The Mayor of Gillingham has cut the ribbon and raised a toast to the new ‘pub’ at Fern Brook Lodge care home.

Councillor Fiona Cullen unveiled the new dog-themed ‘pub’ called ‘The Tipsy Terrier’, in the gardens of the home on Fern Brook Lane. She was joined by one of the home’s residents, David; Great British Bake Off star, Carole Edwards; Fern Brook Lodge’s Home Manager, Deb Wiltshire, and the home’s activities lead, Natasha Wilkins, to do the honours.

Afterwards, the Mayor said: ‘It’s great and so unique. I don’t think I’ve ever come across another care home with its own ‘pub’. People still want to feel a sense of normality when they move into the home, which Fern Brook Lodge enables as there is a hairdressing salon onsite and now a ‘pub’ as well.’

The ‘pub’ is open for residents to encourage them to socialise together while enjoying a range of drinks from behind the bar including Badger Beers and a range of pooch-themed mocktails such as ‘Paw-Squeezer Lemonade’ and ‘The Terrier Tonic.’

David, who lives at the care home, said: ‘It’s very nice. It serves beer which is the main thing. My job from age 10 was to get a jug of ale from the pub for Mum and Dad for Sunday lunch. As an adult, I used to like going for a G&T before lunch. Now I’m here, I can pop into the garden for a drink with the other residents.’

Fern Brook Lodge received generous donations and support from Hall & Woodhouse; The Paddocks wine bar and Shaun’s Hair Design in Blandford; Sydenhams Builders Merchants in Gillingham; Mandy Davis who helped to build the bar; and Palmers Brewery in Bridport.

Carole Edwards, who appeared on Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off, said: ‘It’s very quaint. It has proper beer as well. I could imagine myself sitting here with a nice drink with the residents on a lovely, sunny evening. I love the name of the “pub” as well.’

Fern Brook Lodge, which is part of the not-for-profit charity, Care South, provides residential, respite, and dementia care. The care home’s dedicated activities team runs a daily programme of events to encourage residents to socialise and make friends.

Deb Wiltshire, Home Manager of Fern Brook Lodge, said: ‘We’re absolutely thrilled to open The Tipsy Terrier for our residents to have a drink, relax, reminisce and enjoy each other’s company in a setting that feels familiar to them. At Care South, we love ensuring that the residents feel like this is a home from home for them and somewhere they can experience all the joys that life has to offer, which includes a “pub” where they can now sit and chat with their friends outdoors in our lovely garden.’

Visitors can enjoy complimentary cakes and hot drinks while experiencing the warm and friendly atmosphere at the home’s Welcome Wednesdays drop-in sessions which run from 2pm to 4pm each week.

Fern Brook Lodge also hosts Memory Café sessions every Thursday morning from 10am to 11 am for people living with dementia and their carers. There is no need to book – just drop in on the day.

For more information about the care services available at Fern Brook Lodge, go to care-south.co.uk or call 01747 449812.