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Our intrepid doggy rePAWter has been travelling all over the UK sniffing out the very best dog-friendly hotels across the country’s most idyllic towns.

From majestic dog friendly manor houses to cosy cottages and luxurious five-star retreats, TeamCocopup Charlie has been, seen and sniffed them all. We’ve rounded up a few of his favourites, all within two hours driving distance from London.

The Mitre Hampton Court

Beautifully illuminated in fairy lights, you’ll see the façade of Mitre Hampton Court from a mile away. This characterful dog friendly boutique hotel is as eccentric as it is cosy. Art is everywhere in this 17th-century Grade II listed hotel, from the illustrated map of surrey to playful portraits of King Henry dotted throughout.

Led by Chef Ronnie Kimbugwe, the gorgeous riverside 1665 restaurant offers British classics with an eclectic twist. Breakfast is served at The Boathouse, where you can enjoy a nice cuppa while overlooking the Thames. The plant bowl is delish, but so too are the classic Eggs Benedict and Full English options. Almost all restaurants in Mitre Hampton Court have dedicated areas where you doggy can dine with you – which obviously gives it plus points from me and Charlie.

We stayed in the Thames View suite, which as the name suggests, has incredible riverside views. A gorgeous red patterned wallpaper decorates the space, while a handsome freestanding bath is a clear focal point. Designed by Nicola Harding, the room was spacious, colourful and appropriately festive.

There was a dog bed, dog bowls, dog toys and dog treats for Charlie too – who of course loved all the special treatment.

So – whether you are ‘In The Tub’ or ‘Out to Court’ (playful door signs which feature King Henry and Queen Charlotte respectively), there is certainly plenty to love at Mitre Hampton Court. We think it may even be the best festive dog friendly staycation this side of the Thames.

Hotel du Vin Cheltenham

Pat of the Hotel du Vin Group and Fraser’s Hospitality, Hotel du Vin Cheltenham occupies a beautiful building in Cheltenham’s chic Montpellier district. Picture handsome Regency-era mansions, and tree-lined crescents that look like they could’ve been lifted off the set of Bridgerton.

There are 49 individually designed bedrooms and suites, which have undergone a recent (and extensive) refurb to capture the rustic allure of country living, while still celebrating the English Heritage style of the Hotel du Vin collection.

This fabulously dog friendly hotel is centred around a sprawling bar and restaurant and of course – an impressive wine cellar. (After all – a Hotel du Vin would not be complete without a healthy array of vintages that would impress even the most discerning wine connoisseur).

We stayed in the sprawling De Trafford Suite, which is as impressive as it sounds. Occupying the square footage of what seems like an entire London terraced house; the suite features vibrant decoupage wallcoverings with English antique prints that are equal parts eclectic, joyful and tim

Burleigh Court

Burleigh Court is a chic four-star dog friendly boutique manor hotel, housed in a Grade II listed manor, that is surrounded by captivating Cotswolds countryside in Stroud. The hotel, which has one of the most beautiful views of Stroud’s Golden Valley, foregoes the sometimes stuffy environs of other manor house hotels and instead opts for a vibe that is elegant, warm and inviting. Imagine staying in one of the lush country manors ala Bridgerton – minus all the pomp and circumstance.

The best thing about Burleigh Court? It is that it is fabulously dog friendly. TeamCocopup Charlie was welcomed in most of the public spaces, with a dedicated area for doggy diners in the restaurant too. He absolutely loved exploring Burleigh Court’s expansive grounds and going on leisurely walks in the surrounding countryside.

Burleigh Court has 18, individually designed rooms with pet-friendly accommodation available in an adjacent coach house. Our room was incredibly spacious tastefully designed and ideally located in front of the grounds – perfect for late night doggy business. There was a dog bed, dog bowls and some treats too – which Charlie more than appreciated. The room décor was a love letter to Cotswolds charm and featured plenty of well-loved knick knacks, rich tapestries and even a delightful wall mural.

From the warm hospitality of the staff, delicious food and beautiful Cotswolds countryside – there’s no better way to recharge than in this magical Cotswolds hideaway. When life once again gets away from us, we shall certainly be back.

