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Original poster

Best dog friendly dog restaurants in London

62 replies

Nina1013 · 09/01/2025 10:35

Can anyone help - Kensington/Mayfair/Knightsbridge area would be ideal, in an ideal world serving steak.

I am getting mainly cafes when Google searching, but I know I have seen dogs all over - I just haven’t been paying attention!

OP posts:
NoMoreDogs · 09/01/2025 13:01

Absolutely sick of dogs everywhere, especially restaurants and shops. WHY do you have to inflict them on the rest of us.

I avoid all dog restaurants, and I know loads of people who do too. I think there will be a backlash soon. Can't come soon enough.

LaurieFairyCake · 09/01/2025 13:01

It's compulsory to lift dogs on the escalators in the tube stations/train stations

Original poster
Nina1013 · 09/01/2025 12:58

IDontLikePinaColadas · 09/01/2025 12:35

Might be helpful:
https://www.kensingtonvetcare.com/online-pet-advice/dog-friendly-restaurants-kensington/

www.studentluxe.co.uk/life-at-luxe/dog-friendly-restaurants-mayfair?format=amp

Thank you. I’d seen the Kensington one but the Mayfair one has made my day! Smith and Whistle’s dog menu will top trump any birthday presents I could buy!

OP posts:
Original poster
Nina1013 · 09/01/2025 12:57

sleepwouldbenice · 09/01/2025 12:55

www.bigmammagroup.com/en/trattorias/ave-mario

Oh wow, I’ve eaten here before and it’s the last place I would have ever imagined being dog friendly! Thanks so much, it’s a fab restaurant!

OP posts:
sleepwouldbenice · 09/01/2025 12:57

Cocktails too and a lovely rest after being tourist for a day
Novelty toilets!
Carrying dog is fine and most passengers said 👋

sleepwouldbenice · 09/01/2025 12:55

www.bigmammagroup.com/en/trattorias/ave-mario

Original poster
Nina1013 · 09/01/2025 12:50

sleepwouldbenice · 09/01/2025 12:46

Aaah the usual dog hating
Op, we went to London last summer. We were camping an hour away and took him in for the day. A spaniel so tube carrying was fine, was summer so a picnic in the park was easy.

But to answer you question, not a steak restaurant,sorry, but we did have a fabulous Italian in covent garden if you want details. Dog friendly and the knackered dog just slept under the table .... oddly....

Yes please!
Ours is a spaniel too, and we love Covent Garden.

OP posts:
sleepwouldbenice · 09/01/2025 12:46

Aaah the usual dog hating
Op, we went to London last summer. We were camping an hour away and took him in for the day. A spaniel so tube carrying was fine, was summer so a picnic in the park was easy.

But to answer you question, not a steak restaurant,sorry, but we did have a fabulous Italian in covent garden if you want details. Dog friendly and the knackered dog just slept under the table .... oddly....

IDontLikePinaColadas · 09/01/2025 12:31

As an aside to the “dogs in restaurants” debate, as a PP said, Gaucho has really gone downhill since being taken over a few years ago. I would just give the restaurants you like a call and see what they say.

Mrsbloggz · 09/01/2025 12:25

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Original poster
Nina1013 · 09/01/2025 12:23

Nina1013 · 09/01/2025 12:23

Thank you - this is something I didn’t know.
I had intended to ‘try her’ on escalators prior to the trip, it hadn’t crossed my mind that they would be dangerous for her. I appreciate you pointing this out.

We will do lots of walking and use cabs.

Show quote history

(She can be carried if needed though)

OP posts:
Original poster
Nina1013 · 09/01/2025 12:23

PiggyPigalle · 09/01/2025 12:21

If you're going on the Tube, hope you can carry the dog because it can't go on an escalator.
The time a toddler was trapped by his Wellington boot is still imprinted on my mind and hearing.

Show quote history

Thank you - this is something I didn’t know.
I had intended to ‘try her’ on escalators prior to the trip, it hadn’t crossed my mind that they would be dangerous for her. I appreciate you pointing this out.

We will do lots of walking and use cabs.

OP posts:
PiggyPigalle · 09/01/2025 12:21

Nina1013 · 09/01/2025 11:59

She’s absolutely fine in crowds etc, she’s very calm and totally unflappable. We don’t use buses either at home or in London so that wouldn’t be on the cards, the Tube I’m unsure of but we won’t do that without trialling her on our local version first - I was in London a couple of days ago and asked the cab driver about dogs - he said cabs take dogs so we wouldn’t actually need to use the Tube anyway. I wouldn’t put her in a position I’m not certain she would be comfortable in.

London on the whole is very familiar to us, so I do know what I’m agreeing to - I’m there at least monthly. Just never normally with a four legged companion…

Show quote history

If you're going on the Tube, hope you can carry the dog because it can't go on an escalator.
The time a toddler was trapped by his Wellington boot is still imprinted on my mind and hearing.

Original poster
Nina1013 · 09/01/2025 12:15

ThatShyRoseViper · 09/01/2025 12:01

Please bear in mind those in crowds or on transport may not want to be cheek by jowl with your dog even if it is generally well-behaved.

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I completely agree.

I don’t let any of the dogs approach anyone (including in their own home when we have guests) unless someone explicitly asks them to.

I grew up in a family who do not like dogs (or any animals). I am really conscious of the fact that most people don’t want to be around some random dog.

