After a bracing walk in Bushy Park, Twickenham (the location of the famous viral video of Benton the naughty dog chasing deer) what better than a drink in a warm dog and child friendly pub.
The Rising Sun in Hampton has recently been refurbished and offers a lovely Garden Room bar at the rear as well as a small but beautifully decorated outdoor area – which, in a cold snap, is the preserve of the smokers.
But yesterday we went to meet up with some friends – a dad and his seven year old – to watch the rugby. England was playing Scotland at Murrayfield – and both sides had lots of new players – and we were keen to see how the Six Nations series got started.
The main bar at the front was packed with people watching the two large screens where our boys were racing around the pitch. With a glass of smooth red wine I sat down to watch the match with Alfie on my knee.
During half time I wandered towards the rear of the front bar and met women and their two charming dogs – a stout black Scottie dog (who I was reassured was actually supporting England) and a rather laid back Cocker Spaniel (who slept through the entire match).
Everybody made a real fuss of Alfie (when the rugby wasn’t playing) and he was petted and stroked by most people in there. He was quite happy snoozing on my knee – and who wouldn’t be with that roaring open fire so near – and didn’t seem at all perturbed as we all jumped up and shouted when there was a try, a conversion or a bit of a fracas on the pitch. He joined in the debate about whether the Scottish attempt was a try (the ref said it wasn’t) and he joined in with the cheering at the end of the match when England were declared victorious.
I hadn’t managed to find Alfie an England rugby shirt but he was wearing his St George of England dog tag so it was obvious which side he was supporting. Great pub, great company and a great match.
http://www.rshh.co.uk/
