I don’t like to say it, and I’ve had to make sure Kimber’s out of earshot, but I’ve heard that some people don’t like dogs. No, really. I know. Have you seen her. So cute. So cute, in fact, that I had a crowd of wee girls sticking their arms through the playground railings earlier today, just so they could pat her. And yes, I know I’ve probably just undone all the lessons they’ve learned about strangers and puppies. Charlie Says… Luckily the playground assistant lady saw me, asked if she could help, and hopefully went back inside to suggest reinforcing the message. However, I digress.
As well as some people, some places aren’t too keen on dogs either. Which is fine for us, because more and more enlightened pubs and restaurants are opening up that welcome our pooch pals, and they’re the ones getting our custom. This makes weekends much more pleasant for us: we can enjoy a long walk and then some fab food and nice wine, safe in the knowledge that we don’t have to rush home to let Kimber out, because she’s snoozing under our table. Until recently we were only aware of a handful of places in Edinburgh that were dog friendly, but more are opening up, and they’re of a very high calibre indeed.
You can’t talk dog friendly in Edinburgh without mentioning that stalwart friend of pooches, The Espy in Portobello. It’s a friendly pub, with home-cooked food, served with sparkling smiles and reasonable prices. The perfect accompaniment to a walk on the beach. Then in Leith, the places you might expect to be dog friendly aren’t, and the places you wouldn’t expect to be dog friendly are. Like Bond No 9, who love dogs and bring them a bowl of water before they’ve brought you your wine. Just saying. We went there for our anniversary dinner last year and loved that we could eat a proper dinner and enjoy a decent bottle of wine, with our new member of the family in tow. Perfect! Also in Leith, Cafe Tartine‘s conservatory is earmarked for dogs and their humans. They have an extensive menu that caters for everyone, and their french onion soup is the best I’ve tasted outside of France. Except for my Mum’s. But then not even the French make french onion soup as good as my Mum’s.
And then there’s our experience today. My lovely hairdresser, Robbie, of Arthaus Hair, who adores Kimber, and always likes me to bring her, told me about a new place around the corner, Riparian Rooms. Since I had Kimber with me, I was thinking it would be fun to get some friends together to go there, when he uttered the words I didn’t expect to hear. Kimber and I had walked past it already, and I thought it looked very smart. Surely it would be too much to ask. But no, it wouldn’t, this lovely new place is also dog friendly. So we called the husband and met him there for some delicious Cullen Skink. They have so many nice-sounding things on the menu, that we can’t wait to go back.
So now we have four places, all well within reach of our home, where we can enjoy good food and wine in the company of Kimber. How could life get better than that?
Oh it’s such a shame we’re so far away from Edinburgh but one day, one day and it will be great to be able to get some cracking food and wine with the doggies in tow! I’m delighted that you’re publicising the dog friendly places near you and I think I’m going to do the same down here. I don’t aways want canine company – my doodle is bigger and a bit more work out of the house than the poo, but it is nice to do a good walk and be able to flop down in a good inn afterwards. Mind you I don’t think my hairdresser would easily accept a pooch accompanied visit and she has two doodles herself! You’ve got one in a million there…..
You’re right, I love my hairdresser and I’ve followed him to two new salons! The first one I had to track him down, the second time he realised that he can run, but he can’t hide!! He’s a great hairdresser, he loves dogs, and he’s a fabulous person. Lucky me! I’m really looking forward to the day we can enjoy some food and wine with our pooches: I’m sure Phoebe, Poppy, and Kimber will be very well behaved… Okay, we’re going to have to go on a VERY long walk before we eat!! Looking forward to hearing about the dog friendly places near you 🙂
Some people don’t like dogs?! Who are these people? My dog niece and dog nephew would be very sad to hear about that. Pleased you’ve found some dog friendly places to visit though 🙂
Ssssshhhhh Nina!! Not so loud! They might hear you! Please give your dog niece and nephew hugs from me and playful bites from Kimber 🙂