The Rye

Another jaunt in South East London, and another marvellous discovery for POTD.  Aptly named for a pub sitting on the edge of Peckham Rye Common, The Rye is far bigger than most pubs but still manages to feel as friendly and welcoming as anywhere you'll find.

I have to fess up to never having visited The Rye before its recent makeover and reopening earlier in the year, so I can't comment on how it has changed in the last few years, but whoever is behind the current set up has made a very good job of it indeed.  It feels like a proper drinking pub, but it's also got a great menu that seems to change almost daily.  They succeed in offering really hearty food without charging a fortune through sheer imagination and a range of dishes that doesn't include many of the well-trodden clichés of modern day pub food.

Cliché free gratin dauphinois with wild mushrooms

The staff are very friendly and dogs are well looked after with water and the odd treat for the well-behaved.

Post lunch slump

Better still for sportsfans, The Rye has all the big games on TV, but not in a way that ruins the afternoon for everyone else.  Add a selection of board games to the mix and you have something close to the perfect Sunday afternoon...

31 Peckham Rye, London, SE15 3NX 

http://www.theryepeckham.com/

Petitou

We came across Petitou whilst on our travels in South East London, and hopefully Paws on the doors will be reporting more regularly from this part of the world before too long.

On a drizzly morning there's no better place to be than behind the big glass windows looking out with the warm glow from an oversized plate of scrambled eggs and a cup of coffee.

The staff are very friendly and there's enough space for dogs to stretch out and relax.

If it it hadn't been such a horrendous day we'd have certainly enjoyed sitting outside and watching the world go by on this peaceful leafy corner of South East London.

63 Choumert Road, Peckham, SE15 4AR

The Swan

Sunday just gone was a very fine day indeed.  Blue skies and bright sunshine meant that we spent as much of the day as possible outside.  But we did find ourselves with an invitation to lunch at The Swan in Chiswick from our good friend Moet (winner of the waggiest tail contest at Chiswick House Dog Show just a few weekends ago, now a minor celebrity in these parts.)

One swan, many dogs

The Swan is in fact quite a long way from the river so you are unlikely to see any real swans there, but there are plenty of dogs.  In fact I'd go as far as to say that of all the dog friendly places we've visited in the last year or so, this is the one place where you might feel a bit left out if you don't have a hound in tow.  

"Will one portion of bangers and mash be enough?"

The Swan looks like a proper pub.  Oak panelling, the original stained-glass windows, and a roaring fire inside give it a timeless charm. 

No UPVC in sight

There's a garden that's full of life at the back.  Hanging baskets and window boxes at the front of the pub are well tended, and the patrons are decent enough not to use them as ashtrays.

The menu is full of variety.  Everything that comes out of the kitchen looks like the result of a bit of imagination.   We had an excellent pork terrine as a starter, followed by home made fishcakes and bangers and mash which were both very good.  The Sunday Roast seemed a justifiably popular choice.  

Being as it was such a nice day we had lunch and then went to make the most of the remainder of the afternoon, but we could quite easily have whiled away the rest of the day on the battered sofas by the fire which will be an inviting prospect in the months ahead...

1 Evershed Walk, 119 Acton Lane, Chiswick, W4 5HH

http://www.theswanchiswick.co.uk/

Pubs dogs love

You might have seen the front cover of Time Out last week:

All well and good, but they forgot to mention whether any of them were dog-friendly or not.  Therefore here's my definitive top 10:

North

The Hollybush Inn, Hampstead: Cosy fireside drinking and quality meaty stodge like sausage rolls and pies.  

The Wells, Hampstead: A great spot after running about on Hampstead Heath.  Dog treats on the menu and a wonderful sun-trap.

South

The East Hill, Wandsworth: Great food and dog treats on the menu.  Now that's what I call customer service.

The Fox and Grapes, Wimbledon: An old favourite with excellent food and a warm welcome after a bracing afternoon hunting for Wombles.

