The inaugural post of our 'Dog Friendly Faves' series, where we will cover different cities and towns we visit to showcase our favourite places to eat, drink, play, and stay!
While Clementine has yet to visit London, we've gone with Winnie several times. Our recommendations appear below.
STAY
The Standard, 10 Argyle Street, London WC1H 8EG
What we loved:
Directly across from King's Cross and St Pancras Station, it couldn't be easier if you're travelling by train with your dogs. We've found UK trains (both regional LNER trains and the Underground) to be very dog friendly--as long as you keep your dogs quiet, controlled, and on leads at all times.
Actually dog friendly in practice, not just in name. When I contacted the hotel to say we would have Mr Win with us, they replied, 'We'll be sure to flag him as our special guest,' and had a little bowl for him ready on arrival (see photo below).
All of the restaurants at the hotel, except for Decimo on the top floor, are dog friendly as well!
Great Scotland Yard Hotel, 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN
What we loved:
Winnie had a luxurious bed and bowl awaiting his arrival (pictured below).
Unbeatable location for walking to Trafalgar Square, Westminster, and the London Eye.
Be warned, the rooms here are very small (even by European standards)!
Good tiles for splooting.
Bed approved by Mr Win (tacky towel and green bowl courtesy of Win's Mum & Dad, not the hotel).
EAT AND DRINK
Trattoria Gloria, 54-58 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3QR
What we loved:
Phenomenal and fun food and drinks
Great, lively atmosphere
Dogs are very welcome
Do not attempt to get in here without a reservation! Book well in advance.
Little Win having a snooze on the floor of Gloria.
One of many fun cocktails to choose from!
Isla, 10 Argyle St, London NW1 2ST
What we loved:
Another *actually* dog friendly place (as in, they are happy to have dogs dine with you)
Great terrace
Fun drinks and light, fairly healthy fare
The Lighterman, 3 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH
What we loved:
Mr Win was served his own personal bowl of cold water... and a whole cup of treats!
Fantastic food and service
The Clarence, 53 Whitehall, London SW1A 2HP
What we loved:
It can be difficult to find dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in this very touristy part of London, but we went back here several times because we felt very welcome with Winnie
Good traditional pub food at reasonable prices (for London anyway)
PLAY
My husband and I love walking all around London, often averaging 11-12 miles a day! To help out Winnie and his short little legs, we put him in either a backpack or a pram after mile 4 (for more info on this, and for UK links, see our 'Recommended Products' page).
Thames River Walk
We like to start at the Golden Jubilee footbridge heading toward South Bank (the side the London Eye is on). Walk the opposite direction of the Eye all the way up to Tower Bridge. You'll pass loads of fun restaurants, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, and the Tate. If you want a quick bite you can grab something in Borough Market, but be warned, it gets really crowded and it can be hard to navigate with a dog.
Cross Tower Bridge and you can walk by the Tower of London. Walk back along the river on the opposite side, or walk up into the city to see St Paul's Cathedral.
Buckingham Palace & St. James's Park
Who doesn't want a picture of their baby outside Buckingham Palace? Go early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds.
Winston, appalled and dismayed to learn that we were not staying at the palace.
Westminster
Great photo opportunities outside Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Parliament Square Garden.
Winston with his namesake.
Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
Dog friendly everywhere except Queen Mary's Rose Gardens
Shoreditch
Home to some fantastic restaurants, like Gloria! Hope on the Tube and check out the neighbourhood.
Win's first time on the Tube. We keep him in a backpack!
Questions? Ideas for the next 'Dog Friendly Faves' feature? Comment below!
Waffles cannot wait for her first trip to London and we will definitely be taking advantage of some of these recommendations! Thanks for doing our research for us :)