Our Airbnb Guidebook To Dog Friendly London | 10 Of The Best Spots For Shopping & Hanging Out With Your Furry Friend

More and more places are recognising the importance of being dog friendly in the capital, so when we were asked by Airbnb to write an ‘Insiders’ Guidebook to Dog Friendly London for their new Trips platform, we couldn’t wait to share some of the pawsome places and lovely local businesses we’ve discovered along our blogging journey. We’ve had great fun putting our Airbnb Guidebook together and the launch photo shoot was a blast!

Airbnb gathered several of it’s London ‘Insiders’ together on the rooftop terrace of One New Change to help celebrate the launch and we were joined by TV presenter and broadcaster Reggie Yates who has created his own Airbnb Guidebook.

From bike-makers to bloggers, each insider has curated a Guidebook based around their local expertise showcasing their favourite spots around London in a bid to help both locals and visitors discover more about the city. See all the London Guidebooks here.

We were extremely proud to be part of the Airbnb ‘Insider’ Guidebooks project and to see our Dog Friendly London Airbnb Guidebook published (find it here). And of course we had to share our top tips with you, so without further ado meet the dog friendly London spots that feature in our Insider Guide (in no particular order of pawsomeness)…

1. Holly & Lil The Collarmakers (103 Bermondsey St, SE1) 

Why We Love It:

Think fashion emporium for dogs with a classic British feel. Nestled in the very quirky Bermondsey St, dogs are treated like queens (or kings) here, roaming free whilst you browse their selection of iconic handmade collars and leads, stylish accessories or tasty treats in this treasure trove of a shop. Treats and water readily available.

Insider Tip:

Make sure you pick up a copy of Holly & Lil’s ‘Who Lets The Dogs In Paw Guide to Bermondsey St ‘ a brilliant dog friendly map of the area with more than 30 places nearby for coffee, shopping etc. Staff are also super knowledgeable and can give you plenty of tips. If you’re looking for unique items for your dog (or as a gift) or London-themed dog accessories then this is definitely the place to come.

Website: Holly and Lil’s The Collarmakers

2. F***Coffee (163-167 Bermondsey St, SE1)

Why We Love It:

The perfect refueling pit stop after some doggy shopping at Holly & Lil’s in the same street. Relaxed and spacious place with huge sofas at the back for lounging on next to your dog or plenty of tables at the front. The vibe is eclectic, laid back and colourful and not at all pretentious – it feels like a home away from home. Staff make sure to offer dog treats and a bowl of water and dogs are genuinely welcomed throughout.

Insider Tip:

Definitely recommend grabbing a spot on one of the many huge sofas so your dog can relax next to you. Coffee is great and there is a good selection of fresh cakes (including vegan ones) and soups on offer. If Bitcoins are your thing there is also a Bitcoin ATM for some post-coffee Bitcoin trading (whilst your dog is still sleeping on the sofa of course).

Website: F****Coffee

3. Shake Shack (24, Market Building, Piazza, London WC2E 8RD) 

Why We Love It:

Located in the famous Covent Garden Piazza, the best thing about Shake Shack is the ‘Woof Menu’ of treats for your four-legged friend. Despite being in one of the most busiest parts of central London, Shake Shack have gone out of their way to cater for our canine friends. staff will gladly help you find a seat and bring water for your pooch to help wash down the treats. Being a tourist attraction the Piazza can get very busy so avoid peak times (e.g. weekends) if your pooch is not a fan of crowds.

Insider Tip:

There are two seating areas  – one inside Shake Shack and one in the covered Piazza seating areas. The latter is definitely recommended if you are with your four-legged friend as there is much more space.  Your dog will think all their Christmases have come at once if you order them the ‘Pooch-ini’ (Belinha did) – a doggy delight of Red Velvet Dog Biscuits, Peanut Butter and Vanilla Custard.

Website: Shake Shack Covent Garden

4. The Brown Dog Pub (28 Cross Street, Barnes, SW13 0AP)

Why We Love It:

The Brown Dog tucked away in the back streets of leafy Barnes, really is a true neighbourhood local gastro pub and dogs (of any colour) are definitely welcome. Resident rescue dog Pip greets all visitors (two-legged and four-legged) and you will be made to feel very welcome both by Pip and the staff whether there for lunch, dinner or just a drink. The vibe is part dining room, part pub and a perfect mix of old pub and modern decor. For summer there is a large sunny garden area out back.

Insider Tip:

Make sure to grab a table that has the padded seating benches as your dog is welcome to relax next to you (definitely preferred to the floor). Pip may also join you if you let her. For food recommendations, all the menu is great but the burgers are delicious!

Website: The Brown Dog

5. City Paws Club (42 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 1JP)

Why We Love It:

When you walk in here you know it’s run by people who love dogs and is so much more than a shop. Inside the shop you’ll find treats, toys and dog wear with a definite focus on unique, local and ethical brands as well as gear for the urban active dog. There’s also a small grooming area at the back and the best bit about this is the ‘self-wash’ area where you can wash your dog yourself (ethical grooming products and fluffy towels provided). In fact surprisingly, this is one of the very few places in London that offer this service.

