Having had such a lovely time recently at Kingston, Alfie and I decided to return for a sunny Saturday by the water - after all, it has something for everyone - shops, park and many establishments who welcome dogs.
On the bus journey we met a rather handsome cream colour German Shepherd who was very placid despite being jostled from every direction. Where do you put a large dog on a busy bus?
We met at the bus stop outside John Lewis (which doesn't allow dogs) and wandered into the town as we were on a quest for orange ear rings. The sales assistants in East made a big fuss of Alfie and the staff in Accessorize made a point of not noticing him. We've previously been disappointed at the 'no entry' attitude to dogs at the coffee shop chains so we thought we'd try our luck at the riverside pub The Bishop Out of Residence.
Bishop Out of Residence
I settled Alfie with my companion on a bench in the good sized walled garden outside - the sun was shining weakly but the riverside view was fantastic. I went into the deep dark interior and was delighted to learn that they sold both coffee and tea.
I placed my order and asked the bar man if dogs were allowed inside. He gave a huge smile and said 'Of course!' and then went on to explain that there were dog biscuits to which we could help ourselves. He kindly offered to bring our hot beverages out to us. Now that's service!
We chatted happily outside and even took a peak at the menu - it looked pretty comprehensive with bar munchies such as pigs in blankets, pork pies and humous and tzatziki, a range of sandwiches and then main courses spanning burgers, fish and chips, bangers and mash, a selection of pizzas and salads, steak, ribs and pasta dishes. There were even mussels. We made a mental note that newspapers and live music are provided on Sunday lunchtimes.
But Alfie needed a walk so we finished our drinks and set off along the riverside to retrace our recent steps through the lovely Canbury Park. There were the usual mixture of strolling couples, families with young kids, skateboarders and cyclists.
We reached the Boaters' Inn (very dog friendly) which we had visited previously and carried on walking. From here you can see the island in the river and watch the sail boats - one capsized and needed help.
Frere Jacques French Brasserie
A chill rose in the air and we realised we were rather hungry. So we walked back towards the town and presented ourselves at Frere Jacques - my favourite Kingston restaurant.
They had told us that dogs were welcome inside but when we said it would be a shame to miss the fantastic river view they showed us to a table under the front canopy which was so close to an overhead heater it felt like we were sun bathing on the Costa Brava. Perfect!
Alfie snuggled into my jacket which I had placed on a chair and we ordered a couple of large glasses of wine (Rose 6.35, Malbec 7.5) and surveyed the menu. There was a set menu (Le Rapide) but I choose the duck confit with cassoulet beans and daphinoise (16.25) while my companion opted for the salmon with leeks and mashed potatoes (10.90).
The portion sizes were generous (especially the salmon) and the duck was sublime - Alfie agreed. The staff were polite and attentive and didn't bat an eyelid at Alfie sitting in his chair.
The food was so lovely - and perfectly French - that we both decided to have the Tarte Tartin for dessert. This had plump pieces of spiced apple and a dollop of delicious cinnamon ice cream. Throughout our meal we watched the boats on the river and the myriad people walking past. It was really very relaxing.
Sated, we walked back towards the train station with a short stop at T K Maxx where my companion found a fabulous Spring jacket. I carried Alfie and spent quite a while chatting to a couple of women who were really taken with him - and even gave them the contact details of the breeder in Surbiton from where Alfie came. Good luck with your Chihuahua puppy hunt guys!
