13 Places for You and Your Dog to Visit in London
We’ve heard London is going to the dogs – or rather, the dogs are coming to the capital.
How so?
Well, savvy pubs, restaurants, hotels, cinemas and even spas have cottoned on to the fact there’s a whole new market out there for entertaining our canine buddies, and especially in London where singletons, in particular, want to be seen out and about with their pooch. Why, some of those venues are even incredibly decadent – a doggy tea in Claridges, darling?
Here are some of our favourites:
1. Tea at the Egerton, Knightsbridge
It’s total treat time here for you and your pooch, thanks to the fact the staff here dogs. You’ll be greeted on arrival by Milly, the Jack Russell maitre’d. You can tuck into some salmon sandwiches together and afterwards your canine friend can look forward to a delivery of Lily’s Kitchen treats.
2. Brown Dog, Barnes
Pop into this pub and order a pint for yourself and a pig’s ear for Fido. Yes, they really do sell these behind the bar.
3. The Rubens at the Palace
Stay here overnight and your dog can tuck into a canine hamper. Burn off the calories by going for a run afterwards in 58 acres of woodlands and grass at the nearby St James’s Park. Then, treat your four legged friend to the hotel’s dog grooming service.
4. Rooftop Film Club, Peckham
Go and watch , 101 Dalmatians or, if you’ve already seen these, another dog-friendly screening at this fabulous film club where the two of you can cuddle up and console each other at the weepy parts.
5. Old Spitalfields Market, Spitalfields
When you both get fed-up with lunching at the capital’s luxury establishments, head on down to Old Spitalfields to see what the commoners eat at the many dog-friendly cafes and restaurants.
6. Mungo and Maud, Belgravia
Your dog will be keen to check out the latest canine accessories at this specialist boutique, where doggie treats are also on offer.
7. Westminster Abbey, Westminster
Yes, it’s all very well, hanging out at upmarket diners and posh hotels, but how about giving your pooch’s cultural knowledge a boost by going for a tour of Westminster Abbey.? Just make sure he or she stays on the lead and it’s all good. And on that note…
8. The Society Club Bookshop, Soho
Wile away an hour or two in the afternoon by checking out the latest literary releases with your pooch at this gorgeous old bookshop.
9. L’Escargot, Soho
Maitre’d of the members-only club at this French fine dining establishment is Doris, the English Bulldog. Your pooch can tuck into the free canine food and chews while you enjoy a glass of chilled white wine and admire all the dog portraits lining the walls. And … dogs eat for free on Sundays.
10. Hyde Park, Westminster
Clip on a waist belt, secure a harness to your canine buddy and attach him to you via a bungee-style lead. Then go Cani-crossing along the pathways of this fabulous central London park.
11. Shake Shack, Covent Garden
This splendid pizza eatery even has a section on its menu for your canine friend to peruse (just remember to take their reading specs). Highlights include Pooch-ini frozen vanilla custard with peanut butter sauce) and red velvet dog biscuits.
12. Doga, Fulham
It’s not only humans who need to stretch; our canine buddy can benefit from a bit of Ashtanga Yoga too, insist the owners of this club, known as DogaMahny. You know you want too…
13. The Pet Spa, Fulham
Get your dog looking his or her best at this upmarket grooming parlour. And how about a stylish jacket to show off that new hair-do too?
So many places, so little time….
