Successful ‘pug cafe’ concept sniffs out expansion with second site in Manchester

CuppaPug, which launched in London in 2022 and sees customers travel from all over the globe to visit, is due to expand by opening its next site in Manchester this week.

The bright pink, “vibrant haven” is a pug playground, where families, couples and individuals can come along to spend time with CuppaPugs’ resident pugs, while dining out on pug-themed smoothies, milkshakes, coffees, teas and cakes.

After seeing the original CuppaPug, on London’s Arbutus Street, sky-rocket over the past two years, owners Aaron Carty and Matt Pieterse decided to offer double the cuteness, with the launch of their new site on Chapel Street, in Manchester.

The idea of CuppaPug came about from the aim to create a safe and nurturing community around pugs, working with charities and organisations that rescue and rehome them, while educating owners. CuppaPug was founded by partners Aaron Carty and Matt Pieterse. 

Aaron is an ex-police officer, turned Digital Media Producer, Entrepreneur, and successful International Drag Queen performer for the ‘Beyonce Experience’, as seen on Britain’s Got Talent and UK Black Pride. Matthew is a professional actor known for Channel 4’s Bleach, Subway Casanova advert, and short film Mild Thing. 

Aaron commented: “Our inspiration was to create an environment, a pug playground where the pugs can play and people can safely engage with the pugs. We want our customers to have an instant smile on their faces as they enter CuppaPug, we want them to feel the warmth and joy that pugs can bring and feel that spike in pleasure from hugging a pug.”

As well as the pug-themed decor, cosy corners and delightful food and drinks, CuppaPug merchandise is available too, including accessories, mugs, t-shirts and tote bags.

With pug welfare at the centre of the concept, CuppaPug works closely with three charity partners National Pug Protection Trust, Manchester Pug Thing and Pug Life Rescue, where £1 from each booking is donated towards the rescue and rehoming of pugs. 

The CuppaPug team down in London have been extremely proud to have raised over £13k since opening.

Matt continued: “CuppaPug’s vision is to firstly amplify the education of owning a dog, the responsibility and commitment it takes, continuing to share our pugs with people to bring them joy, help with mind wellness and mental health and rescue pugs.

“We’re thrilled to be opening in Manchester. It has an amazing pug community and its own non-profit organisation ‘Manchester Pug Thing’ that we wanted to help, not only with regular donations but to amplify the organisation and the work they do.”