Well’s Beach Cafe – Refurbished!

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Well dog pals,

I have some news for you! The fabulously dog friendly Wells Beach Café @WellsBeachCafe has been refurbished! Hum had to tell me what that meant but basically while Hum & I were on our holibobs in February, the café was being redecorated and transformed into a brighter, more open space.

As the K9 Director of Hospitality, I went with Hum at the weekend to check it out and let you know what it looks like and any changes that are beneficial to us four-legs.

Gone is the eclectic mix of tables and chairs; the big sofa in front of the fire and the colourful bunting.

The interior of Wells Beach Café is now a cooler colour palette of blues (to express the sea Hum thinks) and yellow and orange (representing the sand maybe?). Anyways Hum liked the colour scheme a lot. Instead of the mix of what Hum called Shabby Chic furniture, there are now funky sofas, benches and chairs and a lot more uniformity overall. The bunting may be gone but there is now a display of hanging wooden buoys which Hum LOVED.

The first BIG change we noted was the amount of space there seemed to be – SO much more seating space than before. When we spoke to the Manager, James (and I got lots of cuddles), we realised how this had taken place.

Well dog friends, it is because they have removed some of the stuff for humans in terms of things they might buy. AND they have removed the ice cream counter so as a result there is a MUCH bigger area to sit and eat from the café.

However the real important thing is that even though the humans have lost some of their stuff to buy at Wells Beach Café, us dogs are still being catered for!!! 🙂 The only stuff you can buy apart from food from the café is FOR DOGS!!!! That is how important we are in this wonderful place!!! There are dog treats, coats, collars, bandanas, soap and shampoo, books about how wonderful we are and mugs with pictures of us on 🙂 Yeah!!! How cool is that!!!!

The other important thing to note of course is that they still serve my favourite – the fabulous sausage rolls!!! And now the kitchen is open plan so I can see when they are ready 🙂

The screen with photos of all dogs who visit Wells Beach Café is still there and Bertie’s Bark up Bar and the Wag and Wash will be back for the summer.

SO go and take your humans and check it out. It still must be one of THE MOST DOG FRIENDLY places in the UK. Oh and pick up one of my postcards to tell your humans other dog friendly venues throughout the UK.

Zuki[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4920″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Paw Rating


pawprtingpawprtingpawprtingpawprtingpawprting[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]]

Zuki recommends 2 London eateries

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi Dog pals,

It sure has been a while since Hum took me on an adventure but she made up for it by taking me to not one but two excellent eateries for me to tell you about.

And not only that BUT she booked us 1st Class travel with Virgin Trains from Grantham to London. @Virgin_TrainsEC @VirginTrains

I LOVES 1st Class travel with Virgin Trains ‘cos they bring complementary food and drink for us and during the week they have my absolute favourite – a super tasty sausage roll 🙂

We were staying with Hum & my friend Glenn in a place called Ealing and on the evening we arrived Hum had managed to find a dog friendly pub for us to eat at not too far away.

We went to The Weir Bar @theweirbar at Brentford and very good it was too! I got a super welcome from everybody and we were shown to a lovely table in the bar area (where us four-legs are allowed).

I was brought a bowl of water before either Glenn or Hum got their drinks – so dog pals they treat us well. Glenn & Hum had some Irish Rock Oysters to start and raved about how good and fresh they were. I is not allowed them but never mind ‘cos I was waiting for the main course my friends.

For the main, the humans ordered the Sharing Chateaubriand which they did share with me and my oh my that was super special!!!! Chateaubriand is a wonderful dish – a large piece of exquisite steak perfectly cooked just the way I like it – rare/medium rare. The Chateaubriand at The Weir is superb so my friends if you get the opportunity DO take your humans to The Weir Bar and make sure they order the Sharing one.

Next day we visited Hum’s granddaughters and had a walk in Chiswick Gardens @Chiswick_House where the Chinese Light Festival was set up for Chinese New Year. We even found a display celebrating Chinese food ingredients – check the photo above. The Chinese Light Festival will look spectacular on Chinese New Year when it is all lit up!

Our next eatery was for Sunday Lunch and this time we went to The Bulls Head @BullsHead which faces the River Thames. We had a nice walk along the river to work up an appetite for dinner. And dog friends we did need an appetite!

Sunday lunch at The Bulls Head is plentiful! BIG portions of deliciousness. Hum had the 3 roasts dinner (greedy Hum – but she was sharing with me) and Glenn had the 8 hour slow roast rib of Irish beef.

Service at The Bulls Head was excellent. We were put at a lovely table with a view of the river for Hum and tucked away so I had a lot of space to lie down.

