By Kirsten Murray For Mailonline
Published: 09:56 EDT, 16 September 2023 | Updated: 10:00 EDT, 16 September 2023
He's never shied away from enjoying a loved-up outing with his bride-to-be.
But Damien Hirst appeared to be just as enamoured by his beloved pet dog as he enjoyed a romantic dinner date with his fiancée Sophie Cannell on Friday.
The art collector, 58, was fawning over his new puppy as he enjoyed a meal at his favourite restaurant ,Scott's in Mayfair.
He and Sophie were seen arriving for their low-key dinner, but it was clear that their canine was the star of the show, with the blonde beauty sweetly carrying and petting the pooch throughout the meal.
Later in the evening the pair were seen leaving the restaurant as they headed back home with their fur baby.
Cute: Damien Hirst, 58, was seen doting on his new pet chihuahua as he enjoyed a romantic dinner date with his fiancée Sophie Cannell, 29, at their favourite Mayfair restaurant on Friday
Their baby: The art collector and his bride-to-be brought along their new pet for their latest date night
The couple seemed to be wearing matching outfits as they both donned black tracksuit bottoms and white hoodies patterned with graphic lettering.
Damien also sported a white beanie hat as he slung a Louis Vuitton dog basket over his shoulder with the chihuahua's essentials.
After he burst on to the art scene in the 1990s with his controversial exhibitions, Hirst is said to be the UK's richest living artist, according to the Sunday Times Rich List.
So it is no surprise the pooch has ben spoiled with designer gear as Sophie carried it caringly in her arms.
It's not the first time Damien, who has an estimated fortune of £300 million, has been spotted engaging in a uncharacteristic display of affection.
Last month the star was also pictured at Scott's with the chihuahua as he snuggled up to the dog and gazed into its eyes as his other half fed treats to it.
Hirst, who wore a pale pink knitted beanie, later demonstrated his devotion to the dog by carrying it in a cross-body sling.
The father-of-three also seemed happy to carry its stuffed fox toy, fleece blanket and the Louis Vuitton pet carrier.
True love: The adorable pooch looked alert in its owner's arms as Damien held the dog close to his chest and snuggled up to his pet
Star of the show: Damien proudly held the dog in the air as he looked loving at his pet
Proud mum: Sophie was also seen smiling as she held and petted the pooch throughout the meal
Evening out: Clearly fawning over their new puppy the couple enjoyed a meal at the star's favourite restaurant Scott's in Mayfair
Adorable: The dog looked like it had fallen asleep on Damien during the meal
Twinning: The couple seemed to be wearing matching outfits as they both donned black tracksuit bottoms and white hoodies patterned with graphic lettering
Fluffy: The pooch looked ready for to get home to bed as they left the restaurant
Fashion: Damien sported a white beanie hat as he slung a Louis Vuitton dog basket over his shoulder with the chihuahua's essentials
Home time: Later in the evening the pair were seen leaving the restaurant as they headed back home with their fur baby
Until 2012, Damien lived with his American partner Maia Norman and their three sons in Devon.
He has been with Sophie for more than four years, and is believed to have met her while she was working as a waitress at the Chiltern Firehouse restaurant in London.
He declared his love for her last year in a predictably unconventional way – immortalising her in a sculpture, based on her body, as part of one of his four works for Richard Caring's new Mayfair restaurant Bacchanalia.
The artist has also gifted his fiancée a £166,600 18-carat gold Rolex Pearlmaster studded with 713 gems.