The Bradley Hare

Located in the wildly picturesque grounds of the Duke of Somerset’s estate, The Bradley Hare benefits from and is inspired by the gorgeous pastoral landscapes that surround it. The rooms, which are warmed by roaring fires in the winter months, have been designed by James Thurstan Waterworth, ex-European Design Director of Soho House.

While boasting some handsome 18th and 19th-century furnishings, each of the 12 individually-designed bedrooms exude a muted yet contemporary vibe, elevating the rural chic interiors. Picture glorious free-standing baths, Egyptian cotton sheets, Siberian goose down duvets and a colourful array of contemporary artwork – that is exactly the aesthetic at The Bradley Hare.

We stayed in one of the five generously-sized dog friendly bedrooms in the Coach House. Opposite the pub and with plenty of space to roam, these gorgeous farmhouse style rooms are the perfect place to relax and unwind amidst the sounds and scenery of the great British countryside.

Guests who are staying at The Bradley Hare can expect a complimentary continental breakfast, which exceeded our expectations of continental meals. While hot breakfasts incurred an additional charge, the continental, which offered delicious homemade granola, pain au chocolate, ham, fresh juices, coffees and freshly-baked sourdough with homemade jams and yoghurts will soon make you forget about the lack of a full English.

Dittisham Hideaway

Dittisham Hideaway offers quirky, cosy dog firendly self-catering accommodation that will blow away all your glamping holiday expectations. The newly launched Shepherd’s Lodges are exactly as how you’d imagine them to be but have all the quintessential luxury amenities of any De Savary property.

They are made by West Country Artisans, offering beautiful views of the wooded valley below. At 234sq ft, they are spacious while still giving off cosy vibes. Each one has a large outdoor private terrace, complete with an outdoor wood-fired spa bath . There are also Adirondack loungers, a teak dining table and parasols perfect for enjoying a leisurely summer afternoon with friends.

Inside there are Egyptian cotton sheets, a welcome hamper full of locally sourced treats and breakfast supplies. The Shepherd’s Lodges feature wonderfully decorated interiors that are warm and stylish. They also come equipped with very spacious bathrooms (a rarity in most Shepherd’s Huts accommodations).

There was a Sophie Alport dog bed for a perfect night’s rest, dog bowls, and a full doggy welcome package for Charlie. This included everything from dog treats to poo bags, squeaky toys and a guide to the best countryside walks in the surrounding area. There is also a communal games barn – perfect for playing chess or table tennis during rainy days in the Devonshire countryside.

Just a one hour and thirty minute train journey away from Paddington is the lovely Hotel du Vin Cheltenham; a glorious home-from-home in the beautiful regency era town of Cheltenham.

Pat of the Hotel du Vin Group and Fraser’s Hospitality, Hotel du Vin Cheltenham occupies a beautiful building in Cheltenham’s chic Montpellier district. Picture handsome Regency-era mansions, and tree-lined crescents that look like they could’ve been lifted off the set of Bridgerton.

There are 49 individually designed bedrooms and suites, which have undergone a recent (and extensive) refurb to capture the rustic allure of country living, while still celebrating the English Heritage style of the Hotel du Vin collection.

This fabulously dog-friendly hotel is centred around a sprawling bar and restaurant and of course – an impressive wine cellar. (After all – a Hotel du Vin would not be complete without a healthy array of vintages that would impress even the most discerning wine connoisseur).

We stayed in the sprawling De Trafford Suite, which is as impressive as it sounds. Occupying the square footage of what seems like an entire London terraced house; the suite features vibrant decoupage wallcoverings with English antique prints that are equal parts eclectic, joyful and timeless.

A rich tapestry inspired by Mulberry Home’s flying ducks’ prints, inspire colour scheme of the room, which blends duck egg blue with sage green and bright orange accents. There is of course, a large king sized bed complete with headboard by Colefax and Fowler, a meticulously preserved wooden mantlepiece; and a newly refurbished bathroom with tiles form Solus ceramics.

There are plenty of creature comforts too. Handsprung mattresses, fine Egyptian linens, plasma TVs and a handsome rolltop bath, which is a thing of beauty and the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring.

