If you want to treat your dog like royalty, there is no better place to do it than dog friendly London, England! The capital of the United Kingdom is home to luxurious hotels and exciting restaurants, many of which allow dogs.
Where to Stay:
Louis V the Frenchie is often mistaken for nobility, so for his first UK trip, I chose a hotel just a ball’s throw from Buckingham Palace. The Rubens at the Palace is a member of the Red Carnation Collection of hotels. The entire chain is pet friendly, and many properties offer amenities like dog beds, bowls, and even pet room service.
I loved the personalized “do not disturb” sign and note to Louis waiting for us in the room. The pet concierge also provided a bag of treats, clean up bags and a list of dog friendly restaurants in the area. Additionally, the concierge can arrange grooming services and pet-sitters (dogs should not be left in rooms unattended).
Where to Eat & Drink:
Egerton House Hotel is another of Red Carnation’s dog friendly London properties. Louis and I took a cab over to Knightsbridge so he could indulge in their “Doggy Afternoon Tea” our first afternoon. For £25 dogs get a tower of treats including homemade meatloaf, biscuits, and doggy ice cream.
Another unique dog friendly London dining experience s the “6 Legs Brunch” at M Restaurant in Victoria. The restaurant offers a coordinated menu for pets and people (2-courses for £35). Louis had to settle for a bowl of water, having overindulged at afternoon tea the previous day.
If you are only looking to enjoy a cocktail or light meal with your best buddy, take a walk across Green Park to Smith & Whistle at the dog friendly, London Sheraton Park Lane. They offer a “dogtail” menu, including canine-safe concoctions like doggie beer and “pawsecco.”
Perhaps the most unusual experience we had in dog friendly London was the Frenchie Cafe’s Day of the Dead party. The organizers at Frenchie Cafe host parties for French Bulldogs and their fans in cities around the UK several times a year. Space fills up very quickly, so I was excited that we were able to check it out!
The Day of the Dead party was held at the Happenstance in Paternoster Square. The restaurant (part of the dog friendly Drake & Morgan group) always allows leashed pups, but on this occasion, they had free range. All the dogs were treated to a “puppuccino,” but Louis was more interested in the kibble being handed out by the guests.
Getting Around:
Paternoster Square was quite far from our hotel, but it was easy to get there on the dog friendly London Underground. Dogs don’t need to be in a bag to ride the Tube, but please carry them if using an escalator in the station. London’s iconic black cabs and double-decker buses generally allow dogs as well, but it is up to the individual driver.
