We recently popped by The Great Hampstead Bark Off, (Sunday 14th May) hosted by the wonderful All Dogs Matter! With hosts such as Alan Carr, Peter Egan & Marc the Vet (behind Pup-Aid) it was a fantastic day, with a perfect amount of dog galore.
It got us thinking about why Hampstead is such a huge focus in the dog community! It really boils down to brilliant dog friendly restaurants, pubs and park land in the area. So here’s some of our top picks to visit if you happen to be up North West. Photo by thedogvine.com/
Gaucho Hampstead – Doggy Sunday brunch
The Hampstead branch of Gaucho, really does pay honour to its patrons staring with their infamous Doggy Sunday Brunch on the first Sunday of every month. A three course set menu at £35, including a cocktail or glass of champagne. Lucky pooches on the other hand are given a complimentary pet approved meal plus a goodie bag to take home! £5 off each ticket is donated to an animal charity.
Visit www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk
Spaniards Inn – Dog friendly Beer Garden
This is one of London’s oldest pubs & it’s earned its right to be in the history books. It can be found in Dickens, who immortalised the pub in the Pickwick Papers. Full of character, the 16th century inn is beautiful with a few secret tales to tell! A country pub in the city, the garden is a must see plus its dog friendly too – It also comes complete with dog-wash area, if you’ve just made it through the muddy heath.
www.thespaniardshampstead.co.uk
The Wells Tavern – Dog Friendly Menu
With consistent 4.5 reviews on TripAdvisor, you’d be mistaken not to try the food here!
Whilst munching down yourself, your pooch doesn’t have to miss out with a dedicated menu for them to try & even treats left on every table for dog owners. Dogs are only allowed downstairs and not in their fine dining restaurant upstairs, it’s practically heaving every summer! Arrive early to get a seat outside.
www.thewellshampstead.co.uk
Britannia Hampstead Hotel – Dog friendly stays from £10 per night
They welcome dogs and have a huge range of facilities nearby to keep pets entertained. A short walk from Primrose Hill & Belsize Park which also features a range of dog friendly restaurants. If you fancy a city break but don’t want to leave your pooch at home.
www.britanniahotels.com
Hampstead Heath Town
This is the holy grail for hounds, it’s huge. We literally mean huge, it stretches across fields, forest & ponds that dogs are welcome to swim in. With 791 acres of heath and woodland, this might just be the place you can let your dog run wild. It really is magical and you can keep your eye out for a few famous celebrities that run around the area, dogs in tow too. Totally dog friendly crowd here, so keep a lookout.