There is also a completely separate seating area; perfect for getting lost in a good book or film. For Charlie, we were greeted with a comfy dog bed, dog bowls and doggy care package complete with snacks and tennis ball (his favourite). So – he truly did feel like four-legged VIP from the moment we check in.

Not every space is dog friendly though, which is worth noting. But even if the main Bistro du Vin restaurant isn’t dog friendly per se, pet travellers can enjoy a delicious meal at Hotel du Vin Cheltenham upstairs in one of two lounge areas or at the bar.

Guests who are staying in one of Hotel du Vin’s inclusive packages can enjoy three course meals as part of their stay. Certain dishes though like the steaks, scallops and beef bourguignonne come with added supplements, but with most dishes priced below £20 – the entire menu Bistro du Vin’s menu is fabulously affordable.

Beyond the Hotel du Vin, Cheltenham has plenty to explore for pet friendly travellers. There are plenty of charming cafes and restaurants, and glorious parks that are within walking distance from the hotel – perfect for a day out in the sun with your pup. A lot of the cute boutiques, complete with stylish knick knacks, are pet friendly too. There are also a few noteworthy National Heritage Houses and the always enjoyable Cotswolds Wildlife Park which are within a short drive away.

Overall, if you’re looking for an idyllic slow weekend getaway with your four-legged pooch, look no further than the Hotel du Vin. Excellent service, luxurious rooms and a delectable menu of food and wine, Hotel du Vin is a veritable home away from home in the heart of Cheltenham and we shall surely be returning.

A 1-night stay at Hotel du Vin Cheltenham costs from £110 in March. Book online at https://www.hotelduvin.com/locations/cheltenham/

Located in sleepy Richmond, with views overlooking the Thames, The Mitre Hampton Court is our top choice for the ultimate dog-friendly winter staycation this holiday season. Our girl Hannah Tan-Gillies and intrepid doggy rePAWter TeamCocopup Charlie ventured out to foggy Hampton Court to experience the festive delights of the hotel themselves.

Beautifully illuminated in fairy lights, you’ll see the façade of Mitre Hampton Court from a mile away. The hotel sits right on the edge of the Thames, giving it an almost ethereal quality that is absolutely ideal for evoking Christmas cheer. So much so, that not even the horrendous Surrey holiday traffic could dampen our spirits.

This characterful boutique hotel is as eccentric as it is cosy. Art is everywhere in this 17th-century Grade II listed hotel, from the illustrated map of surrey to playful portraits of King Henry dotted throughout. You are greeted by a glass of Taylors Port upon arrival, a perfectly warming gesture that hints at the level of service you can expect at The Mitre Hampton Court.

The hotel is hosting a wonderfully cosy Taylors Port pop-up in the terrace which is adorned with Parisian style furniture, outdoor kitchen, twinkling lights and roaring fires. We recommend sampling one of Taylor’s signature cocktails, which includes a Porto Negroni, Port Old Fashioned or LBV Martini before going for dinner at the lovely 1665 restaurant.

1665 restaurant at Mitre Hampton Court

Led by Chef Mark Jarvis the gorgeous riverside 1665 restaurant offers British classics with an eclectic twist. We started off with the Teriyaki cauliflower popcorn and the wonderfully indulgent panko-crusted Brie. For mains, don’t skip the Pork Belly, which is tender, crunchy, savoury and perfect for a winter meal.

The house wine, a Domaine de Saissac Cabernet Sauvignon, was the perfect choice to pair with our hearty winter meal which ended with a slice of the restaurant’s delicious (and slightly savoury) burnt basque cheesecake – which was a revelation in and of itself.

cosy winter terrace with Taylor's Port pop-up

Breakfast is served at The Boathouse, where you can enjoy a nice cuppa while overlooking the Thames. The plant bowl is delish, but so too are the classic Eggs Benedict and Full English options. Almost all restaurants in Mitre Hampton Court have dedicated areas where you doggy can dine with you – which obviously gives it plus points from me and Charlie.

We stayed in the Thames View suite, which as the name suggests, has incredible riverside views. A gorgeous red patterned wallpaper decorates the space, while a handsome freestanding bath is a clear focal point. Designed by Nicola Harding, the room was spacious, colourful and appropriately festive.