The staff were lovely and made a huge fuss of me and the food was good. I particularly liked the roast turkey and the roast beef but found the pork was a little dry. Glenn’s rib of beef however was super-duper tasty! Hum said the Yorkshires didn’t seem homemade but the gravy was good and the whole meal very good value.

So if your humans are down in West London for any reason you now have a choice of 2 great eateries to take them to.

Sadly we had to leave and come back home and because it was at a weekend on Virgin trains, there was no sausage roll 😦

So a half paw off for Virgin for no weekend sausage roll and another for The Bulls Head for dry pork/poor Yorkshires but I’d give a BIG high 5 paws for The Weir Bar!!!!!

Zuki[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4853″ alignment=”center” border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Paw Rating


pawprtingpawprtingpawprtingpawprting

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]]

Zuki’s 1st Pets As Therapy Visit to Redgate School

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi dog pals,

Today I had my very first Pets As Therapy (@petsastherapy; @PetsAsTherapyUK) visit to Redgate School in Mansfield.

I was accepted as a PAT dog in December 2016 and Pauline, the Headteacher at Redgate School told Hum she’d be delighted to have me come and visit the pupils.

Redgate School is a small special primary school for children with moderate, severe and complex learning difficulties. Hum told me we was visiting a school with some very special children and dog pals she was absolutely correct!

Today I was invited to an Assembly. This is where all the pupils get together into a large room and the teachers give information to the whole school.

Today’s topic of information was ME dog pals! Little old me!!!! I was being introduced to the school and the pupils were being told about who I am; what I like doing; what I hate (e.g. being washed) and what I would be doing at the school as a PAT dog.

While I was waiting for all the children to come into the big room, there were a few children there early who I was able to pay attention to. Damian wanted to know if I was real; Ryan thought I was just like a teddy bear and Daniel told me about his dog. I let them all pat me on the top of my head and everyone said how lovely I was.

When all the children were in the room, Pauline put on a slide show of photos of me doing all the things I enjoy (playing ball; eating roast dinner; having my tummy rubbed) and then of me not enjoying my bath or being dressed in the silly outfits Hum makes me wear sometimes. I do like wearing my PAT tabard though as it is a good thing to wear.

The slide show was displayed REALLY big on 3 of the walls of the room! Hum held me up so all the children could see me and then I sat nicely at her feet and checked out everything that was going on.

After the slide show, Hum stood up and showed the children what they could do on my visits; that they could stroke me; cuddle me gently; tickle my ears; brush me; give me a drink and give me treats. She also told them how to behave – to get down to my level to stroke me and not to pull my tail.

After that Pauline asked who would like me to visit them and nearly the whole school put up their hands! That made me happy. 🙂

Pauline then asked if Hum would take me around so the individual pupils could meet me and pat me or stroke me or tickle my ears. Hum carried me around and I was very well behaved and most of the children patted me or cuddled me and it was lovely!

Everyone said how good I was seeing as it was my first ever visit as a PAT dog. I REALLY enjoyed it and am looking forward to going back next week!

And Hum was so proud of me she took me to the hot dog van on the way home for a well-deserved yummy sausage treat 🙂

Zuki[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4817″ alignment=”center” border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Paw Rating


pawprtingpawprtingpawprtingpawprtingpawprting

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]]

Titchwell Manor, Norfolk

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi Dog Pals,

Hum took me to the extremely dog friendly Titchwell Manor @TitchwellManor in Norfolk at the weekend so I simply must tell you all how super it is as a place to stay!

Titchwell Manor means a lot to Hum – it was the first place her late husband took her on a date so she is very fond of it. It has changed a lot since then (that was 23 years’ ago!) and has had rooms added outside round the herb garden which we four-legs are allowed to stay in.

Well what a GREAT welcome we got from Lisa! She made a HUGE fuss of me and took us to our room and then gave me even more cuddles! Lisa is LOVERLY!

And what a lovely room with LOTS of stuff for me!!!! I got a welcome letter, a bed, a map of where to take Hum for a walk, a towel to wipe my feet after the walk, bowl for water, poo bags AND a bag of treats that had my name on it (to make sure Hum didn’t steal them). Now that IS dog friendly!

And Hum found it good for her too! She had one of the biggest beds we have ever seen which had 6 pillows on it! 6 pillows for one Hum!!!! I wasn’t meant to get on the bedding but fortunately as ever Hum had brought my blankie which totally coordinated with the décor so she let me up as long as I only sat on my blankie.

Other plus points for Hum were the White Company products in the bathroom; powerpoint and lighting by the dressing table; lots of storage; huge fluffy towels and the ability to block out all the light even with the little arched window and sky light.

