If there’s one thing I’ve learned from living in London with Clarkie, it’s that this city is surprisingly dog-friendly—if you know where to look. From green spaces to pup-welcoming cafés and even a few unexpected gems, we’ve explored it all.
Here’s a rundown of our favourite places, where Clarkie gets all the tail wags and I get a decent coffee (or pint).
1. Best Parks for Pups
🌿 Hampstead Heath – The ultimate off-lead paradise. Clarkie loves zooming through the open fields, and the ponds make for the perfect post-walk refresh. Bonus: You’ll find plenty of friendly dog owners up here!
🌳 Greenwich Park – Amazing views, wide paths, and loads of space for sniffing. Clarkie is obsessed with the squirrels, but thankfully, he hasn’t caught one yet.
🍃 Battersea Park – A beautiful, well-kept park with a lovely riverside walk. There’s even a designated dog-friendly café inside (more on that below).
2. Dog-Friendly Cafés & Pubs
☕ The Apple Tree, Clerkenwell – A quirky café-bar hybrid that welcomes pups with open arms. They even have dog treats behind the counter.
🍺 The People’s Park Tavern, Victoria Park – A classic pub with a huge beer garden where Clarkie gets just as much attention as my pint.
🥐 Paws for Coffee, Richmond – This café isn’t just dog-friendly—it’s dog-obsessed. There’s a special dog menu featuring puppuccinos and doggy biscuits, and Clarkie approves.
3. Hidden Gems for Dog Lovers
🐶 Fetch & Follow, Shoreditch – A stylish pet boutique that stocks gorgeous dog accessories. If you want your pup looking extra dapper, this is the place.
📷 The Wallace Collection Courtyard Café – A stunning hidden courtyard where well-behaved dogs are welcome. A perfect quiet spot in central London.
🛍️ Broadway Market, Hackney – While not exclusively dog-themed, this weekend market is pup heaven. Clarkie gets plenty of fuss from stall owners, and I get to browse the best local food and crafts.
Final Thoughts
London can be hectic, but knowing where to go makes it one of the best cities for dog lovers. Whether we’re strolling through a leafy park, sipping coffee at a dog-friendly café, or discovering new hidden gems, Clarkie and I are always finding new places to explore.
