Artisan dog bakery opens in Edwinstowe following Newark and Sherwood District Council's renovation of disused building

A new bakery for dogs has opened in a formerly-disused building renovated by a council.

Ruby and Sophia’s Dog Bakery, an award-winning artisan dog treat bakery and pet outfitters, has welcomed customers to the Gateway Lodge in Edwinstowe.

The lodge is a formerly-disused building based at Forest Corner in Edwinstowe, which was refurbished by Newark and Sherwood District Council.

Danielle Louise Downs, owner of Ruby and Sophia’s Dog Bakery, said: “We are an independent award-winning artisan dog bakery; all our dog treats are handmade. We specialise in wheat and gluten-free dog treats, a sensitive tummy range, pup cakes, birthday cakes, dognuts and a dog ice cream parlour. We also have a themed party area to host dog parties.

“Our dog treats have also been featured in several TV dramas and movies. We are qualified in dog nutrition and only use the best human-grade ingredients.

“Obtaining this unique building has been a very seamless process and we couldn't wait to move in and be part of the community. It’s great to have so many local independent retailers here at Forest Corner.”

Also based at Forest Corner is the Sherwood Forest Arts and Craft Centre, which lies in the beautifully-converted coach house and stables of the former Edwinstowe Hall.

The centre hosts 16 different studios and has its own café with internal and external seating serving both hot and cold handmade food.

Rhona Holloway, portfolio holder for economic development and visitors, said: “Following a traumatic two years for retailers post pandemic, it’s great to see independent businesses thriving in our towns and markets and having a new business opening at our Arts and Crafts Visitor Centre is great news.

“We want to continue to promote the importance of supporting our local retailers by encouraging as many residents as possible to shop locally and we provide our business with a range of different support, information and useful training courses through our Invest Newark and Sherwood team.”