The 21st century has seen pet ownership become a much bigger part of all our lifestyles. Although rural and countryside locations have long been synonymous with creating allowances and schedules around the animals we keep, for city residents, things were very different. Other than the obligatory daily walks, it was often difficult to make Man’s Best Friend a big part of our daily routines.
In the last five to ten years however, things have started to change. The entertainment, leisure and hospitality establishments in the most prestigious neighbourhoods of London have identified how important it is to make dogs a welcome part of their guests’ bookings. With a little accommodation and lots of imagination, this is becoming somewhat of an amenity in itself and can often elevate the attraction of a restaurant, bar or pub in these areas.
Our guide to dog-friendly restaurants in Mayfair showcases a collection of the very best.
Smith & Whistle
Sheraton Grand, Park Lane
The vintage aesthetic and elegant allure of Smith & Whistle conveys everything that one could wish for from a Mayfair food and drink spot. With a fantastic terrace that overlooks the timeless natural scenery of Green Park, there is an enticing rhythm to this space that often means one drink turns into a meal. Of course, being part of the Sheraton Grand Hotel means that all of the staff are used to guests making the most of the facilities with their pets in tow. However, Smith & Whistle takes all of this experience to a new level for a dog-friendly atmosphere.
This is clearly one of the most impressive and innovative high-end restaurants & bars in all of London for dog owners. Their services go well beyond the water bowl with an entire Dogtail menu offered for canine consumption. The Hound’s Hops is a fusion of dog beer and refreshing mint and Posh Pooch is a nettle, elderflower, lime and carrot wine that will have your pup raring to go after your meal. When the time comes to order food, the dogs are appropriately catered for too, with dishes of chicken pieces and Pedigree Fries available to fill their bowls. Comfortable and casual, Smith & Whistle is leading the way for making dogs a part of the Mayfair restaurant scene.
Sketch
Conduit Street, Mayfair
Sketch has garnered a peerless reputation amongst the restaurants of Mayfair due to its commitment to innovation, experience and superb quality. Initially created by the restaurateur Mourad Mazouz with direction from the Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, it is an intoxicating fusion of art, theatre and food. The whole space is divided into rooms of wonder with the Gallery, Glade, Lecture Room & Library and East Bar & Pods all delivering something unique, bound by their impeccable quality.
For dog owners, it is The Parlour at Sketch that makes the most sense for any visit. This is a more relaxed atmosphere of coffee, cocktails and light meals that are great at the end of a walk with a furry friend. Dogs are welcome by staff who are always happy to make a fuss for the well-behaved pooches that become patrons. If possible, phoning ahead to let The Parlour know that your dog will be joining you is a great way to ensure that they will be well looked after throughout your visit. The entire experience of taking a pet to a world-class and Michelin-starred restaurant represents how seriously London is now taking dog owners and their requests and reservations, with Sketch doing exactly that.
Mercato Mayfair
North Audley Street
The grand architecture and awe-inspiring setting of Mercato Mayfair is a joy to behold. What was once St. Mark’s Church is now a part of the Mercato Metropolitano family of restaurants that always prioritise community, sustainability and inclusivity. As long as your dog is well-behaved and kept on a lead, then that invite extends to them too, allowing you both to roam around almost all of this extraordinary venue.
The Main Hall of arches and gothic majesty is home to plenty of stalls and servers that bring a collection of hand-rolled pasta, bao buns, tacos and oysters under one glorious roof. For the elevated olfactory senses of dogs, this is undoubtedly a heavenly scent to enjoy as they pad around the room. A table on the ground floor is the prime position for pooches, where they can settle in with a free water bowl and often a treat from the vendors. It is clear that dogs are not simply tolerated here, they are celebrated. This is a space for the most cosmopolitan canine and there are usually plenty of new friends for them to make amongst the crowds too.
The Barley Mow
Mayfair
The Barley Mow is a wonderful example of how a 21st century London Pub & Restaurant should look and feel. There is an overall traditional aesthetic of oak panelling and tall windows combined with the polish and facilities of modernity to add comfort too. Amongst the mosaic tiled floors, vintage accessories and brass fittings, it would appear that dogs are part of the furniture here too. Under the tables and coiled around the stools as their owners chat over a drink or lunch, they lend the pace a warm intimacy that makes man and beast equally welcome. They are all accommodated with a fresh bowl of water and the occasional treat, just to emphasise how much The Barley Mow appreciates them being around.
Although the menu for humans here most definitely leans into comfort food, it isn’t ordinary pub grub. Hearty and homely dishes such as steak pie or smoked haddock & leek tart are done extremely well, and the Sunday Roast is a showstopper. It might be a good idea to bring along a little towel for your companion in the winter months, as the floor can be a little cool for paws, but everything else will be taken care of.
After a long walk or a busy day, these Mayfair spots are perfect to keep stomachs full and tails wagging. With a combination of heritage, history and modern innovation, they demonstrate how London is fast becoming a dog destination of distinction. The only ‘paws for thought’ one might have is which place to try first.
