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
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Sunday, 10 June 2012
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...
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/ |
Friday, 8 June 2012
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/
Thursday, 7 June 2012
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/
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
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.
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.
Friday, 1 June 2012
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
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/
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/
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