Belgium can boast a first – and something that has nothing whatsoever to do with politics: a restaurant with a menu for dogs.

Le Toutou bar (the doggie bar) in Brussels is serving up dishes destined to delight the palate of even the most discerning dog.

The idea is the brainchild of Bernard Schol and his wife Houria Agalam, who have the licence to run the Pavillon Louis XV, a splendid building dating from 1745, owned by the local authority and which can be found in the Wolvendael park in the Belgian capital.

And its setting is what gave the couple the idea not only to cater for their regular clientele but to open it up to man’s best friend.

“We noticed that a number of people who had been in the park walking their dogs were dropping in for a drink,” Bernard said, adding, “But there was absolutely no provision made for their dogs.”

And it was with that thought in mind that the couple drew up a menu comprising not just specially concocted drinks but also food for hungry hounds.

There’s a choice of dishes from pasta or rice to vegetables, beef or chicken. All of them are high in fibre and low in salt. Just the ticket for panting pooches and their owners who’ve returned from a brisk walk or run around the park’s 18 hectares. And if that has left you feeling hungry you can also tuck in because, “All dishes are also suitable for human consumption.”

Mind you, perhaps it would be wise to give the beer a miss. “Red Dog” energy beer as it names implies, has been specifically brewed for pooches of all sizes with what is described as the “subtle taste of bone marrow”.

Le Toutou bar will remain open throughout the summer serving drinks and snacks to panting dogs and their owners.