When I open the Witches’ Cafe for Halloween photo shoots on October 17th, you won’t be the only visitors. I have staff members who shall also be in attendance – including this loyal Good Boy.
Meet Rex, the Ever Hungry Hound
Every café needs a loyal guardian, and at the Witches’ Café that role falls to Rex – though “loyal” might be stretching it, and “guardian” might be generous. Rex is, in fact, the Ever Hungry Hound: a skeletal dog whose hollow belly rumbles louder than the witches’ bubbling cauldrons.
From Flesh to Bone
Long ago, Rex was no ordinary hound. He belonged to a travelling peddler who made his living selling charms, stews, and secrets at the crossroads. Rex was always by his side, sniffing out meals and napping under tables. But when the peddler vanished one stormy night, Rex followed the scent of roasting pumpkin, paws dragging him to the crooked door of the Witches’ Café.
The witches welcomed him in, but by then his body was more bone than fur, his appetite more curse than need. They say he was too hungry to leave, and too enchanted by the aromas to pass on.
Soup Taster Extraordinaire
Now Rex never strays far from the cauldrons. He prowls between the tables, nose twitching at every new brew and bake, tail rattling like an old spoon in a tin cup. The witches claim his hollow belly makes him the perfect soup taster — nothing ever fills it, so there’s always room for more.
A Friend to All (Especially If You Drop a Crumb)
Though skeletal, Rex hasn’t lost his hound’s heart. Children find him less frightening than most of the Café’s patrons, often sneaking him “treats” of ghost marshmallows or bat-wing brownies. He laps them up happily, though they vanish straight through his ribcage.
Ever Hungry, Ever Here
Rex may no longer chase sticks or curl up by the fire, but in the Witches’ Café, he has found his forever home. Ever hungry, ever hopeful, and ever faithful to the bubbling cauldrons he guards, Rex has become part of the family.
And if you visit this October, don’t be surprised if you feel a cold nose nudge your hand — that’ll be Rex, politely asking if you plan on finishing that cupcake.
Halloween Photography in East Grinstead
Step into the magic of The Witches’ Café or wander through the Pumpkin Forest for this year’s Halloween mini sessions. These one-of-a-kind photo shoots are filled with spooky-cute details and make the perfect seasonal keepsake. These sessions will run from October 17-19 and spaces are limited.
