Verve London, Portobello Market and Notting Hill

Dogs in London - The London Dog Blog

The sun finally came out and me and my pal made a bee line for Portobello market – the plan was to pretend to be tourists, do some shopping and settle in for some serious people and dog watching at one of the many Notting Hill establishments offering al fresco dining.

We meandered. We shopped. We haggled. We browsed antiques. And did we have fun! Oh yes. And then on Westbourne Grove we found Verve London. Glancing at the delicate tables and chairs outside and the window display which had a leopard print theme going on we passed through the gold ropes and entered doggy heaven.

At the front of the store is the Louis café/bar lounge – and doggy companions are welcome (obligatory!). We are so digging the hot pink and lime green chairs and the doggie models. We stopped to admire the dog themed postcards – so many Chihuahuas!

OMG – a red leather dog jacket! OMG again – a perfect couture red leather dog carrier! (available in any other colour). We didn’t stop to say “Doggacino” as we were drawn past the custom-made chaise longues to a leopard print escritoire and the wonderland of dog products at the surprisingly large rear of the store.

Zdeno (one of the owners) almost joined in with our delighted jumping and squealing and “oohing” and “aahing” as we surveyed the bejewelled collars, the sparkly (so much Swarovski!) food bowls, gorgeous pet beds and sofas, adorable toys, pet fashions (hoodies, coats, dresses and tees) and all manner of doggy delights.

As they specialise in leather work (all made in London so you’re supporting British manufacturing) we were told that you can have a belt to match your dog’s collar or, if you are that way inclined, a body harness to match your pooch’s. The word, darling, is custom made.

And Verve London does regular themed parties! It also has lots of celebrity clientele – we can’t possible name drop (designer Julian MacDonald and new Lara Croft girl Lucy Clarkson – oops). They will also be filming here for London Fashion Week for Pets. And if you are on the list you might get invited to a special party to celebrate the screening of Super Tiny Animals next Friday!

You MUST, MUST, MUST visit the web site – adorable dog photos and an on-line boutique. Alfie is SO going to become a regular!

Eat your heart out Essex!

http://www.verve-london.com/

Posted Date
May 12, 2012 in Dogs in London - The London Dog Blog by London DogBlog