PET FRIENDLY: 10 of London’s Best Dog Friendly Restaurants

No need to leave your hound at home – StyleTails rounds up 10 of London’s best dog friendly restaurants.

It’s the perennial challenge for pooch owners – you’re out for a walk with your faithful friend and fancy a bite to eat, but where? Thankfully, more of London’s restaurants are welcoming well-behaved dogs, some even catering for canines, with treats on hand for hungry hounds. From achingly hip burger joints in Hackney and big brunches in Battersea, to fine dining in Mayfair, here’s our pick of 10 of London’s best dog friendly restaurants.

FOR PEOPLE WATCHING: The Fish & Chip Shop, Islington

Don’t let the humble name of this Islington eatery fool you – opened last year by ex-Ivy Head Chef Des McDonald, The Fish & Chip Shop is much more than your regular ‘chippy’. Serving up fresh (never frozen) fish from sustainable sources, it’s got all your old favourites including Battered Cod and Chip Butties, with a few gourmet goodies like rock oysters and Isle of Man Crab on Toast, thrown in too. Well behaved dogs are welcome to sit at the tables in the front window – which is actually the best seat in the house with views over buzzing Upper Street and all its trendy folk. 189 Upper Street Islington, London, N1 1RQ; thefishandchipshop.uk.com

FOR GOOD HONEST GRUB: 3 Course, Essex Road

De-cluttering the often confusing culinary experience, this smart and simple restaurant on Essex Road takes it back to basics. Influenced by Scandinavian cuisine, but with a Japanese approach to balance, diners can choose from two meat, two veg and two fish, with everything freshly prepared from seasonal produce in the open kitchen. Well behaved dogs are welcome to join. 412 Essex Road, London, N1 3PJ; 3course.co.uk

FOR HIPSTER HOUNDS (& BANGING BURGERS): The Advisory, Hackney

For bulging burgers, Hackney’s hip hounds head to The Advisory. Opened last year on Mare Street, it serves up proper juicy burgers and some other tasty treats like the Poutine – a Canadian dish of Lamb, Gravy and Goats Curd on chips. Cool canines are also welcome to hang with owners. 161 Mare St, London, E8 3RH

FOR THE BIG BRUNCH: Ben’s Canteen, Battersea

Serving up a bountiful brunch of epic proportions, this South London haunt welcomes well-behaved dogs, with free treats and water on hand. Don’t worry if you’re feeling a bit ‘ruff’, this is one for the late risers, with their indulgent all-day brunch served till 5pm. Wrap your chops around the ‘Big Ben’ breakfast with the lot, or nosh on Breakfast Burrito – all nicely washed down with a ‘Banging Bloody Mary’. The pooch-loving staff are always free for a quick cuddle or scratch behind the ear too. 140 St John’s Hill, Battersea, London SW11 1SL; benscanteen.com

Yasmin Le Bon & her pug at George for Dogs Trust Dogs Dinner Event (photo: Dave Bennett)

FOR A-LIST TREATMENT: George, Mayfair

This Mayfair members club has hosted a famous hound or two, including Bert the Border Terrier who dined with owners, David Walliams and model, Lara Stone, as well as Yasmin Le Bon and her posing pug. As London’s only dog friendly private members club, they also have a stash of doggy treats and plenty of attention to be lavished on their very important pooches. Sure you might have to be a member to dine their, but your pampered pooch is worth it….aren’t they? 87-88 Mount Street, London, W1K 2SR;

FOR WATERSIDE EATS: Proud Archivist, Haggerston

This cool new space on the Regents Canal towpath near Haggerston is just the ticket for a cultured canine. Beautifully designed over two floors, the Proud Archivist combines restaurant, cafe, gallery and events space. With a view over the canal and a menu of fresh and seasonal British produce, it’s the perfect spot for a weekend lunch with your pals and your pooch. Bowls of water for thirsty hounds are always on hand from the super friendly staff. 2-10 Hertford Road, London, N1 5ET; theproudarchivist.co.uk

FOR CARNIVORES: Doggie Sunday at Gaucho, Hampstead

Meat lovers can get their fill at Argentinian steak paradise, Gaucho, and given its proximity to London’s sprawling Heath, its no surprise, that their Hampstead restaurant hosts a once a month dog friendly event (our very own George gave it his woof of approval when he stopped in last year). The first Sunday of every month, Gaucho Hampstead goes to the dogs at their infamous ‘Doggy Sundays’. Boasting a different theme each month (from Oscars do’s to beach parties!) and plenty of treats for both human and hound, it’s a must-do for all mutts! 64 Heath Street, London NW3 1DN; gauchorestaurants.co.uk

FOR PIZZA LOVERS – Sodo Pizza Cafe, Clapton

This sourdough pizza joint on Upper Clapton Road is a pooch friendly gem. Situated right near the Hackney Marshes (a doggie delight), they serving up a simple menu of five seasonal Pizzas and a few selected sides, along with reds and whites from Borough wines, and their to-die-for Tiramisu. They welcome well-behaved dogs who can be spotted waiting for some crust to drop under the table. It’s only a petit place so booking is essential. 126 Upper Clapton Road, E5 9JY; sodopizza.co.uk

FOR A PLEASANT SUPRISE: Pipsdish, Covent Garden

For those who appreciate an element of surprise, PipsDish in Covent Garden is a novel ‘no menu’ restaurant. The brainchild of food writer and chef, Philip Dundas, PipsDish, serves up freshly prepared dishes with what is in season and available that day. Vegetarian’s needn’t panic either, they can cater for all sorts of diets. A dog friendly restaurant, they welcome nice dogs and their well-behaved owners. 15 Exeter Street, London, WC2E 7DT; philipdundas.com

FOR TRADITIONALISTS: Maggie Jones, Kensington

An oldy but a goody, this well-trodden Kensington haunt has been feeding the good folk of London for over 40 years. A favourite of Princess Anne, (she used to book their under the name ‘Maggie Jones’), this irresistibly eccentric restaurant is bursting at the seams with cosy clutter and homely ‘stuff’. Tucked away in nook off Kensington Church street, the warm and inviting and menu consists of a familiar selection classic British dishes, all beautifully cooked and presented. The friendly staff are happy to accommodate well-behaved hounds. 6 Old Court Place, Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4PL; maggie-jones.co.uk

**(These dog friendly establishments welcomed canines at the time of publishing, but please always check with the restaurant first, and ensure that your dog is on their best behaviour!)

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