My Dog-friendly London | Richmond | By Clover the Chow Chow

This week for the My Dog-friendly London – London by London Dogs series we’re off to green and leafy South West London with Clover the Chow Chow who will be sharing his top tips on dog-friendly Richmond with us.

We first met Clover at the inaugural dog-friendly cinema screening at Picturehouse Clapham and were seriously bowled over by this man’s fabulous fluff…what a stunner.

We also love Richmond so can’t wait to discover some new doggy places to hang out from where Clover takes us on his dog-friendly Richmond tour…

Please introduce yourself:

Woof! Hi, I’m Clover, a Chow Chow who will be two years old in November. We live in Richmond, South West London.

What’s your favourite London Park and why?

It’s gotta be Richmond Park. As well as being our ‘local’; the variety of wildlife, the flora and fauna, and large range of grounds makes it unparalleled for fun any day, any time, any weather. It could be a quiet contemplative stroll through the woods, or a mad race around playing chase with doggy pals across wide plains – maybe even in the same trip!

A close second is Marble Hill House and Park in Twickenham because of its almost fully enclosed nature. Plus for the eagle-eyed: it’s one of the locations for the current ITV Vanity Fair series! (We saw filming there last winter.)

Tell us a bit about yourself?

Chillax is my middle name. When not getting in my daily 16 hours of sleep, I like to meander on neighbourhood sniffaris, or learn new “tricks” for cheese. And yes, underneath all that fluff I’m a dog – not a lion or a teddy bear. 😉

My Dog-friendly London Richmond | Clover’s Tip #1

Name: Coffeeology

Address: 4 The Square, London TW9 1DZ

Why do you like Coffeeology / what makes it special as a dog friendly venue?

A newish (Jan 2017) independent entrant to the highly competitive coffee scene in Richmond, located on the high street corner in the old fire station building. My mama believes it serves the best coffee in town!

Any top tips for the venue?

A small venue inside, so I recommend sitting outside if you need a bit more space.

My Dog-friendly London Richmond | Clover’s Tip #2

Name: Gelataria Danieli

Address: 16 Brewers Ln, Richmond TW9 1HH

Why do you like Gelataria Danieli  / what makes it special as a dog friendly venue?

Authentic Italian gelato! Need we say more?! There are two stores within 3 doors from one another – one mainly serves gelato, while the other facing Richmond Green have artisan chocolates and marshmallows.

Though the venue is small, there are tables out front and well-behaved dogs are always welcomed by the co-owner Bridget (who is a dog owner herself).

Any top tips for the venue?

Order your gelato and stroll over to any of the benches on Richmond Green to enjoy.

My Dog-friendly London Richmond | Clover’s Tip #3

Name: The White Swan Richmond

Address: 26 Old Palace Ln, Richmond TW9 1PG

Why do you like The White Swan / what makes it special as a dog friendly venue?

One of the oldest pubs in the area (est. 1787) and located between the Old Deer Park riverside entrance and Richmond Green, this is THE place for a Sunday family lunch. The owner’s spaniel Jake is a regular, so you can expect a friendly no-fuss service as a pooch.

Any top tips for the venue?

They have an interesting range of ales and bitters for humans. I highly recommend nabbing the spot near the fireplace – cool in the summer, warm in winter.

My Dog-friendly London Richmond | Clover’s Tip #4

Name: The Retreat Kitchen

Address: 16 Hill Rise, Richmond TW10 6UA

Why do you like The Retreat Kitchen/ what makes it special as a dog friendly venue?

Located at the foot of Richmond Hill, the Retreat Kitchen serves plant-based foods. We like it because the atmosphere is relaxed, the menu is always seasonal, and popular with locals and their pooches.

Any top tips for the venue?

Do make the 10 mins walk up the Hill to Terrace Gardens and Fields – this is where a unique Act of Parliament protects the scenic river view. Food wise, the seasonal salads are always tasty.

My Dog-friendly London Richmond | Clover’s Tip #5

Name: Paws for Coffee

Address: 364 Upper Richmond Rd W, London SW14 7JU

Why do you like Paws for Coffee / what makes it special as a dog friendly venue?

Designed with dogs in mind, Paws for Coffee is a well-loved Hampton Hill institution, with the East Sheen venue opening just over a year ago. Offering both a human and doggy menu, this is where I get my to-die-for puppaccino treat (goat’s milk and black pudding). It’s also a stone’s throw to Richmond Park entering through either Sheen Gate, or through Sheen Common Woods to Bog Gate. Where better to relax after a runaround?

Update 2020: Sadly Paws for Coffee East Sheen has had to close but Paws for Coffee Hampton Hill is still thriving!

Any top tips for the venue?

My Dog-friendly London Richmond | Clover’s Tip #6

Name: No 1a Duke Street

Address: 1a Duke St, Richmond TW9 1HP

Why do you like No 1a Duke Street / what makes it special as a dog friendly venue?

This is the quintessential Richmond neighbourhood bar and restaurant attracting a great mix of customers. The layout is dog-friendly because it allows for enough space in between and under tables, the bar, and booths for a big(ish) dog like me. Moreover, each time we’ve come, a fresh water bowl magically appears as soon as we’ve settled. Bonus: for a sometimes sensitive dog, the background music is never too loud.

Any top tips for the venue?

Weekends are very popular so book ahead. If you don’t mind the cold, do sit in the courtyard to people-watch.

Thank you Clover for sharing your top tips to Richmond (and East Sheen)! Keep up with Clover on Insta to see where he’s off to next!

We’ll be back next week with another episode and more top dog friendly London tips! In the meantime, don’t forget use the hashtags #mydogfriendlylondon and #londonbylondondogs to share your favourite dog friendly spots.

Before You Go…

Catch up with previous episodes in the My Dog Friendly London by London Dogs series…

And give us a bark (or get your human to send an email) if  you would like to be the face of a future My Dog Friendly London mini-guide!