Thames View room in Mitre hampton court

There was a dog bed, dog bowls, dog toys and dog treats for Charlie too – who of course loved all the special treatment.

So – whether you are ‘In The Tub’ or ‘Out to Court’ (playful door signs which feature King Henry and Queen Charlotte respectively), there is certainly plenty to love at Mitre Hampton Court. We think it may even be the best festive dog friendly staycation this side of the Thames.

dog and woman in bed

Book your staycation now at The Mitre Hampton Court Hotel

There is no one more deserving of being spoilt rotten this holiday season than your four-legged pooch. Because who else has been by your side through the trials and turbulations and also the joys of 2023 than your furry best friend?

To get you in the giving mood, our resident doggy RePAWter TeamCocopup Charlie has rounded up the very best Christmas gifts for dogs from across the land so you can truly pamper your Veri Important Pooches (VIP) this Christmas.

Dragonfly & Blossom Travel Mug

Dog mug, christmas gifts for dogs

If, like us, you and your pup love to travel – then what better way to enhance those long car journeys with this adorable dog travel mug from Dragonfly & Blossom? Not only does it feature seven bespoke illustrations from the independently-owned business’s dog collection, it is also handmade lovingly in the UK. Not only is this an excellent Christmas gift for dogs, you can get a matching set making this an excellent Christmas gift for couples.

Pets at Home Christmas Gingerbread Dog Jumper

dog in christmas jumper christmas gifts for dogs

Perfect for that festive family photo under the tree, what better way to inspire the holiday spirit than with an adorable Christmas jumper. Run, run, run, as fast as you can, you can’t catch them, they’re the Gingerbread Man!

Lily’s Kitchen Advent Calendar for Dogs

dog advent calendar, christmas gifts for dogs

Tried and tested, your pooch will be looking forward to his daily holiday treat thanks to this Advent Calendar from Lily’s Kitchen. It truly is one of the best Christmas gifts for dogs.

Weashume Calming Dog Bed

dog bed, christmas gifts for dogs

Give your dog the gift of comfort with this wonderfully cosy dog bed. Perfect for relaxing by the fire, especially when the whole fam comes around for the holidays.

Personalised Dog Stockings

dog stocking, christmas gifts for dogs

How adorable are these personalised Christmas Stockings from Etsy? He’ll absolutely love waking up on Christmas morning to find his very own stocking filled with treats and stuffies.

Welcome to the world of innovative pet care with Poorly Paws, where founder Alex Surace and his wife Gabriella took a common dog owner dilemma and transformed it into a practical and stylish solution.

Picture this: you’re on a leisurely stroll with your furry companion when an unexpected mishap occurs – a thorn in the paw or a shard of glass. What do you do when you’re far from the car and nowhere near a vet?

Enter Poorly Paws, born out of the very scenario that many dog owners dread. The mission was clear: create a product that could fit seamlessly into your pocket, attach to a lead, collar, or belt, and contain the essential elements of a first aid kit for dogs. The result? A compact 17-piece kit that is waterproof, lightweight, and measures a mere 10 cm x 10 cm.

Regardless of your canine companion’s size or breed, Poorly Paws’ first aid kit stands ready to provide efficient and swift aid. Inside, you’ll discover essentials ranging from bandages to saline solution, ensuring you have the necessary tools to respond effectively to unexpected incidents.

But Poorly Paws goes beyond being just a product; it’s a complete pet care solution.

Join us as we delve into the journey of Poorly Paws with founder Alex Surace. Discover the inspiration, the challenges faced, and the vision behind this innovative approach to pet safety and well-being.

Learn how Poorly Paws is not just a brand but a companion in ensuring that every dog owner feels empowered to provide immediate care when their four-legged friends need it the most…

Inspiration and Idea Generation

What inspired you to create Poorly Paws, and how did you come up with the idea for a portable first aid kit for dogs?

While walking our dog, Luna, we found ourselves in a situation where she stepped on some glass, slicing open her paw pad. With only our baby bag on hand, we improvised with tissues and a nappy to stop the bleeding. This incident prompted us to create a compact first aid kit for dogs, as existing options were too large to carry everywhere.

