Belthorn has in the past had pubs (running into double figures), a shop, Co-operative shop and tea room, chip shop, newsagent, community centre…and we will never forget The Shed, but over the many years all have unfortunately disappeared. In November 2015, Belthorn could offer an excellent Italian restaurant (the award winning The Pack) and a Primary Academy School where some local meetings were held…and that was it. The heart of the village was beating, but only just.
Opportunities to do something about it are increasingly rare so when it became a possibility that the community could acquire The Dog Inn, then that opportunity had to be taken. The not inconsiderable mandate was to put the community back into the village via The Dog Inn by co-locating all the services and amenities that had long since disappeared.
We have already achieved refurbishing and opening a sustainable pub employing a number of local people, along with the newly refurbished restaurant being. We have Patricks Coffee Shop where a number of the village group meetings are now held, and we have a basic provisions shop. We have established meeting and community rooms in what was previously living accommodation, and are continuing the work developing the community gardens.
Our latest addition (December 2021) is two Electric Vehicle Charge Points, installed with the help of Charge My Street. These are available for local residents and pub customers to use. 
The village now boasts a vibrant village committee, a history society group and a craft and chat group all of which meet regularly in The Dog Inn.
dog themed cushions £5.00
Hand crafted cards for all occasions £3.00
We are also pleased to be able offer from the local community, a beautiful range of local hand crafted greetings cards for all occasions as well as hand made “dog themed” cushions.