A huge dog-friendly Essex venue is hosting an all-day pooch festival this summer in the largest outdoor event of its kind.

Down Hall Hotel and Spa in Hatfield Heath is hosting the exclusive dog festival on September 10 in collaboration with the leading canine events company Pop and Bark.

While the Golden Retriever café has sold out on this date, owners of Dachshunds and French Bulldogs will be pleased to hear the invitation has been extended to them, with two dedicated sessions announced for each breed.

Located in the stunning Essex countryside among 110-acres of picturesque gardens, this is Pop and Bark’s largest outdoor event of its kind, with a whole host of activities to keep the pups and their owners entertained.

The festival welcomes the loveable Dachshunds and French Bulldogs to single, breed-only gatherings at 11am to 1pm and 3.30pm to 5.30pm respectively.

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A dog-friendly BBQ menu will be on offer for festival-goers, curated by the hotel’s Executive Chef Robert Pearce, including harissa glazed chicken kebab, Josper smoked sticky ribs, sausage bites and pup burgers.

Dogs can also feast on bespoke pup snacks from the Doggy Barkery including iced treats, the Pupcorn Bar and the world’s only Pupuccino Bar, serving pumpkin spiced pupuccinos. There will be handpicked stalls from Essex brands to shop and browse.

Dogs will be free to explore the picturesque grounds, as well as relax on the doggy-sized furniture with instagrammable props. Owners will also be welcome to relax, socialise and mingle with fellow dog enthusiasts on the hotel’s terrace, while sipping on bespoke cocktails from the horsebox bar.

Two owners-only sessions are available with tickets priced at £16.25 for adults and £8.25 for children aged 16 or under – food and drink will be charged separately, with the BBQ menu priced at £15 per adult and £10 per child. Entry is for each session, for two hours only.

Free parking is available to all guests and those who want to make a weekend of it can stay overnight and book a dog-friendly room directly with the hotel, with discounted room rates starting from £180.

Tickets are available to purchase now. Owners of Dachshunds should get tickets at tickettailor.com/events/popandbark/985885 while French Bulldog owners need to buy theirs at tickettailor.com/events/popandbark/987975.