Features and Uniqueness

Tell us about the features of Poorly Paws first aid kit. What sets it apart from other products in the market?

The distinguishing factor is not just the kit itself but the included educational component. Teaming up with Rachel Bean, a royal veterinary nurse, we created instructional videos, ensuring users not only have a first aid kit but also the knowledge to use it effectively. Despite its small size, the kit contains a wide array of items.

Design Considerations

Why was it important for you to make the kit waterproof, lightweight, and compact? How does this benefit dog owners in real-life situations?

Yes, this was crucial. Given the unpredictable British weather, waterproofing was essential. The kit’s lightweight and compact design addresses practical concerns, ensuring dog owners can carry it effortlessly during walks and outdoor activities.

Collaboration and Educational Resources

Your website includes instructional videos on how to use the first aid kit. How did you collaborate with a qualified veterinary nurse, and what was the process of creating these educational resources like?

Collaborating with Rachel Bean, a veterinary nurse passionate about education, was integral. The process involved extensive discussions with professionals, ensuring the educational content aligned with our vision for the kit.

Emergency Situations

Can you describe some common emergency situations where Poorly Paws first aid kit can be particularly useful?

The kit proves invaluable in various scenarios, such as removing ticks, treating cuts, cleaning wounds, and bandaging injuries, showcasing its versatility.

Impact on Dog Owners

How do you envision Poorly Paws making a difference in the lives of dog owners? What impact do you hope to achieve through your product and educational resources?

Our goal is to empower dog owners with the confidence to administer basic first aid. The portability of the kit, coupled with educational resources, ensures preparedness for most situations.

Development Challenges

What challenges did you face during the development and launch of Poorly Paws, and how did you overcome them?

The primary challenge was designing the perfect bag, taking almost two years and numerous prototypes. Engaging with vets, nurses, and dog walkers helped shape the kit’s content, overcoming the challenge of creating a lightweight, compact, and waterproof bag.

Portable Assistance

In what ways do you believe having access to a portable first aid kit can empower dog owners to provide immediate assistance to their pets?

Portability ensures the kit is always accessible, addressing the common issue of larger kits being left at home or in the car, rendering them useless during outdoor activities.

Customer Stories and Impact

Are there any heartwarming or inspiring stories from customers who have used Poorly Paws in emergency situations that you can share with us?

Stories include an incident at Crufts where a show dog injured its dew claw, and the owner promptly used the kit. Recently, we shipped kits to Ukraine to aid injured animals during the war.

Customer Feedback and Evolution

Tell us about the feedback you have received from dog owners who have used your product. How has their response shaped the evolution of Poorly Paws?

Customer reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, shaping improvements such as a QR code tag for easier access and environmentally friendly cardboard packaging for refill kits.

Holistic Approach to Pet Care

Besides providing essential first aid supplies, your product also aims to equip dog owners with skills. How do you believe education complements the physical kit, and why is this holistic approach important?

The kit caters to both buying a product and completing first aid courses, ensuring users have the knowledge to handle diverse situations, exemplified by instructional videos corresponding to kit contents.

Future Initiatives

What future initiatives or developments do you have in mind for Poorly Paws? Are there any new features or educational resources you plan to introduce?

We are currently developing an app to serve as a first aid hub with 24/7 veterinary support, expanding our commitment to pet safety and care.

Contributing to Pet Care Advancements

Can you share your vision for the future of pet care and safety, and how you see Poorly Paws contributing to advancements in this field?

We aim for widespread adoption of first aid kits among dog owners and mandatory use for professionals, envisioning a safer environment for pets with increased awareness and preparedness.

Personal and Travel Preferences

Our readers love to travel; what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

We aspire to visit Switzerland to explore its lakes, forests, and parks, particularly as it is known to be dog-friendly.

Motivational Quotes

When lacking motivation, what’s your go-to quote?

Our two go-to quotes are:

“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible’” – Audrey Hepburn

“Just keep swimming” – Dory (Finding Nemo)

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are passionate about creating innovative solutions for pet owners based on your experience with Poorly Paws

?Learn comprehensively, network extensively, take chances, as you never know where your venture may lead.