The City Paws team also run regular events to get you and your dog out and about from pack walks and runs to dog and human paddle boarding on the River Thames – dog life jackets provided!

Insider Tip:

The doggy self-wash option is not available on Mondays and Fridays (but professional grooming is) – for the self-wash option it’s best to book ahead (30 minute slots available). Also, make sure to check out the City Paws Club Events Calendar to find out when the next pack walk, hike or dog & human paddle board event is!

Website: City Paws Club

6. Cafe Tamra (63 Northcote Road, Clapham, SW11 1NP)

Why We Love It:

This colourful independent dog-friendly cafe on the bustling Northcote Road in Clapham is a real local find. Cafe Tamra wears its’ love of dogs on their sleeves or in this case the walls and cushions, with pictures of dogs making the dog-friendly message very clear. Dogs are bought water and dog biscuits as standard and your pooch will be treated as any other customer with treats served on their own plate.

Insider Tip:

The cuisine is Mediterranean meets Moroccan and brunch here is highly recommended (the Lebanese eggs on toast is delicious). Perfect after a stroll on Clapham Common and/or shopping on The Northcote Road.

Facebook Page: Cafe Tamra

7. Barkers of Muswell Hill (70 Fortis Green Road, N10 3HN)

Why We Love It:

Barkers of Muswell Hill in North London is  a dog-owners shopping heaven and you will really be spoilt for choice at the selection of doggy treats and goodies on offer with lots of independent and hard to find brands all beautifully displayed in this boutique store. Barkers is also more than a pet boutique and spa – it has become the heart of the local Muswell Hill pet community. Doggy spa customers get their pictures added to the huge heart-shaped Barkers Gallery spanning one wall after their groom, the Community Board lists all the dog-friendly places nearby and there are weekly Puppy Parties and Doggy Socials for dogs held in-store. Barkers of Muswell Hill also hold regular events (e.g. Charity Dog Washes and live doggy portrait painting) to support local dog rescues.

Insider Tip:

Make sure to check out the Barkers of Muswell Hill Facebook Page to find out what’s on in-store as that’s where most of the events are listed. Our shopping tip…pick up some of the Frozzy’s lickable doggy frozen yoghurt, your pooch will love it!

*** Update 2018*** Barkers of Muswell Hill has now closed

8. The Hand in Hand Pub (6 Crooked Billet, London, SW19 4RQ)

Why We Love It:

Framed photos of their locals dogs (yes the dogs not the locals) adorn the walls showing which customer is king here. Baskets of doggy blankets are available for your pooch to sit on (either on the floor or on the seats) and if your pup is lucky enough to catch the eye of the staff they can feature as ‘dog of the week’ on the pub Twitter account. Staff go out of their way to offer water and dog biscuits.

Insider Tip:

Make sure your pooch has their own pub experience with some Snuffle Dog Beer (alcohol free) on sale at the bar! The pub is full of nooks and crannies – if your pup prefers not to be around little ones, steer clear of the Common Room as this is where the little people are.

Website: Hand in Hand Pub

9. The Dynamo (200 Putney Bridge Road, London, SW15 2NA)

Why We Love It:

Honestly I’ve not found anywhere else quite like The Dynamo in London. It’s a place for dog owners, cyclists and pizza lovers all rolled into one. A huge hip diner-inspired space (no American kitsch here) where designer bikes are the wall-art and dogs are welcome to sit in the diner style booths. Pizzas are their speciality but the brunches are great too.

Insider Tip:

Weekend mornings are really busy with cyclists but in the evenings you’ll have plenty of space for you and your pooch.

Website: The Dynamo Cafe

10. Konnigans Restaurant (344 Old York Road, Wandsworth, SW18 1SS)

Why We Love It:

Eating at Konnigans feels like you’re eating in a good friend’s lounge / dining room / kitchen. From the minute you walk in it’s warm and inviting  – the decor is eclectic yet tasteful and homely, there are lots of cosy nooks and crannies (yet still loads of space) and two outdoor terraces, one at the front and one at the back.

Dogs are definitely welcome with a clear ‘Dogs Welcome’ sign on the door, a ‘Doggy Hall of Fame’ featuring their four-legged customers and a ‘Happy Hour For Dogs’ sign at the water station. Staff will also bring a water bowl to your table.

Insider Tip:

The cuisine at Konnigans is like its decor…eclectic British with influences of the Mediterranean and South-East Asia. Portions are large and prices are very reasonable. Brunches at the weekend are fantastic (with a good vegetarian option) or  the homemade curry of the week served with all the trimmings you could ask for is highly recommended anytime!

Website: Konnigans Restaurant

We do hope you enjoyed our Airbnb Guidebook! If you have some favourite dog friendly London spots we’d love to hear about them so do let us know in the comments below…