Sunday, 18 March 2012

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 

Wednesday, 14 March 2012

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/ 







Saturday, 18 February 2012

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/

Monday, 23 January 2012

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

Friday, 20 January 2012

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



Wednesday, 11 January 2012

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/ 

Tuesday, 10 January 2012

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/