As we conclude our enlightening conversation with Alex Surace, the mastermind behind Poorly Paws, we invite you to explore the full range of canine care and safety solutions on their website.

Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to be your dog’s first responder, ensuring that every walk is not just an adventure but a safe and prepared journey. Visit their website today for a firsthand look at the future of pet care innovation.

On a perfect late summer afternoon, TeamCocopup Charlie made his way to The Fugitive Motel. An achingly cool all day bar and restaurant that oozes mid-century modern personality without any fuss.

Located right by the arches on Bethnal Green, The Fugitive Motel is a great place to enjoy everything from artisanal coffee to vegan pizzas and craft tipples with your favourite furry friends.

Fugitive Motel takes inspiration from the classic American motels of the late 1950s and 60s and features plenty of quirky industrial elements mixed in with colourful retro design details. The bar is a mad men style wood and granite bar offering an impressive variety of craft beers from local and international producers. The booths — with some welcome kitsch details — are exceptionally charming. You almost feel like you are transported to an easy diner in palm springs.

The menu is as easy as the interiors and has plenty of sharing options, but the star of the show has to be the pizza. We had the Ole Faithful which is a delicious blend of prosciutto, rocket, olives, and mozzarella. The Smokey One is a great option for meat lovers, and offers spicy nduja sausages, sweet pepper, chorizo, red onion, smoked mozzarella and pesto. The ice cream is worth shouting about too. Don’t leave Fugitive Motel without a scoop (or three) of the Ricotta ice cream, it’s the perfect dessert to indulge in this season.

This versatile all day spot is great for prolonged brunches, co-working, early dinners, late night drinks, shuffleboard competitions, and of course — doggy dates. Fugitive Motelis extremely dog-friendly, with pups even allowed on the booths. During our visit, we had at least two other doggy neighbours who were definitely enjoying their stay. Because no matter what you’re in the mood for,there’s a vacancy for everyone at The Fugitive Motel – especially for four legged guests.

www.fugitivemotel.bar

After months of searching, TeamCocopup Charlie and I have finally found London’s best dog-friendly hotel, and it’s the perfect place for a luxury doggy staycation.

Located in a quiet tree-lined street in Knightsbridge, just a quick walk away from the busy shoppers at Harrods’ and the lush greenery of Hyde Park, The Egerton House Hotel is classic luxury at its finest. The hotel was originally built in 1843 and overlooking perfectly manicured private gardens; a luxurious sanctuary in the heart of vibrant Knightsbridge. The Egerton House Hotel has all the signatures of a Red Carnation Hotel; from its beautiful and timeless interiors, to its warm and truly impeccable staff, and everything else in between.

The exceptional service at The Egerton House is felt from the moment you step foot in the door; and the staff pull out all the stops when rolling out the red carpet for your four legged friend. Every room at the Egerton House is pet-friendly, which is hardly the case with other London hotels. We checked into our beautiful studio suite. ‘Studio’ is an understatement, because these rooms are as spacious ad they are indulgent. A muted colour palette is contrasted with a stunning vaulted ceiling,a cosy sitting area, a king sized bed with 200 thread count Belgian linen, and two glasses of bubbles patiently waiting our arrival.

Don’t fret – TeamCocopup Charlie also got the works, with his own luxury dog bed, two bowls full of treats, doggy matts, towels, and his choice of breakfast, dinner, and afternoon tea – with his very own doggy menu. The doggy afternoon tea is held in The Egerton House’s beautiful Ivory hued Drawing Room and is definitely worth mentioning. The hotels afternoon tea celebrates the great British tradition with panache.From traditional loose leaf teas, to minimal asian flavours, and even some show-stopping herbal infusions; the Egerton House Hotel has something for even the most discerning tea connoisseur. While I enjoyed a glass of champagne with my afternoon tea, Charlie enjoyed a three course doggy menu of his own — also served in doggie-themed three-tiered tea stand. This very special doggy menu comprises of home made chicken and beef meatloaf, freshly baked dog biscuits, and some pure fruit doggie ice cream, not to mention some pup-friendly PAW-secco too — now that’s VIP (Very important Pet) treatment.

