachshund friend.
Nikki
Thanks!
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter
I don’t like dog or cat “breeds” especially ones like pugs where their characteristics can be harmful to health. (We had a Basset Hound when I was young and I learned the hard way that long backs and short legs don’t go together). But if they are rescue animals and given a good life fair enough. I don’t think I’d want to visit though!
Nikki
They’re not for everyone. Certainly, there are a number of dog breeds where they’ve been bred for certain characteristics and have drastically changed over the years.
Anca
The afternoon sessions are not very calm either. Sorry to disappoint. :))
I’ve been to CuppaPug in Manchester and in London and both locations are just amazing. The dog cafes are definitely not like the cat cafes. :))
Astrid
The pictures are adorable but I have to confess I am not attracted this kind of activity, although I know that people LOVE to be able to have cuddles with these dogs. I am fine looking at dogs and cats from a distance. I don’t want to be touched by strangers, maybe there are some dogs and cats that are like me?
But again, I am sure this café is a big hit and fills in a social need.
Have a wonderful day, Nikki
Carol
What a cafe of cuteness!
jeanie
That’s such a great name! And wonderful images. Any spot where they have animals is fine by me!
hena
Oh so cute!!
Peter B.
Very cute. Worth a visit just to see the Pugs!
Aiva Vocisa
You captured so many beautiful photos. Visiting a pug cafe is such a fantastic experience if you love pugs and enjoy unique experiences with the heartwarming interactions. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Sharon Robinson
Wow! I have been to catch cafes in the past but I didn’t know that there was a pug cafe. At least they are a handy size for snuggles and cuddles, though I suspect I would prefer a labrador cafe!