East

The Albion, Barnsbury: Great garden in the summer and delicious hearty food like pot roast chicken and whole roast leg of lamb.

Sadly we haven't spent enough time out East to make further recommendations, but Paws on the doors will be there before too long to make sure that we will be better placed to do so.

West

The Dove, Hammersmith: Enjoy the evening rays during the summer or get cosy by the fire during the winter months.

The Atlas, West Brompton: Oak panelled cosyness and a nice fire in winter.  Great homespun food and nothing pretentious...

The Chamberlayne, Kensal Rise: King of steak, master of bearnaise sauce.  I require very little to convince me for a trip North by Northwest.

Wild cards (not quite London)

The Griffin, Fletching: Just over an hour in the car on a good day.  The perfect escape from the city.  Imaginative food and cosy rooms.  If you're planning on staying overnight do warn them that you are bringing a hound...

The King John Inn, Tollard Royal: Homely pub and well-proportioned rooms with extra comfortable beds.  In the middle of nowhere - very quiet, and brilliant for it.

So there you have it.  We'll publish an updated top 10 at the same time next year.

Tapped and Packed Coffee

It's doggycinos all round at No. 26 Rathbone Place.  One of three Tapped and Packed Coffee shops in the West End, it's a welcome respite from the travails of Oxford Street, where dogs really don't get much of a warm welcome.

"Mine's a yak's milk macchiato. Drink in..."

At Tapped and Packed Coffee they couldn't be more hospitable.  Calm, cool people make the coffee and throughout the day there are excellent eats for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.  

Repeat visits suggest that the ham and cheese croissants will see off any mid-morning tummy rumbles, the banana bread is world class, and the Victoria sponge well worth the consequent mid-afternoon dip in productivity as all the blood rushes to your stomach to deal with the onslaught of sugar.

26 Rathbone Place, W1T 1JD

114 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 5AH

193 Wardour street, W1F 8ZF

http://www.tapcoffee.co.uk/

Brown Dog

Well it would be a silly name for a pub if it wasn’t dog friendly.  Actually the Brown Dog is more than dog-friendly it’s frankly dog-adoring and judging by some other reviews out there this gets right up the nose of that strange breed of people that think a pub with food is no place for a hound.  The pub dog, Willow, is as welcoming a landlady as you’re ever likely to find and much classier than most!  I imagine the Polaroid pictures of regulars that makes up the Rogue’s Gallery – canine only – was her idea.  Presumably they have their usual basket at the end of the bar and a special pewter water bowl reserved just for them, I like to think that Teazle aspires to being a regular somewhere and now I’ve got the theme tune to Cheers stuck in my head.

Anyway, back to the Brown Dog.  Tucked away down a residential side street in deepest Barnes, it isn’t the easiest place to find, but the fact that it’s close to the river and not far from Richmond Park makes this a great spot for warming up after a long walk.  The menu is pretty interesting with plenty of choice and some more adventurous options than your bog standard pub but for those unconvinced by the gastro-pub revolution you’ll be pleased to hear that this place also has a great bar area with plenty of tables for anyone just looking for a quiet pint without the fancy food…

All in all a good little find that we stumbled on purely by chance one dreary evening.

28 Cross Street, SW13 OAP

http://www.thebrowndog.co.uk/

Charley Chau

Whilst doing some early present shopping at the Spirit of Christmas fair (an event highly unsuitable for dogs, and capable of testing the resolve of most human beings too...) we came across a stall belonging to the rather excellent Charley Chau.

