Dog-friendly Maggie Jones’s Restaurant in Kensington is not just another dog-friendly restaurant in London, oh no. It’s a hidden gem of a place that oozes character, and once you visit, we have a feeling you won’t want to leave.
Tucked off Kensington Church Street and just a stone’s throw from Kensington High Street, this British restaurant should be on every Londoner’s to-do list. If you like to dine out with your dog, they will be very welcome to join you at Maggie Jones’s Restaurant, especially between 23-27 August when there is an extra treat on the menu for London pups to celebrate National Dog Day.
Read on to find out why we loved our visit to what has to be Kensington’s most charming restaurant.
1. Maggie Jones’s is a restaurant full of rustic charm
Maggie Jones’s has been serving those in the know since 1964 and was a local favourite of Princess Margaret, who used to book under the alias Maggie Jones. If you’re wondering what makes it so unique, think French farmhouse decor meets quintessentially British food, and you’ll get a clue into what awaits.
Set over three floors, the restaurant is full of eclectic charm and rustic vibes, with everything from baskets of flowers to vintage farm machinery adorning the walls and ceilings. Dinner is eaten by candlelight making it a cosy, intimate experience that is beautifully unique at every turn.
2. Dogs are always welcome at Maggie Jones’s
Dogs are always welcome at Maggie Jones’s, and even though it’s a cosy venue, the staff told us that dogs large and small are considered much-loved regulars. Belinha was immediately given her water bowl on arrival, and everyone made a big fuss of her throughout the evening.
Pups are welcome throughout Maggie Jones’s but for practical reasons (the narrow, steep stairs being one), tend to be seated on the ground floor with their humans, which suited us perfectly.
3. There’s A Special Treat on the Menu for Dogs This Week
To celebrate their canine customers and National Dog Day, there will be an extra special treat on the menu for dogs at Maggie Jones’s this week. All dogs accompanying their owners for lunch or dinner from Monday, August 23rd to Friday, August 27th 2021 will be treated to a succulent chicken sausage which is natural and made entirely of chicken, making sure that it’s as good for dogs as it tastes!
Belinha loves a dog-friendly restaurant with a special dog menu and the sausage was so good she wanted (and got) seconds! So although you don’t need a special reason to visit Maggie Jones’s, if you’re looking to give your pup (and yourself) a treat this week, then this would be the time to go!
4. The Food is Amazing!
The menu (for humans) is at first glance quintessentially British fare. However, what you can’t tell from the menu is how full of flavour and delicious everything on it is! The staff were accommodating and helpful with several recommendations, and everything recommended was spot on every time.
As a vegetarian, I was recommended to try the Cheese and Leek tart for my starter. Not usually a big tart or quiche fan, I was somewhat sceptical until I had my first bite. I had no idea a Cheese and Leek Tart could taste this good!
For my main, I had the Cauliflower Cheese with Asparagus on the side, and once again, this was delicious. Peter had the Soup of the Day followed by the Chicken with Creamy Tarragon Sauce which was perfectly cooked with a mouth-watering sauce, again a top tip from the staff.
For dessert, we had the Apple Crumble with Custard and the Ice-cream with Chocolate & Brandy Sauce, both of which were a perfect end to our meal.
5. You won’t leave hungry!
One thing is for sure; you will not leave hungry when visiting Maggie Jones’s! The portions are more than generous, and everything tasted so good that we couldn’t leave anything behind. The food is outstanding value too, at £22 for two courses and £26 for three courses when ordering from the set menu and you will definitely leave very satisfied!
6. The Maggie Jones Restaurant Staff Are Superb
Everyone at the restaurant was highly attentive and helpful and just generally lovely. All staff members love dogs, with the team from upstairs coming down to see Belinha when they heard there was a dog in the house (especially one seated at the table waiting for her chicken sausage).
We spoke to one staff member who had been at Maggie Jones’s for 20 years, that says a lot about the kind of homely establishment Maggie Jones’s is, in our opinion.
7. Location, Location, Location
Dog-friendly Maggie Jones restaurant is located on Old Court Place, just off Kensington Church Street (at the Kensington High Street end). Maggie Jones’s is a blink, and you’ll miss it kind of place, but don’t do that as it’s not a restaurant you want to miss!
Being located just a few minutes walk from Kensington Palace Gardens makes Maggie Jones’s a perfect place for post-park dining by day or a dinner date with your dog (or significant other) by night.
Dog-friendly Maggie Jones’s Restaurant ‘Impawtant’ Info
So what’s the verdict, is it a paw’s up for Maggie Jones’s? Absolutely, this is a restaurant experience that is rare to find in London and one we definitely can’t wait to have again.
Belinha highly recommends that London dogs take their humans this week to celebrate National Dog Day and to sample one of the delicious doggy sausages, of course!
The Dog-friendly Factor: Dogs are made to feel very welcome, and water bowls are brought to the table as standard. It’s lovely to find such a charming restaurant where your dog can join you for lunch or dinner.
Given the restaurant’s intimacy, I would recommend booking/calling ahead if you bring your dog, especially for larger dogs, so that the staff can reserve a table to suit you.
Dog-friendly etiquette: please make sure to bring a blanket if your dog likes to sit on the seats.
Where: You’ll find Maggie Jones’s at 6 Old Court Place, London W8 4PL, just off Kensington Church Street (close to the Kensington High Street end).
When: Maggie Jones’s is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and you can book via the Maggie Jones’s website or by calling 020 7937 6462. Opening times: Monday to Friday from 12-2 pm and 5-10 pm; Saturday & Sunday from 12 pm until 10 pm.
Keep up with what’s happening at Maggie Jones’s on Instagram or Facebook.
Enjoy Puppers!
