Chester delicatessen introduces pies for dogs

Aug 11 2011 by Katie Bamber, Chester Chronicle

IT MIGHT seem barking mad to some – but a Chester deli’s latest offering is sure to appeal to the city’s canine connoisseurs.

Katie Hughes, owner of DeliKate in Handbridge, has come up with a new creation especially for customers’ four-legged friends.

The luxurious Poochie Pie, handmade in the shop, is packed full of steak, gravy and carrots.

Katie, 39, said: “I absolutely adore my animals and we enjoy customers coming in with their dogs.

“We’re right by the river where people come to walk their dogs, so we just thought ‘why should the dogs miss out?’

“I just really love the idea of our customers sharing a snack with their pets.”

Dogs are welcome to enjoy their gourmet treat on the premises while owners have a coffee or snack – but are strictly banned from food preparation areas.

Animal-lover Katie shares her Dukes Drive home with two German Shepherds, Lola and Blackie, four-year-old Labradoodle Colonel Frankie and six fantail doves.

She is launching Poochie Pies to mark Delikate’s fourth anniversary. The business opened in June 2007 and went on to win the Gold Award for Best Deli/Cafe at 2009’s Chester Food and Drink Festival.

The deli is home to the Handbridge Pasty, which Katie hopes will rival its popular Cornish cousin. It also boasts a new delivery service, Delikate To You, with hot food orders being delivered across the city in Katie’s trademark pink cab.

Poochie Pies are £2.50 each. For more information or to make an order, visit delikate.co.uk or call 01244 677112.