Set up by sisters Christine and Jenny just over two years ago, Charley Chau make all kinds of dog accessories, including handmade wicker baskets, pure new wool blankets, Italian calf leather collars in imaginative colours, and their star product - the snuggle bed.  For those of you struggling to imagine what a snuggle bed might be it's essentially a big soft pillow with a toasty pocket that dogs can crawl into for a really cosy night's sleep.  (Those still struggling to imagine, watch this)

Teasel has added a snuggle bed to the top of her Christmas list, but I haven't had the courage to tell her that I'll be commissioning a bespoke on that I can sleep in before I buy one for her...

http://www.charleychau.com/

The Brown Cow

A new and welcome addition to a stretch of the Fulham Road that’s always lacked a nice local place with good food.  The Brown Cow is a sister pub to the Sands End (reviewed here some months ago) and it’s certainly keeping up with it’s big sister when it comes to food and might even be surpassing her on the décor front.  

It’s a cosy corner spot, not really a pub – it’s definitely more on the gastro side - but it was warm and welcoming on a particularly nasty late October evening. 

"More Scotch Eggs, please"

Teazle was keen on the home made Scotch Eggs and was pleased to be offered a big bowl of water.  After a taste of the Rib Eye she stretched out under the table for an hours’ kip while we polished off a few bottles of red in preparation for the cold walk home.

676 Fulham Road, SW6 5SA

http://www.thebrowncowpub.co.uk/

The High Road Brasserie

We set out to visit fabled Pizza spot Franco Manca having heard great things about it, but we got them on a bad day.  It was chaotic, the staff were fairly unfriendly, and didn't seem at all interested in helping to seat us on a table away from the road and in a place where a dog would be happy and not get in the way.  In fact once they saw that we had a dog they kind of lost interest in helping us at all.  We were offered a table closest to the door (as ever the busiest, most inconvenient place for a dog to be) on the promise that it would be cleared shortly, but nobody seemed to be in any rush to do so.

So we gave up and walked a few doors down Chiswick High Road to The High Road Brasserie where the staff were twice as busy but one hundred times more friendly and helpful, making the rushed folks at Franco Manco look rather silly.  If you come here with a dog you'll have to sit outside, but don't let that put you off.

We were given a table in a quiet spot where our dog could sit in peace, and the waiting staff were quick to say hello and offer us all a drink.

The food was great.  Small tapas plates as a starter (3 for £12) and a very generous bavette for just £9 made for a very economical night out.  

It was a warm evening and we decided to stroll home, passing Franco Manca. Still not that busy. Still looking distinctly unfriendly.

162-166 Chiswick High Road, W4 1PR

http://brasserie.highroadhouse.co.uk/

The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen

Today the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen will take the World Stage as the Olympic open water swimmers splash past it at great speed.

It deserves a mention as a great dog-friendly spot if you're walking through the Hyde Park.  All kinds of hot and cold drinks, delicious breakfast for early risers, and a well stocked bar for sundowners, there's no finer place for watching wild fowl coming and going on the Serpentine.  Particular highlights include Swans taking off and Canada Geese attacking tourists...

Dogs are welcome on the large terrace but not allowed inside, and there are sections covered by a canopy that looks kind of spacey in case it's raining. Drinking bowls are always full and the staff are very friendly.

Serpentine Road, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH

http://www.serpentinebarandkitchen.com/index-ser

The Orange

Pimlico leaves dog owners facing something of a dilemma.  Acres of residential streets dotted with expensive restaurants, very few of which are dog-friendly.

The Orange is a welcome exception.  Technically a pub, but highly accomplished if you are nice bar snack or a sit down meal, The Orange is friendly and buzzing throughout the year.  In summer there are tables on the pavement that get sun until mid-evening. Sit there with your dog and a glass of rose and wait for a break in the traffic along Pimlico Road and you might even believe that you are in Provence (you'll probably have to close your eyes too.)

It's a very dog-friendly place.  The staff are always keen to come and say hello to new faces and will offer you a dog bowl and some water even if you don't ask for it.

The only thing that you might need to be careful about is the proximity of Pimlico Road - unless your hound is very well behaved it would be unwise to let them off the lead here...

