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