As House of Coco’s official doggie journalist, Team Coco pup Charlie has explored plenty of dog-friendly places in London, but nowhere reaches the same level of puppy-pampering as the Egerton House Hotel. The Egerton House Hotel exudes all of the essential charms of a luxury British hotel, balanced with the warm familiarity of a family run establishment.

WWW.EGERTONHOUSEHOTEL.COM

Since we’re all about change in 2020, this year we skipped the traditional Valentine’s Day date and instead went on a romantic rendezvous with our four-legged best friend.

So, with PAWsecco in tow, we took our resident doggy journalist, Charlie TeamCocopup, to a Doggy Valentine’s date to Pastaio London, one of the most delicious pasta places in town.

Located right by buzzy, bustling Carnaby Street Pastaio London is as bright and colourful inside, as its cool Covent Garden locale. Once inside, you are immediately greeted by the aroma of freshly made pasta – and the burst of bold colour of the restaurant’s Rob Lowe designed feature wall where TeamCocopup and I found a cosy corner table for our doggy date.

There’s plenty of authentic Italian fare to choose from, and it’s also worth talking about how Pastaio London has an entire vegan/gluten-free green menu for those looking to extend their Veganuary to the rest of the year. The vegan menu offers healthy starters like the Sardinian crispbread, and the Taggiasca olive and orange salad; to gluten-free pastas such as the smoked chili and black olives spaghetti and the Ragu Bolognese with porcini mushrooms.

All the food is made on-site in Pastaio London’s kitchen and you can really tell the difference. We started with the red cabbage, squash, and hazelnut starter, followed by the Wild mushroom, garlic, lemon and parsley reginette. Both paired with some truly zesty Prosecco Slushies. The piece de resistance, however, has to be the ‘Lady & the Tramp ‘style Spaghetti & Meatballs sharing plate. The dish is for two to share, and while, you can share your bowl with your doggy-date we highly recommend getting your pup his/her own bowl instead.

With a generous serving, the Spaghetti and Meatballs is everything you’d expect from a perfect bowl a pasta, albeit given that ‘al dente’ twist that Pastaio London has perfected. TeamCocopup Charlie gobbled his portion up in due time, and of course, posed for his ‘Lady & the Tramp’ moment too. The staff were nothing short of superb and gave our resident doggy-journalist plenty of fuss We’re definitely giving Pastaio London five stars/paws and will soon be coming back for a second (or third) serving.

The Spaghetti & Meatballs Sharing Plate will be available in Pastaio London until 24 February

WWW.PASTAIOLONDON.COM

All you doggy-mums out there know that raising as puppy is pretty much the 2019 equivalent of raising a child. And because our fur-children deserve the best in the world —why not enjoy some doggy bonding time and celebrate London Dog Week at M Restaurants, one of the most dog-friendly restaurants in town.

To celebrate London Dog Week and what we are now coining as ‘Fur-Mamma’s Day’, M Restaurants are hosting a series of pawtastic events from the 24th to the 31th of March. Last Sunday, M Victoria kicked off with aFur-Mamma’s Day celebrations, as the restaurant was transformed into a relaxing pamper lounge for both pooches and paw-rents alike. Featuring pedicures, full body massages, and prosecco/pawsecco all around.

This weekend, TeamCocopup Charlie is headed to M Victoria for the London Dog Week Fashion Brunch, where four-legged fashionistas will be strutting their stuff and wagging their tails at M Victoria’s ‘dog walk’. The runway show will feature some of the most adorable designs from our favourite pet brands, modelled by some of London’s most renowned hounds. Fashion brunch attendees will also be able to shop the lines directly after the show at M Victoria’s ‘pup-up’ boutiques, while enjoying a delicious boozy brunch too. So watch this space for more sartorial puppy adventures and puppy puns — and definitely don’t miss out on the fashion brunch this Sunday! TeamCocopup Charlie will be happy to meet you.

