Remember at the Oscars when Uggie (star of “The Artist”) looked so dapper? Well, Holly & Lil’s was the source of his couture collar and in their lovely store in uber-trendy Bermondsey near London Bridge every dog is treated like a star.
The shop is painted a pale purple colour and when you enter you have to pass through a white gate – to stop any canine guests from escaping. Mind you, people were making such a fuss of the lovely white Staffy who was there when I visited that I don’t think for a moment that he was thinking of escaping all the attention.
Whilst it’s all about bespoke collar designs, there’s a cornucopia of doggy produce on sale. I was particularly taken with the jolly dog lights (different breeds available – the Staffy and Yorkie versions were adorable), the wide selection of dog themed mugs and greetings cards and, of course, all manner of gorgeous collars (including some with lots of bling), bibs, harnesses and leads. I was sorely tempted by both a zebra print and a red polka dot design but fear that the £80 price tag was just a little out of poor Alfie’s league. The LED light collars, pet passports and folding travel bowls were also admired and much more affordable.
Then there are all manner of lovely dog bed cushions – from small to absolutely huge. And in so many designs – I loved the colour variations on the Union Flag designs. There were salt and pepper sets in a variety of breeds (including Chihuahuas!), comic three flying pugs wall decorations, neon bright chews and even dog ice cream (Billy & Margot - £2.99 a portion). There was also a whole table of Christmas themed dog treats (including snowballs) and toys. There are some mighty spoiled pooches in this part of the world.
What also impressed me was the wonderful welcome from the staff and their open invitation to local workers and residents who don’t own a dog to come into the store to spend some time with one of the dogs that are usually resting on the large cushions at the rear – Daisy (pug), Holly and Dougie (collie crosses), Ober (miniature Schnauzer) and Gus (greyhound cross). And free cakes on Cupcake Saturdays!
And they are so much a part of this dog-loving community that they have produced a colourful annotated map called “Who lets the dogs in” which shows over 30 local establishments who allow dogs and grades them on a one star (check before entering), two star (“sit, stay and be quiet”), three star (welcome – space proviso) to four star (no restrictions) scale. I was also given glowing reviews of The Woolpack pub, Pizarro tapas bar and the Bermondsey Square Hotel.
http://www.hollyandlil.co.uk/