37 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8NE

http://www.theorange.co.uk

The Sands End Pub

The Sands End has gained a reputation for really excellent food and wine in recent years, but despite that it still has the atmosphere of a good old friendly pub.  Dogs are made to feel very welcome and usually you are allowed to sit anywhere.


There are a few tables outside on the pavement which are good for sunny afternoons and warm evenings.  Inside it's cosy and homely.  There's an area that feels more restauranty towards the back, but we felt like sitting near the bar where there happened to be several other dogs.  The staff were very eager to please and seemed really happy to see a four-legged customer with a wet nose and a waggy tail.


If you're anything like us you'll find the range of bar snacks particularly exciting - large sausage rolls and other home-made treats that should be consumed in moderation by both dogs and their owners!




135-137 Stephendale Road, London, SW6 2PR


http://www.thesandsend.co.uk/

The Cat's Back

When there's live music on the Cat's Back could be a little overwhelming for dogs, but at any other time a it's a rewarding experience.

The whole place feels very genuine.  There's always some interesting real ale on tap, most of it local.  An assortment of interesting furniture and a roaring coal fire ensure that the atmosphere is anything but sterile.  


It's cosy and welcoming in a way that so many places struggle to be in the era of the soulless gastropub makeover.

The food feels equally unfussy - it's all genuine pub food and the hearty roast on Sundays is generous and not too pretentious.

There always seem to be a few dogs around, making for a sociable environment that feels positively dog-friendly rather than just being dog-tolerant.  Hats off to the Cat's Back...


86-88 Point Pleasant, Wandsworth, London SW18 1PP


http://www.thecatsback.com/

The Elgin

The area around Ladbroke Grove Station feels unpromising for dog owners until you step into The Elgin. 


Another Geronimo Inn (see here and here), The Elgin does excellent pub food and dogs are welcome, no matter where you want to sit inside. Just be careful not to position yourself too close to the drum kit on live music nights!


The recent refurbishment is particularly sympathetic to our four-legged friends with warm carpeted areas proving a more attractive proposition than wooden flooring on cold blustery days.


And in the summer months the outside tables on both sides are excellent for people-watching.

96 Ladbroke Grove, London, W11 1PY http://www.geronimo-inns.co.uk/theelgin/

The King John Inn

There are many good things to say about this quiet spot on the Wiltshire/Dorset border.


Although not all of the rooms are dog friendly, as long as you let them know in advance, bringing a dog for an overnight stay shouldn't be a problem. 


A very cosy dog blanket and water bowl will be waiting for you on arrival, and the rooms are simply top-notch. The large comfy bed and enormous bath tub were memorable features on a wet and cold weekend.


The restaurant is 100% dog friendly and the wafts of delicious gamey dishes come out of the kitchen door with suitable regularity to make stopping at the bar for a quiet drink nigh-on impossible.


There's a roaring fire and ample space for dogs who like to stretch out on the floor.  Winos should note that the King John Inn has an excellent cellar, and a wine shop on site should you find anything so good that you want to take it home.


The surrounding area is great for walking with the rolling green hills of Cranborne Chase all around you and the bracing sea air of Lulworth Cove about half an hour away by car.


The King John Inn, Tollard Royal, Wiltshire, SP5 5PS

http://www.kingjohninn.co.uk/

Snappy Snaps - King's Road

Whilst out and about we decided that we'd like to get some photos developed. Thinking that I'd probably have to leave the dog in the car I stuck my head around the door of Snappy Snaps in Chelsea and asked if we could both come in.  "Of course, but it'll cost you 20% extra" replied the owner with a wry smile, ushering us in.  


Clearly he was joking about the 20% but he was more than happy for us to both sit and use the digital printing machine and at no point were we made to feel like we were in the way of other customers on a busy Saturday afternoon.


It's a refreshing attitude - a sense of "why not" towards dog-owners that is rare on the high street.


We're not sure if this is Snappy Snaps policy, so will have to try out some other branches, but for the time being head for the Kings Road for dog-friendly photographic services.


