Concierge Confidential: Dogs in the City
Golden Retrievers strolling around Hyde Park, Dachshunds strutting through Park Lane, Labradors sunning themselves in the courtyard of the Royal Academy, London is home to all creatures great and small.
At Brown’s Hotel, four-legged friends are just as welcome as their two-legged owners (provided both parties conduct themselves with the expected grace and decorum). Head Concierge Lee Boulton has a few top-tips on the best dog-friendly spots in Mayfair and beyond.
Parks and gardens
In terms of parks, Green Park is right on the doorstep. “It’s a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll,” says Boulton. If you walk from Brown’s and keep heading south until you reach the end of the road, then turn left, you end up in St James’ Park. “Enjoy the bridge, lake and lovely cafe,” says Boulton, “And don’t forget to wave at the guards”.
If you were instead to head right from Green Park and go through the Wellington Arch, you would end up at Hyde Park Corner. From here, the vast 350-acre Hyde Park opens up. Dogs are welcome in almost all of it and you can let them off the lead for a run around The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain near the Serpentine and also the southern section between Serpentine Road and Rotten Row. “Just make sure you keep them on a lead by the lake itself,” says Boulton. “You don’t want your dog to scare the swans!”.
Another good spot near Brown’s is Mount Street Gardens, a small park popular with dog walkers thanks to its beautiful fountain and peaceful benches for a well-earned sit down. Further afield, Boulton recommends Hampstead Heath in North London for its open spaces and ponds. “They’re perfect for a runaround and a swim though make sure your pet sticks to the designated dog swimming sites,” he says. “Whilst you’re in Hampstead, The Holly Bush is a great pet-friendly pub with a garden and guests often rave about The Spaniards Inn too”.
Restaurants
With regards to restaurants and bars in Mayfair itself, Boulton recommends a few different options. The outdoor seating area at Aubaine is a good option for French brasserie fare on Dover Street. Scott’s, a seafood restaurant and Mayfair institution, similarly allows dogs in the outside area.
For more of a pub vibe, “I like the Audley,” says Boulton, “because they actually have a dedicated ‘dog menu’ and provide water bowls. I also like the Guinea Grill, and dogs are allowed in the market hall of Mercato Mayfair”. In nearby Soho, the Dog and Duck offers that quintessential London experience, with many an old man and his dog sitting in the bar area.
After all that, head back to Brown’s, where your inevitably still-hungry dog can tuck into a vet-approved menu and be treated like the true King Charles Spaniel it may be. After all, every dog has its day.
To find out more about Brown’s Hotel’s pet-friendly policy, ring +44 20 7493 6020 or email reservations.browns@roccofortehotels.com.