I Went to a Dog Event Without Owning a Dog – and Loved Every Minute

You don’t need to own a dog to enjoy Pop+Bark – you just need to be a dog lover.

That was certainly the case for me when I headed to Revolución de Cuba in 12th Street, Milton Keynes, on Bank Holiday Monday, 31 August, for the Pop+Bark dog events. I don’t currently own a dog, but having grown up with Labradors, I’m always more than happy to spend some time around them – and this event was basically my idea of heaven.

Pop+Bark is the brainchild of Anushka Fernando and James Morgan, who came up with the idea after bringing their pug, Bertie, home in 2017. Bertie was suddenly paralysed and diagnosed with Hemivertebrae, requiring life-saving spinal surgery. His recovery meant he missed out on some important early socialisation, so when he was well enough to go for walks, Anushka and James started a local pug meet-up so he could meet and play with other dogs. That small gathering grew, eventually moving indoors to a local café – and Pug Café was born.

Fast-forward a few years and Pop+Bark has become a UK-wide business hosting breed-specific dog cafés, discos, parties and other canine experiences. The couple even appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2023, pitching their business to the Dragons. They asked for £35,000 in exchange for 5% of the company and received offers from Steven Bartlett and Touker Suleyman, although ultimately walked away without investment.

And honestly, having now experienced one of their events for myself, I can see exactly why the idea has taken off.

A dog lover's dream – even without a dog

The Milton Keynes event was split into six sessions throughout the day, each lasting 80 minutes, with Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Cockapoos, Cavaliers and Shih Tzus each getting their own time to socialise.

I arrived just in time to see the Cocker Spaniels heading out, stayed for the full Labrador session (obviously!) and then watched the queue of very excited Golden Retrievers waiting to get inside.

And this is where I think the event is particularly brilliant – you don't actually need to have a dog to go.

Pop+Bark actively welcomes dog lovers without their own four-legged friend, whether you simply love dogs, have lost your own, can't have one at home or just want to spend some time around your favourite breed.

So that's exactly what I did. I wandered around, fussed dogs, handed out the occasional treat and generally smiled from ear to ear.

Safety first

One thing that really stood out to me was how well organised the event was.

There was a member of staff on the door, with two sets of fencing at the entrance, creating a secure area for dogs coming in and out. Dogs weren't simply allowed to run through an open doorway, which gave owners – and dog-less visitors like me – plenty of reassurance.

The Pop+Bark team only allow dogs off their leads once the venue has been secured to prevent any escapees, and before the session ends, owners are asked to put their dogs back on their leads before everyone is allowed to leave. The company says it risk-assesses its events, dog-proofs venues and has trained staff and dog first-aid provision as part of its safety approach.

And Revolución de Cuba was a great venue for it. The space is large enough for the dogs to roam, explore and meet plenty of new friends without feeling too cramped.

Toys, treats and a Pupuccino Bar

Of course, no doggy day out would be complete without a few treats.

There were plenty of toys for the dogs to play with, lots of photo opportunities and Pop+Bark's famous Pupuccino Bar, which has served more than 30,000 Pupuccinos according to the company.

There was also an independent artisan dog treat and biscuit stall, Rudi's The Doggy Bakery, making sure there was something special available to take home for your pooch.

And while the dogs were clearly having the time of their lives, it wasn't just about them. What I loved most was watching the owners chatting, laughing and making genuine connections with other people who share their love of the same breed.

You can also grab yourself a coffee, soft drink or something from the bar while you soak up the atmosphere and watch the dogs do their thing.

Bella and Archie stole my heart

I got chatting to a couple of dogs – and their owners, obviously secondary, (sorry owners) – during my visit.

First there was Bella, a beautiful young Golden Labrador who was understandably a little nervous when she first arrived. She didn't want to leave her owners' side and seemed much happier staying close to them.

But give it about ten minutes.

Bella gradually gained confidence, headed off to explore and started enjoying herself, returning to her owners every now and again for a little check-in before heading back off to investigate what was happening around her.

Then I met Archie, a handsome Labrador-Collie cross. Archie was a Covid dog and hadn't experienced much interaction with other dogs during his early years, so he was much happier staying close to his owner.

He would venture off to explore when his owner got up and walked around, before settling back down nearby to watch everything happening around him.

And, naturally, Archie was a big fan of the treats. As all Labradors are.

I left with a huge smile

There was something genuinely lovely about this event.

Watching dogs meeting for the first time, tails wagging, playing together and exploring their surroundings was just incredibly joyful. And seeing their owners meeting other people, chatting and making connections was equally lovely.

I don't own a dog, but I've always been a dog person. There is something about being around them that just makes you feel good – and I genuinely left Revolución de Cuba feeling happier than when I arrived.

Maybe it was the wagging tails. Maybe it was the Labrador cuddles. Maybe it was the general chaos of dozens of very excited dogs in one room.

Whatever it was, I absolutely loved it.

And I'm already looking forward to getting my next dog fix.

Fancy a Christmas doggy day out?

The good news is that Pop+Bark will be back at Revolución de Cuba in Milton Keynes on 20th December, and this time it's going to be Christmas-themed. 🎄

If you're a dog owner, it's a chance for your four-legged friend to meet others of their breed and have a brilliant day out. If you're a dog lover without a dog, like me, you can still go along, soak up the atmosphere and get your fill of furry cuddles.

Just make sure you check the breed requirements and event rules before booking, as these can vary between events. Pop+Bark also has measures in place for dogs with allergies – including asking owners not to feed dogs wearing purple bandanas – so be sure to speak to the team when you arrive if this applies to your dog.

As for me?

I'll definitely be back.

I may not own a dog, but after spending an afternoon surrounded by Labradors, Golden Retrievers and plenty of other waggy-tailed friends, I think I've discovered one of my favourite ways to spend a Bank Holiday Monday.