In August 2020, we held a competition in our Barrel Store taproom to find the loveliest dog in our borough. Each pup competed in the following categories: big dogs, small dogs, and dogs with jobs. Last year’s winners, Chip and Tia, were featured on the cans of our iconic Lovely Dog IPA.

This year’s competition was held at our Lockwood taproom. As with last year, we donated all the proceeds from entry to Support Dogs UK. We had superb judging from Charli from Support Dogs (plus her support dog Tinkerbell) and Jade from Alberts Dog Grooming. Compere Miranda provided hilarious, spiky commentary, relieving the tension of such a competitive atmosphere. Excitement grew as the taproom filled up, with all the pups and their owners sat on either side of the ‘dogwalk’ - check out some of the competitors readying themselves for their moment.

The dogs of Walthamstow were talented, charismatic and engaging; all worthy of such a title. However, after much deliberation by the judges, two clear winners finally emerged. We saw the distinguished and stately Lenny climb to victory, crowned as the face of our Lovely Dog IPA. Lenny is pictured below, with his family and shaking the compere Miranda’s hand.

Amber (pictured below) won the runner-up title, and was the proud recipient of a doggy spa-treatment, courtesy of Alberts Dog Grooming.

We raised an amazing £376 for Support Dogs UK, a brilliant charity who look after all the wonderful dogs working tirelessly to support people with disabilities - we’re so happy to have collaborated with them and especially loved meeting Tinkerbell, pictured below! Click here to donate. By supporting them, you are providing people with disabilities the life-changing specialist assistance dogs to improve life for those affected by autism, epilepsy and disability.

Tinkerbell - the Support Dog!

Thank you to all the pups and people who showed up - you made the day really fantastic and we can’t wait for the next one!

Wild Card Brewery