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- Asara Wine Estate & Hotel in Stellenbosch will be hosting a Doggie High Tea on Sunday, 21 April 2024.
- The event aims to celebrate canine companions in the hospitality industry while their owners get to relax as well.
- The event promises mouthwatering treats from a set menu with good music and pampering in the courtyard.
- For more lifestyle news, go to the News24 Life front page.
Tails will be wagging with joy
at Asara Wine Estate & Hotel as the hospitality establishment is set to
host yet another high tea for "fur babies" on Sunday.
The event, set to take place within the picturesque town of Stellenbosch, promises a delightful afternoon for both pooches and their parents.
The aim is to allow the canine companions some relaxation time while enjoying sweet and savoury treats in a serene, garden location with good music in the background, offering a classic high tea experience.
"There will be a welcome drink on arrival. The parents will get a glass of [wine] and the dogs will get a chicken broth welcome drink, and then they will sit at their tables which will be laid up beautifully in the courtyard with tablecloths," said hotel general manager Desmond O'Connor.
The main guests of the day will be treated to some fine cuisine from a set menu.
Savoury food will include ox liver pate meatloaf, carrot and zucchini rice bonbons, pea and pumpkin fritter, and ostrich sushi roll.Their sweet treats will include blueberry
and banana biscuits, carrot and sweet potato cupcake, and peanut butter frozen yoghurt.
"In the old days as hotels
and restaurants, we were always quite happy to accept guide dogs or working
dogs into our premises.
"But when somebody arrives with a small little pet dog that's well managed and well groomed, then you don't turn them away.
"This is for people who travel with their dogs. Some people don't have children, and their dogs are their children," he added.
Breaking ground
The concept of the Doggie High Tea was inspired by O'Connor's experience at a London hotel, where a similar event gained a lot of popularity.
Bringing the idea to Asara, he aims to create a welcoming environment where all dogs are embraced, regardless of their size or breed.
While the pooches may be adorable, there is the reality that there might be some unruly ones. The hotel has set some ground rules for that.
"Your dog has to be on a leash or in a harness when in the vicinity of the other dogs, but the grounds are big enough for parents to go far enough and to take their dog off the leash. We also ask the parents to keep their dogs in check," he said.
Pampering for a good cause
In addition to indulging in mouthwatering treats, guests will simultaneously get the opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause.
A portion of ticket sales will be donated to support animals at the Stellenbosch Animal Welfare, thanks to the organisation's partnership with the hotel.
Guests are also encouraged to bring donations such as dog food, clothing, and blankets to assist animals in need.
