Despite the cold and rain on Sunday. Alfie and I struck out for Hampton Wick to visit some friends and possibly take a walk round Bushy Park – and maybe chase a few deer a la Benton. By the time we arrived at our friends’ apartment Alfie was already covered in mud and rather wet (being small he’s closer to the ground and therefore gets muckier than the average dog). So we decided to take a walk by the river and then find a nice warm pub for a Sunday roast. Well, that was the plan.
The rain and cold and floods had obviously been a deterrent to most dog walkers as most of our walk along the Hampton Wick riverside was without passing visitors. We crossed the bridge to Kingston and Canbury Park – again, very few walkers out. Just a few determined (and wet) runners. So our first stop was a riverside favourite:
The Boater’s Arms
And it was here that we discovered all the people. The place was buzzing. There’s a raised dining area (with riverside views) where dogs are not allowed and a large bar area and lower seating area where dogs are permitted. There were a few canines around – a small terrier chap and a larger gun dog. Despite the best efforts of the staff, they couldn’t find a spare table for us and as it obviously wasn’t an outside dining day (there’s a good paved and covered garden) we were on our way. So back across the bridge to Hampton Wick.
The Old King’s Head
Right on the corner by the bridge and advertising “a husband crèche”. It’s right next to the entrance to Home Park (part of Hampton Court Park) which has a pond and an ice house. We peeked through the window. Looked nice enough and was clearly dog friendly as there was a large black Labrador sprawled out on the wooden floor next to its owner. http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/clubs_bars/venue-4865.php However, we decided that we didn’t want to make use of the numerous sports screens on the walls and continued on our way.
The White Hart Hotel
I’ve been here with Alfie before (see http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/blogs/showblog.php?post=2736) and it looked like it had space but we decided to move on so that we could try somewhere new.
The Foresters
Then we popped into this pub. And they indicated that they did allow dogs in the various bar areas. What a find! It’s a really nice pub (apparently it’s won numerous awards – see http://the-foresters.com/). We found this lovely little nook with a couple of large tables in the centre and soft benches against the wall and a roaring fire at the centre. Fabulous modern flock wall paper. It was really snug. I’d just put a coat down for Alfie when we learned that they only served food in the dining area – and they were fully booked. We were really distraught. But hunger drove us on – and we vowed to return one day soon.
The Swan Inn
This pub just almost opposite so we thought we’d try our luck. The friendly bar man indicated that dogs were welcome so we made our way to a large wooden table on a raised area after a quick visit to the dog water bowl near one of the other entrances. Just as well really as no sooner had we entered then a couple with a rather lively Jack Russell arrived. There’re various dining and bar areas here – and a couple of TV screens if you want to keep an eye on the sport. There were various menus http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/kingston-thames/swan although two of us were determined to have a roast (one chicken and one beef) and the other one of our party plumped for the burger (with cheese and bacon and fries). Only I was drinking alcohol so it was a small glass of wine for me, a large glass of water and a diet Coke. The food was OK but not cheap – our bill came to £38.85. However, there are options for two or three courses which may make it more affordable. But interesting that there was a fairly full programme of events – mostly involving jazz if you’re that way inclined.
So we had managed our walk. And a pub lunch. It was time to go home and dry out a bit. Alfie was ready for his snooze on the sofa.
