Community centre for dogs and humans hits the headlines

East London-based Barkney Wick, a community centre for dogs and humans, has been grabbing headlines recently for the unique services it provides.

The community centre, which provides doggy daycare and training services, also offers dog discos with LED collars, disco lights, and tires filled with treats and balls, art exhibitions, Downward Dogs Yoga, and Drink and Paw life drawing.

Owner Jamie Swan, who launched the centre in January 2021, told The Mirror: “When I initially came up with the idea, it seemed rather bonkers to most people, but with so many choosing to welcome dogs into their family during the pandemic, it’s not quite so strange.

“We have had people from New York and Edinburgh visit us. The After Bark bar received worldwide attention when we opened last summer.”

The centre also crowdfunded a cocktail bar called After Bark, which serves up fresh cocktails with shareable snacks.

The bar and the facility’s café are plant-based, zero-waste and sources produce from businesses in and around East London.

Swan said: “We aren’t just dog friendly, we are dog focused and dog led. Hounds roam off-lead and have their own menu to order from.

“Many of our dog treats are sharable, meaning you can share a cake or other sweet treat with your furry friend when you come to the café.”

Dogs can order non-alcoholic ‘puptails’ from the menu – such as ‘Sex on the Bitch’ and ‘Howlapaw Sling’ – made from natural juices and come served on edible coasters.

In addition, Barkney Wick acollects dog food and other donations to give to Bow Food Bank.