Fashion Brunch Tickets at M Victoria are priced at £40pp and doors open from 11am-1pm then 2.30-4.30pm.
https://mrestaurants.co.uk/victoria/

What better way to escape the city than to hop into a fast car and go on a road trip? Or better yet, a doggy road trip. Because there is definitely nothing better than conquering country-roads with your four-legged best friend, TeamCocopup Charlie embarked on a doggy road trip to the Cotswolds for a weekend at the beautiful Bruern Cottages with Premier Cottages.

First thing’s first — wheels. We booked our ride with Getaround, which is Europe’s leading car share platform. Getaround has over 50,000 cars in six countries, and we booked our car quite literally a block away from our house. No need for any very bureaucratic rental offices either — because we unlocked our car using our smartphones. How convenient is that?

We set off. Driving past the M1 and across the beautiful landscapes of Oxfordshire and into the finally into the stunning Bruern Cottages. Bruern Cottages is part of Premier Cottage’s curated selection of dog-friendly properties. Premier Cottages have a collection of over 400 pet friendly holiday homes, where owners go the extra mile to welcome your pampered pooches.

From the outside looking in, Bruern Cottages looks like it’s been lifted from a John Constable painting. In this real life tableau, you will find everything from a wisteria covered driveway, a calming indoor pool, a cosy games room, and a lovely courtyard where you can play some fetch with your pup.

TeamCocopup Charlie and I stayed in the lovely Saratoga cottage, which is filled with all of the quintessential charms of a luxury English cottage — and then some. It is everything you could ask for in a luxury cottage and more, and takes the word ‘self-catering’ to another level. Inside, it is wonderfully cosy, perfect for two guests (and a pup), and even has its own private garden aching for a midsummer barbecue.

The Saratoga cottage is filled with plenty of delightful details: from white cotton damask curtains to a flurry of soft pinks, blues, and beige textures that create a classically luxurious palette. Upstairs, there is a blue and white faux bamboo four poster bed. Further down the room, you’ll find the small but lovely bathroom which has a raised bath, heated towel rail and shaving point too. Safe to say — we made ourselves home right away.

Unlike other self-catering cottages, (where you have to make the required trek to the local shop to get the essentials), Bruern Cottages provides you with everything you need to truly enjoy your stay. In your cottage, you are greeted with an absolutely delicious welcome basket filled with the very best local produce. This includes six cackle bean eggs, fresh milk, bacon and sausages from the nearby Paddock farm, Holmleigh dairy butter, freshly baked bread, Bensons apple juice, preserves, a chocolate cake, and a lovely bottle of Chateau Siaurac 2009 shipped directly fro a French chateau. Fancy some bubbles? You can also call ahead and request a bottle of vintage Monopole Champagne, which offers hints of citrus, apple, and subtle vanilla. Now this is luxury self-catering unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

While it may seem counter-intuitive, venture out of your cottage and explore Bruern Cottages’ surrounding gardens. We promise that it’s definitely worth your while. The award-winning gardens at Bruern Cottages will make you forego driving anywhere else — and instead spend hours enjoying an idyllic picnic or taking photos in the grounds. Stroll through the Stable Yard and indulge in a game of croquet in the perfectly manicured lawn, walk through the roses, lilies, euphorbias, and clematis in the walled gardens, or gawk at the wisteria that is romantically draped over the arched driveways.

If you’re looking to explore outside of Bruern Cottages, there’s plenty to see within driving distance. Our favourite pit stop was the Cotswold Wildlife Park, which is a family run wildlife park that’s 100% dog-friendly. TeamCocopup Charlie got to meet some camels, giraffes, and even a rogue peacock that wandered into the cafeteria.

Alternatively, there are plenty of stately homes and coastal walks within driving distance too. But with all of the luxurious indulgences at your fingertips in Bruern Cottages – why would you ever leave?

About Premier Cottages

Premier Cottages’ collection features almost 1,000 four and five-star self-catering cottages across the UK. Properties range from small, romantic boltholes to large family-friendly country estates. The collection includes pet-friendly accommodation and the widest range of accessible properties in the UK. Many properties have onsite facilities like swimming pools, gyms, spas, indoor games rooms and children’s play areas.

A week’s stay in Bruern Cottages’ Saratoga Cottage which sleeps two starts from £803 and a two night weekend break starts from £517. (www.premiercottages.co.uk, 01993 830415).