170 King's Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4UP


http://www.snappysnaps.co.uk/stores/chelsea

Love and transportation

One of the main issues with including your dog in everything you do in life is that getting to places that are too far to walk to can be very problematic. 


Crowded tube carriages.  Hostile passengers who think that dog owners have less right to be there than them. 


Bus drivers who pretend that dogs aren't allowed on buses. 


Minicab drivers who insist that they are allergic to dogs and ask you to call someone else...as far as I'm aware pet allergies affect a relatively small proportion of people, and yet they all seem to have got jobs driving minicabs!  


And then there are those crafty cabbies who try to charge extra for transporting a dog. 


Aside from standing your ground on public transport (well behaved dogs don't really trouble anyone, right) the only service that Paws on the doors can honestly recommend is Addison Lee. It's always best to tell them that you're travelling with a dog when you book, and we've found that in 90% of cases the drivers make no fuss.


And because their cars are bigger than the average minicab, there's always room on the floor for a dog to sit comfortably and safely.


Good luck! 


http://www.addisonlee.com/

The Dock Kitchen

Set in a Victorian Wharf building beside the Regent's Canal the Dock Kitchen is a great eatery, and best of all it's dog friendly.


The building itself is beautifully restored - with the original iron rafters, wooden roof, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows.  On a wet Monday evening we rather enjoyed sitting in the warm watching the rain coming down on the other side of the glass.


The menu is exciting and different, and the wine list has something for everyone.  The service is attentive but not suffocating and the staff are thoughtful to the needs of dog-owners, seating us in a corner so that we didn't have to worry about Teasel tripping anyone up as she stretched out on the floor.  They were also quick to offer her a large earthenware bowl full of water to ensure that she didn't feel left out.


Had we not visited on a night of such inclement weather we would certainly have made use of the outdoor terrace which gets evening sun and has splendid urban views of West London.

Portobello Docks  344/342 Ladbroke Grove, London W10 5BU http://www.dockkitchen.co.uk/

Chiswick House

Once the setting for Lord Burlington's summer parties, Chiswick House is now a wonderful spot for walkies.  The gardens were re-opened to the public in 2010 and are beautiful to visit at any time of year.  


A complete lap of the gardens reveals a great variety of trees and plant life and plenty of fun for dogs, including the chance to chase squirrels up trees (keep your dog on a lead if you think it's got a realistic chance of catching one).  


There are always other dogs about so it's not hard to find someone to enjoy a game with, as long as you don't stray into the "dogs on leads" area by the Italian Garden.


And once you're exhausted, the cafe's not bad either.  They serve excellent breakfast sandwiches and all the usual tea and cake that you might require later in the day.  


Burlington Lane, London, W4 2RP


http://www.chgt.org.uk/index.asp

The Chamberlayne

The Chamberlayne simply never has a bad day.


The food is excellent yet unpretentious.  


The service is fast but you never feel rushed.


They have a great sun-lit terrace for warm summer evenings.  When the glow of the sun has gone there are patio heaters to stop you feeling cold.


Inside there's interesting furniture and a good mix of upright seats for eating and sofas if you want something more laid-back.


Best of all they are unfalteringly kind to dogs, who are welcome everywhere except in the restaurant area directly in front of the kitchen.  But when you book a table you have the choice between sitting there and staying bar-side.  


Water comes in big bone-shaped bowls that tell you that they actively welcome dogs rather than just tolerating them.


After a day of dog-unfriendliness here and here we felt glad to return, once again, to the reliable old spot on Chamberlayne Road...

83 Chamberlayne Road  London, Greater London NW10 3ND http://www.thechamberlayne.com/

The Duke of Clarence

Sister pub to the East Hill (recently reviewed here http://bit.ly/Ki6GEY), the Duke of Clarence is another top spot for a long lunch.


