THE stunning sands at Winterton are a much-loved destination for dog walkers all the year round.

But out of the summer season, the raw East wind can make stopping for a tasty snack at the popular Dunes Cafe a chilly experience because it is too small to allow dogs inside.

Which is why proprietors Carmel Shiggins and husband Mick have built little cabins outside for canine customers and their owners to stay warm while they enjoy a latte and a snack after a bracing walk.

And it’s proved a huge hit, not just with dog owners, but with other guests. The jaunty blue and white-striped shelters with their doggy-themed décor have also featured in two magazines.

“Everybody loves them,” said Carmel. “We put them up not thinking they would be so popular. Now we’re thinking now we might need to get a couple more but we’re not sure where to put them.”

She explained: “A friend of mine saw some similar ones, not for dogs, outside a café in North Norfolk. She said it would be a really good idea for the dogs in the winter to get them out of the wind.”

Mick installed three sheds on the patio, nestled against the dunes and painted them like beach huts. The couple then equipped them with tables and chairs.

“Dogs aren’t allowed in the café. That’s the reason we’re doing this, so the people with dogs have somewhere to sit out of the wind and rain,” said Carmel.

“We’ve got awnings, but we’ve got the North Sea, we’ve got the wind and sometimes the rain comes in sideways.”

Within a few days customers were already raving about them on our Facebook page. “Fantastic - it's so nice that these doggie customers are allowed to bring their humans with them too,” said one.

Another wrote: “I want to be there now...stomps feet and paws..just love this place so so much..had so many happy times here!”

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