Anyone for a cap-pooch-ino?

A new dog-friendly coffee bar has opened in a building owned by the boss of Hodgkinson Builders following a deal done by BB&J Commercial.

Called Mad Dog, the new venue has opened in Bath Street, Ilkeston, in a property which had been in disrepair and unused for 30 years.

But following a makeover, it is hoped that the launch of the shop – which has a tagline of “Coffee, Craft, Cocktails and Canines” – will bring some life back to this part of the town.

It has seating for 28 people inside, as well as an additional 16 in its covered archway, and seating in the rear.

As well as drinks for humans, the venue has a dog station equipped with dog friendly wine, beer and herbal tea.

The business is the brainchild of Amy Eyre, who had previously worked in pubs but, as a dog lover, always wanted to open a canine-friendly venue.

The mum-of-four, who has two Cocker Spaniels, six-year-old Zuma and two-year-old Blu, said: “When we would go out, we were always looking for places to take the dogs.

“This was something we always wanted to do, so it made sense to set up Mad Dog.”

Ian Hodgkinson, who owns the unit, said: “I’m quite proud and grateful to be part of the revival of Ilkeston’s high street, and I am glad we have let to the building to Mad Dog Cafe.

“We have had a number of retail units down there that are all fully let. Overall, we had a good response to the opportunity.

Mark Richardson, from BB&J Commercial, who helped to market the unit, said: “Ian is a really good developer, and we are pleased to have got the unit a really good tenant.

“I’m sure they will do really well. Bath Street seems to be on the up again and this all adds up to it bouncing back.”