They do a great Sunday roast and the mix of comfy seats and newspapers on hand guarantees that you'll be in no rush to leave.


Dogs are well looked after with water bowls and treats on hand.  And for dogs who like to watch sport on TV there are plenty of big screens, although some of them are perhaps a little high up for those of diminutive stature.


148 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London, SW5 0BE 


http://www.geronimo-inns.co.uk/thedukeofclarence/

The Wells

The Wells in Hampstead is an ideal stop after a long walk around the Heath.  


In winter (or on one of these joyous wet June afternoons that we seem to be enjoying in abundance at the moment) The Wells is cosy enough inside to fool you into thinking that there's an open fire, even though there isn't.


When summertime eventually comes you can sit outside and enjoy the fading sunshine.


The menu is excellent and, most excitingly, it features a selection of doggy snacks to keep everyone happy.  But there's no guarantee that your dog won't take an interest in your food too, particularly the chips...


The Wells, 30 Well Walk, London, NW3 1BX


http://www.thewellshampstead.co.uk/ 

Vagabond

There are many good things to say about Vagabond.  I'll get to the point:


1. They serve all sorts of wine by the glass and it's all jolly good. 


2. They serve great bread, olives, cold meat, and cheese to offset the wine.


3. The owners are very welcoming and love having dogs around.  There are tables in the sun outside and comfortable sofas scattered about inside with plenty of nice spots for dogs who like to laze around.


Just make sure that wagging tails don't knock over anything vintage...


18-22 Vanston Place, London, SW6 1AX


http://www.vagabondwines.co.uk/

p.s. At the moment Vagabond only stays open until 9, but once you've visited you'll surely be persuaded to sign the petition to extend their opening hours a little later.

The East Hill

The East Hill guarantees a warm welcome for dogs.  Despite the restaurant/pub split dogs are allowed anywhere and there's a big jar of treats behind the bar for hungry hounds.

The menu is good if you want to stay for lunch or supper and it's a relaxing place to be for dogs to spend a couple of hours, with rugs on the floor and plenty of good spots to cosy up in.  And on warmer days the outside terrace is a great sun trap.

The East Hill, 21 Alma Road, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1AA

http://www.geronimo-inns.co.uk/theeasthill/

The Fox and Grapes

After a recent makeover the Fox and Grapes has become less of a drinking pub and more of a restaurant, but without forgetting about folk who still want to come for a quick drink with their dog in tow.


Hidden away near Cannizaro Park, you wouldn't necessarily stumble across the Fox and Grapes, but once you get there you'll want to stay.  The atmosphere is warm and on cold winter days a heavy velvet curtain is drawn across the front door to keep the elements out.  Muddy wellies are no problem at all and dogs are always greeted with a bowl of water and even the occasional treat.


Great Uncle Bulgaria and Orinoco are often seen propping up the bar...


9 Camp Road, Wimbledon Common, London, SW19 4UN


http://www.foxandgrapeswimbledon.co.uk/

Petersham Nurseries Cafe

A first for Paws on the doors this week.  We found ourselves having lunch in the rarefied atmosphere of a Michelin starred restaurant.  I'm not sure how many restaurants there are who have joined such distinguished ranks and still allow dogs in, but Petersham Nurseries Cafe does.


I don't think there's any need for me to tell anyone just how wonderful the food at Petersham Nurseries is.  See here, here, and here for lengthy critical acclaim.


You cannot imagine a more welcoming place to come as a dog owner.  The staff we're thrilled to see that we had decided not to leave our lurcher in the car and we were given a great table in the heart of the action.  Sprawling out in a nice comfy spot on the earthy floor in the middle of the glasshouse, Teasel was given a big bowl of water and advised by the waitress to keep her ear cocked for the prospect of any Michelin-starred titbits from above!


Needless to say, we'd love to come here for lunch every day of the week...

Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane, Off Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7AG

http://petershamnurseries.com/

Tinto Coffee

Tinto Coffee is a great spot for refuelling after a walk around Bishop's Park or down by the river.