I am also of the opinion that dogs don’t belong on weekend city breaks. However, I am in the minority. It’s something I’m prepared to compromise on as a one off, for her birthday. The question has only been asked (and it’s been asked for 3 years endlessly, and this is the first time I’ve agreed) because of how many dogs she’s seen on these mini breaks with their owners. Her dog is her world and she wants to give her that experience too. It’s maybe misguided, but it’s sweet and coming from the right place.

I’ve chosen a dog friendly hotel that is directly opposite a gate to Hyde Park so if playing in the park is all we actually end up doing, so be it. It’ll be a one and done!

OP posts:
PiggyPigalle · 09/01/2025 12:12

Dogs have been in pubs for ever, they were never a problem. The local farmers sit up at bar with a couple of Labs at their feet, not on leads.
We go in the back door, pass the dogs who don't as much blink they are so attuned to their owners, but eat in the lounge around the corner.

It's the pushing boundaries that is the problem. Letting dogs on seats and allowing them to lick a plate.
The only time I've been with a dog in cafe was a friend taking their small poodle to a vegan place. I didn't know it had become allowed.
He was so quiet no one knew he was there, until someone on the next table put their chair on him. His cry of pain was pitiful, he is such a sweet dog too. We felt awful and so did the man who'd done it.

ThatShyRoseViper · 09/01/2025 12:01

Nina1013 · 09/01/2025 11:59

She’s absolutely fine in crowds etc, she’s very calm and totally unflappable. We don’t use buses either at home or in London so that wouldn’t be on the cards, the Tube I’m unsure of but we won’t do that without trialling her on our local version first - I was in London a couple of days ago and asked the cab driver about dogs - he said cabs take dogs so we wouldn’t actually need to use the Tube anyway. I wouldn’t put her in a position I’m not certain she would be comfortable in.

London on the whole is very familiar to us, so I do know what I’m agreeing to - I’m there at least monthly. Just never normally with a four legged companion…

Show quote history

Please bear in mind those in crowds or on transport may not want to be cheek by jowl with your dog even if it is generally well-behaved.

Original poster
Nina1013 · 09/01/2025 11:59

ThatShyRoseViper · 09/01/2025 11:48

And is the dog going to be ok on the tube, the bus, on busy streets? They’re not necessarily dog friendly.

Show quote history

She’s absolutely fine in crowds etc, she’s very calm and totally unflappable. We don’t use buses either at home or in London so that wouldn’t be on the cards, the Tube I’m unsure of but we won’t do that without trialling her on our local version first - I was in London a couple of days ago and asked the cab driver about dogs - he said cabs take dogs so we wouldn’t actually need to use the Tube anyway. I wouldn’t put her in a position I’m not certain she would be comfortable in.

London on the whole is very familiar to us, so I do know what I’m agreeing to - I’m there at least monthly. Just never normally with a four legged companion…

OP posts:
ThatShyRoseViper · 09/01/2025 11:48

Nina1013 · 09/01/2025 11:15

Erm…ok.

Or, I posted as I had (or thought I had) exhausted all searches and then something popped up about Gaucho, I looked into it and yes, answered my own question. I didn’t want to waste anyone’s time further, by pretending I still needed recommendations….

On the general subject of dogs in restaurants, I don’t disagree. But the reality is that they are allowed all over now, and it’s becoming more and more socially acceptable. Me taking, or not taking, mine isn’t going to change that.

I have 3 dogs and have never taken them to a restaurant, nor did I intend to. However, we visit London frequently and they are absolutely all over. Including in Selfridges, while their owners shop for clothes, beauty, etc which I find utterly bizarre….but it is the world we appear to live in now.

My daughter has requested, as a birthday treat, that I finally give in and allow her to bring her dog to London. I have agreed, as a one off, and we are going to need to eat. Hence the question….

Show quote history

And is the dog going to be ok on the tube, the bus, on busy streets? They’re not necessarily dog friendly.

Original poster
Nina1013 · 09/01/2025 11:20

For all the ranting on here, it really does appear to just be becoming more and more normalised.

On the train this week, there was a doodle (large dog) not on a lead, wandering around while his owner went to the loo. He wasn’t bothering people at all, and was very chilled, but the first thing that came to mind was that must be terrifying for anyone afraid of dogs - and also I’m sure illegal, and didn’t seem to have even crossed the owner’s mind. I’ve never taken a dog on the train, bus, anywhere, but I’ve seen so many.

Restaurants are allowing it because of demand. Shops are allowing it because of demand. The demand is coming from somewhere, and that’s driving further demand.

OP posts:
Thegoatliesdownonbroadway · 09/01/2025 11:20

They serve dog in Vietnam, maybe you could try a Vietnamese?

UtterlyOtterly · 09/01/2025 11:19

Before I eat anywhere I check if it is dog friendly. If it is then they won't get my custom. I hate all this crap about people unable to leave a dog at home. It's an overbred wolf for gods sake.

I would rather eat a packet of sandwiches from Tesco in a bus shelter than eat in a fancy restaurant with dogs there.

thrifty24 · 09/01/2025 11:18

Reminds me of just last week, sat down in a quiet lovely cosy pub in Kensington, nice solo time and just ordered a tasty main and glass of wine as a couple with a pug were sat down next to me. Dog sniffing around going around their table with the lead, apologies to waitress who kept having to watch the plates whilst serving, comments oh it's ok it's a friendly dog... eye roll. Main arrives and dog starts sniffing about my table naturally having smelled the lovely Ragu! Owner keeps tugging at lead I then have to acknowledge them. Just wanted to sit in peace. Honestly so annoying

JustAnotherDayWorkingAtHome · 09/01/2025 11:16

Most restaurants on the Kings Road are dog friendly