If you’ve got a dog, then undoubtedly you want to bring them with you when enjoying the best London has to offer. But sadly, as you’ll no doubt have discovered, not everywhere welcomes your furry friend as enthusiastically as you do.
But never fear, because there are some great bars, cafes, restaurants and other attractions that will happily accept both you and your dog. And this means that there’s absolutely no reason to leave the four-legged ones at home when you’re out exploring…
Here are 7 places in London that you can enjoy visiting, safe in the knowledge that your dog will fit in just fine.
1. Morden Hall Park
This National Trust owned oasis is located right in the heart of a built up area, but offers tranquillity and lush delights for all to enjoy. Morden Hall Park is located in Morden, near Wimbledon (of tennis fame – and Wombles…) and is located along the River Wandle, said by some to be one of London’s lost rivers.
Being National Trust, dogs are more than welcome in the park, and it’s a fabulous place for a day out. And apart from around the buildings, you can happily let your dog run off the lead.
Explore the parkland, wetlands and along the river, discover the rose garden, shop in the garden centre and, naturally, refuel at one of the two cafes. And best of all, there’s no admission fee, making it a great choice for a budget day out.
2. Petersham Nurseries
Located in scenic Richmond Upon Thames, this internationally prized garden centre offers a delightful day out for you and your canine friend. Not only does the centre boast an incredible array of plants, shrubs and all things garden, but also an antique and gift shop, teahouse and café-restaurant.
Eating here is a wonderful experience, with head chef Damian Clisby creating amazing food using only produce and ingredients from small farmers and artisan producers.
3. Boma Green
This bar, food and music venue is so pet friendly that they even have a ‘pet concierge’! The restaurant prides itself in offering a seasonal menu.
Located in Parsons Green, Boma Green will offer you and your dog a hearty welcome any time of the day or night. And because it’s a bar as well, it’s a great location to arrange to meet up with friends and family to enjoy a catch up over a glass of something special…
4. Chiswick House and Gardens
This amazing neo-Palladian villa in West London is an incredible place for a day out. And happily your dog can come too.
In fact, the owners are so dog friendly that the house even hosts its own annual dog show. Chiswick House was built in the early 18th century (designed by the third Earl of Burlington) and is one of the most elegant villas ever created to this day.
The gardens are stunning – sweeping landscapes, woodland and amazing views cover 65 acres, all of which are there for you and your dog to explore. There are plenty of dog bins available to clean up after your pooch, and a special area of the lake where dogs can swim.
5. 202 London
The hubbub of stylish West London shopping street, Westbourne Grove, is not the place you’d expect to find a restaurant that welcomes dogs. But 202 London is just that.
Open from breakfast to dinnertime, this is a great place to relax amongst the trendy Notting Hill crowd before once again hitting the quirky shops that line the streets outside.
The owners will happily provide your furry friend with a bowl of water (and probably a bit of fuss as well), while you enjoy delicacies from the menu. Choose from modern bistro essentials, diner classics and a good choice of world food.
6. Sodo Pizza
What could be more perfect than a wonderful dog walk followed by a pizza? Well, if you head for Hackney Marshes, a dog walkers’ paradise on the banks of the River Lea, then post walk you can enjoy one of the best pizzas this side of Italy.
Sodo Pizza Cafe is a sourdough pizza venue that serves a simple, but seriously tasty menu. And Fido is welcome to join you… The ethos of the restaurant is to serve a small range of only five pizzas, some daily specials, a selection of sides and an absolutely ‘to die for’ home made Tiramisu. It’s only a small venue, so be sure to phone ahead for a reservation.
7. Proud Archivist
This is another fabulous place to visit post dog walk. Located on the Regents Canal towpath, the trendy Proud Archivist is a restaurant and entertainment venue rolled into one. They serve a daily Brunch Menu with such delights as Eggs Benedict, Smoked Salmon and Homemade Salmon Fishcakes, and also boast a tuck shop filled with sweets, cakes and other goodies to take away and enjoy at your leisure.
You can also enjoy one of the many exhibitions that the venue hosts throughout the year, featuring some of London’s up and coming artists, as well as more famous names from around the globe.
Proud Archivist can be found just a few minutes walk from Haggerston overground station, on the bank of Regent’s Canal.
London does really well for dog friendly places for you and your pooch. The London Dog Forum is a great online community where you can find lots of different places around the capital that will welcome you both with open arms (and paws!). We have a guide to various dog friendly hotels and guest houses here.