The front room feels busy and bustling, and the back room is more of a place for relaxing and taking your time, with old theatre seats and plenty of room for people to read the paper and for dogs to snooze.


There are a few seats on the paved area outside which get sun for most of the day, and if your prefer the shade there's a leafy garden with benches and a menagerie of different chairs and tables.


Light snacks and coffee are excellent, and there's always water for dogs.  If you're in the mood for spoiling your four-legged friend call into Bishop's Bark on your way to Tinto Coffee for first rate treats and chews.


411 Fulham Palace Road, Fulham, London SW6 6SX

The Dove

The Dove is hidden away on the edge of Furnival Gardens and is a natural stopping off point on a riverside walk.  Dating back to the 17th Century, it lacks nothing in terms of character and charm.

It's cosy inside, and on a cold day the best spot is in the front bar by the fire where there are plenty of good places for a dog to curl up.  During the summer months head for the riverside terrace, which is bright, colourful, and particularly atmospheric at dusk.


The food is both affordable and very good - the menu feels somewhat less formulaic than you'll find in most pubs.  And it goes without saying that there are plenty of water bowls for thirsty dogs.


19 Upper Mall, London, W6 9TA.


http://www.fullers.co.uk/rte.asp?id=4&itemid=84&task=View 

The Hampshire Hog

King Street, Hammersmith, is never going to be the most charming part of town.  It's a bit too much of a busy thoroughfare for a relaxing stroll, and the area feels more functional than it does atmospheric.  


But hidden somewhere between the monolithic concrete Town Hall complex and the line of kebab shops that takes you towards Chiswick High Road there's a spot that's well worth visiting - the Hampshire Hog.


It's a pub with a more formal restaurant, and although dogs aren't allowed in the restaurant there's no shortage of space in the bar and the large, leafy back garden.


There are plenty of cosy corners for dogs to curl up and snooze, and the staff seem to like having four-legged customers.  When we went Teasel managed to find a nice spot beneath one of several old church pews.  Water (in proper drinking bowls) is provided on request. 


The food here is excellent - interesting things to graze on like rillettes, and lots of more substantial things too.


It's also worth noting that the Hampshire Hog is just five minutes from Ravenscourt Park, so it's the perfect retreat after a long walk...


The Hampshire Hog, 227 King Street, London W6 9JT.


http://www.thehampshirehog.com/ 

Bishops Bark

The kind folks at Bishops Bark provide grooming, day care, and extra long walks for dogs of all kinds.  Although the shop is not vast, they have all kinds accessories and treats on sale.


At the back of the shop is a grooming parlour and a decked garden where day care visitors can hang out.  The dogs are never caged or shut away - they are left to their own devices to potter around the garden (very secure, no danger of escape) and are encouraged to interact with the other dogs.  The owners are relaxed, friendly, and do everything they can to take good care of their visitors.


Full daycare starts at 10am and runs through to 6pm, but a pick up and drop-off service is available if you're not able to make it to the shop in person at these times.


Half days and the walking service are good options too and the whole operation is very flexible so you should be able to come to some kind of arrangement that suits your needs.


Bishops Bark, 353 Fulham Palace Road, SW6 6TB.


http://www.bishopsbark.com/

The Hoste Arms

Burnham Market is a short drive from some of the most enjoyable coastal walks in North Norfolk.  Brancaster Beach, Burnham Overy Staithe, and Holkham Sands are no more than a few miles away and between them they offer such a variety of different views and wildlife-spotting opportunities that you could spend weeks in this part of the world and not get bored.  On the edge of the village green, at the heart of Burnham Market, is a dog-friendly classic: The Hoste Arms.


Not all rooms at the Hoste are suitable for dogs, so you may need to book early in order to avoid disappointment, but whichever room you end up in you are guaranteed something that is distinctively decorated and as cosy as anything you could imagine.


