QUICHE and stew will be on the menu for dogs as well as their owners at a new restaurant planned by an entrepreneur who has persuaded Stockton businesses to welcome canine companions.

Carl Shepherdson attracts customers from as far afield as Newcastle and Leeds to Wags and Whiskers, which sells nutritious cakes, popcorn and beer for man’s best friend.

“After visiting the boutique people would ask where they could go for lunch with their dogs, that gave me the idea of asking shops and cafes to put a sticker in their window showing they welcome well behaved dogs,” he explained.

After launching a campaign to make Stockton dog-friendly, shops including Katie’s Kards, Old Autumn House, Much Ado About Muffins, Open all Flowers, Hickson Motors and Who-Ray are signed up as well as his own shop. Food outlets taking part are Music Lounge, The Golden Smog, Bar Vista, Cafe Briscoe and The Wasps Nest.

“People said to me that I should open a cafe with a full doggy menu and that’s what I’m going to do this year once I’ve found the right premises, serving dishes like quiches and stews for dogs and their owners,” said Mr Shepherdson, 26.

Business is booming at his own store which opened a year ago on Dovecot Street after launching as a fledgling start-up with help from Stockton Borough Council’s Enterprise Arcade.

Freshly baked scones and cupcakes are offer in its ‘Pawtisserie’ alongside pushchairs for pooches and other accessories from brands including Lily's Kitchen, Canagan, BecoThings, Billy & Margot and Pet London.

Katie Green, of Katie’s Kards in Wellington Square, added: “No responsible dog owner would leave their pet tied up outside in case it got stolen and this is helping to boost trade for local retailers.