It’s been a while, but we’re back with another in the My Dog-friendly London – London by London Dogs series with a tour of dog-friendly St Johns (more on where exactly that is in a moment) – courtesy of South London boy, Milo the Maltese.
Milo may be a small boy but oh my dog, what a huge personality. He’s a small bundle of sass with an enviable ‘fur do’ and a bubbly personality – from the moment we met, Milo could barely contain his excitement to be showing us around his ‘hood.
We hadn’t been to St Johns before Milo invited us to come over, but we soon discovered that it’s a charming place sitting on the edge of Deptford and also spilling into Lewisham and Brockley.
Milo can’t wait to show you around himself, so let’s get to know Milo and his best spots for a dog-friendly St Johns tour…
Please introduce yourself:
I’m Milo, I’m five (and a half) and although I don’t have my own insta (what’s up with that), I try to make sure I appear regularly on my mum’s office insta. I live in St Johns but am a pro at commuting every day to my Mum’s office in Borough.
What’s your favourite London Park and why?
Blackheath Common because it’s very open and very quiet, no one to interrupt me as I’m doing ‘my business’.
There is also a pond to have a drink of water from and it’s surrounded by many dog-friendly pubs and restaurants so mum and dad can have some refreshments too.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I live with my mum, dad and Bruce the cat (my cheeky little brother). While I’m a real city dog at heart, I also enjoy the odd countryside escape.
Since I was only 8 weeks old I’ve been a trusted helper in my mum’s office – LFA Agency, charming the team and our clients with my good looks, although I’ve never really been a big fan of the postman. Luckily, nearly all of my mum’s clients have dogs so I am never short of new friends – you can meet them for yourself in the ‘Dogs of LFA feature‘, where I also star of course.
I’m a small chap, but don’t let that fool you – I make up for what I lack in size with my personality. Humans describe me as a deep character, pensive and thoughtful which I think is pretty fitting. I love a good old cuddle but steer away from big crowds or lively parties – I’m an old man after all and treasure my alone time.
Dog-friendly St John’s | Milo’s Tip #1
Name: L’Oculto
Address: 57 Loampit Hill, London SE13 7SZ
Why do you like L’Oculto / what makes it special as a dog-friendly venue?
Mum and dad say its one of the only tapas places that they’ve been to which is dog-friendly inside. It’s a small and intimate joint allowing me to tag along on date nights.
Any top tips for the venue?
It’s a popular place so make sure you book in advance, especially if you’re taking a furry friend.
Dog-friendly St John’s | Milo’s Tip #2
Name: The Brookmill
Address: 65 Cranbrook Rd, St John’s, London SE8 4EJ
Why do you like The Brookmill / what makes it special as a dog-friendly venue?
The Brookmill are very generous with their dog nibbles and always keep a jar of biscuits on the bar which I can help myself to if I get a little peckish (I’m a big snacker).
Any top tips for the venue?
Dogs are welcome in all areas but I’d recommend you to check out the beer garden in the back, that’s where I normally catch up with my furry friends.
Dog-friendly St John’s | Milo’s Tip #3
Name: Brockley Market
Address: Lewisham College Carpark, Lewisham Way, London SE4 1UT
Why do you like Brockley Market / what makes it special as a dog-friendly venue?
It’s open air and a great place for dog-spotting. The food vendors are quite generous too, always dropping a little something on the floor for me.
Any top tips for Brockley Market?
It’s only open on Saturdays and remember to bring cash.
Dog-friendly St John’s | Milo’s Tip #4
Name: The Full Nelson
Address: 47 Deptford Broadway, Deptford, London SE8 4PH
Why do you like The Full Nelson?
All the food served is vegan which always smells amazing coming from the kitchen, it almost makes me want to give up chicken…almost.
Any top tips for The Full Nelson?
Be prepared to queue outside as it’s super popular – so wrap up warm during the colder months!
Dog-friendly St John’s | Milo’s Tip #5
Name: The Hare & Billet
Address: a Hare and Billet Rd, Blackheath, London SE3 0QJ
Why do you like The Hare & Billet?
With a whole station dedicated to dogs (blankets, biscuits and water), they really do cater for all of my needs. Plus it’s located just off Blackheath Common so makes perfect stop off after a long walk.
Any top tips for The Hare & Billet?
In the corner past the bar, you will find the dog wall (and ceiling) full of Polaroid photographs of all the dogs. If you fancy being snapped and added to the wall of fame, make sure you look your best!
Thank you Milo for all these pawsome tips in your tour of ‘Dog-friendly St Johns’ – and for introducing a new area to us, we loved getting to know this part of South London with you!
We’ll be back soon with more dog-friendly London tips! In the meantime, don’t forget use the hashtags #mydogfriendlylondon and #londonbylondondogs to share your favourite dog-friendly places.
Before You Go…
Catch up with previous episodes in the My Dog Friendly London by London Dogs series…
And ask your human to send an email if you would like to be the face of a future My Dog Friendly London mini-guide!