The bar and roughly half of the restaurant area is open to hounds, and there's always a bowl of water and a handful of biscuits for those who ask nicely.  There's excellent food (especially the set menu that's often included in midweek deals), good local ales, and an extensive wine list.  


If you're there in summer the outdoor tables looking out onto the village green are the perfect place to spend a warm evening. In the winter months there are several large fireplaces to thaw out walkers chilled to the bone by the North Sea air.


http://www.hostearms.co.uk/ 


The Hoste Arms, The Green, Burnham Market, Norfolk, PE31 8HD

Graig Wen, Snowdonia

Situated on the sloping southern shore of the Mawwdach estuary, Graig Wen offers idyllic camping, self-catering accommodation and cosy B&B rooms.


We stayed in the bell tent that's hidden away at the top end of the site - it's well-equipped with everything that you need for cooking as well as mattresses and camp beds for up to four people, but you'll need to bring your own bedding.  There are showers and all the usual facilities down by the main house and a shop selling everything from dog treats to wine.


Dolgellau is the nicest of the nearby towns and has everything you need in terms of shops, and a few nice restaurants and cafes, so is well worth a visit.


Dogs stay for free as long as they are well behaved and don't sleep on the beds.

Sneaking off for a nap...

The walking around Graig Wen is excellent: the Mawwdach trail is a comfortable stroll, and for the more intrepid many of the surrounding peaks are over 2,000 feet high so if you're lucky enough to get a clear day you should be rewarded with astonishing views of Snowdonia and the Irish Sea.


http://www.graigwen.co.uk/index.php   


Graig Wen, Arthog, Nr Dolgellau, LL39 1BQ.  t: 01341 250482

The Marwood Coffee Shop

The Marwood gets 11/10 for good coffee and exellent cake that will make you smile and cannot be anything but homemade.  It's a chatty spot that's ideal for passing an idle hour and best of all the kind folks running The Marwood always seem happy to see someone walking through the door with a dog in tow.

The walls are adorned with work by local artists, old skateboards, and other curiosties including a couple of old stag's heads that might excite dogs who like chasing furry things...


52 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AF

http://www.themarwood.com/ 

The Westleton Crown

A top spot for dogs.  With cosy rooms, good food, roaring fires, The Crown sits at the heart of the quiet village of Westleton and is the perfect bolthole for exploring the Suffolk coastline, with Dunwich, Walberswick and Southwold just a short drive away. 

There's currently no charge if you want to bring your dog, and hounds are allowed anywhere except for the conservatory dining room at the back of the hotel. 

With a complementary blanket, water bowl, and treats in your room on arrival everyone's a winner...

The Street  Westleton, Suffolk, IP17 3AD

http://www.westletoncrown.co.uk/

The Griffin Inn, Fletching, East Sussex

As far as I can see there are two downsides to the gastropub revolution that has taken place in the last few years.  Firstly, little pubs have been transformed from cosy watering holes into pint-sized DFS showrooms with uniform leather-backed furniture, mood lighting and the permanent odour of lamb shanks in red wine jus.  Secondly, they have begun to think that they are restaurants more than they are pubs, and decided that dogs are no longer welcome.

The Griffin Inn is well known for it's imaginative menu and excellent food and wine (attracting high praise from Giles Coren and other marginally less explosive restaurant critics), and welcomes well-behaved dogs with open arms, as long as you are happy to sit at one of the many tables in the bar area. 

If you visit in winter there are two roaring fires to doze beside.  During the warmer months try the garden - it's large, grassy, and perfect for dogs who like to stretch out for an afternoon nap in the sun.  Bowls of water and bonies are provided without you really having to ask.

Better still the Griffin has a dozen rooms with comfy beds and excellent bathrooms, so after a large supper there's no need to worry about driving home...

The Griffin Inn, Fletching, East Sussex, TN22 3SS

http://www.thegriffininn.co.uk/