There is a lounge and 2 bar areas at Titchwell where us four-legs can sit with our humans at meal times. We were seated at a table where Hum had great views out over the salt marshes so she was a happy Hum indeed.

The service was excellent – Jamie noticed that another dog hadn’t got any water and dashed off to sort it instantly!

Hum said the ambience was great and we both agreed the food was excellent! We shared the BBQ beef short rib and it was A-Maz-Ing!

I got even more fussing and hugs from Jade and Jamie made sure we had everything we needed. The staff at Titchwell are all really lovely.

Back in the room and I was a bit stuffed if I’m honest so Hum put me on my blankie on the bed and we watched a bit of TV together. Happy me and Happy Hum.

Sleep-wise the room was very hot but there was a fan in the room so Hum sorted that easily. She did nearly get lost in all those pillows however! Now Hum is a real pillow connoisseur as I am sure you know if you have read my previous blogs so although she appreciated the pillow quality at Titchwell, she did feel that maybe 4 big square pillows might be better than 6 regular ones….

In the morning Hum declared the shower great; the cafetiere coffee excellent and the room layout and fittings perfect – praise indeed from my often fussy Hum! She even got a newspaper delivered to the room! Great service all round.

Breakfast was truly yummy and the lovely Lisa looked after me while Hum got fruit juice and stuff from the buffet.

Then we had one of my favourites – Eggs Benedict. It was super good!! And the eggs and ham really great quality and VERY tasty.

After breakfast we talked to Ian the owner and then to his son Eric and I is extremely pleased to let you know we is now going to have Titchwell Manor listed on our website as a super dog friendly place to stay.

We ended our stay with a play on the nearby brilliant dog friendly Brancaster Beach @BrancasterNT – what a great time I have had – one of our best visits yet!

Well done Titchwell – we are pleased to represent you and recommend you. A massive high 5 Paw rating for you from me!!

Zuki[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4669″ alignment=”center” border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Paw Rating


pawprtingpawprtingpawprtingpawprtingpawprting

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]]

Redcoats Farmhouse Hotel, Hertfordshire

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Well my dog pals,

I was super-duper right – seeing Hum get out my @rovernighter and @Wellybix did indeed mean adventure time! After settling Ben boy into his new student digs, we headed to Redcoats Farmhouse Hotel @redcoats in Hertfordshire.

Got an AMAZING reception from Katie, Rhian and Hannah!!! LOTS of cuddles with everyone saying how cute I am and how soft my hair is. Rhian couldn’t stop stoking me 🙂

Katie helped me sign in to Room 10. Room 10 is in the Stable Wing and used to be a loose box (you can read all about the history of Redcoats Farmhouse Hotel in the Guest information). Anyways it is now a lovely, lovely room to stay in and perfect for us four-legs as it is the only room in the hotel with French windows opening onto its own private patio with access to the lovely garden!

Even though a loose box was to do with horses, we had lots of piggy ornaments in room 10 and even a pig statue overlooking our patio. I said ‘hello’ to the little pig statue that sits and overlooks our patio. Not sure what he thinks of life – he didn’t say much.

Room 10 will also be a big hit with your human-folk. Hum was VERY happy 🙂 The good points for Hum are as follows:

Great bathroom with bar of soap and White Stuff toiletries (nice she said); there was no face flannel but she did have a robe provided and super huge fluffy towels. In the room there was a big bed with super fluffy pillows; a lovely dressing table with ornate mirror and powerpoint nearby; a full length mirror; lots of storage in lovely furniture; a big TV and a cafetiere for coffee in the morning! YEAH!!! I’ll have a super happy Hum with her good morning coffee 🙂

We unpacked and headed to the bar which is really rustic and interesting – grabbed a drink there before setting off on a walk Katie had recommended across the fields.

Back in time for more time in the garden; Hum to have her bubbly bath and then go for dinner.

Dinner was good – VERY good. Hum ordered the duck which was yummy especially the pink duck breast – Hum ate the confit duck as it would be too rich for a little dog like me. We then had the cheese board and I really loved the Brie – Hum liked the goat’s cheese and the cheddar so all good there. Redcoats Farmhouse Hotel has a good chef – you should eat there if you can.

We had to eat in the bar as that is where dogs are allowed but it was very comfy and we got lots of attention from Luis; Fay and Zak. Most attentive service! Lovely people. AND Luis showed us a room that is going to become a dog friendly restaurant later in the year! How cool is that!

I did suggest that in the meantime they might provide some treats behind the bar….

Back in the room and Redcoats Farmhouse Hotel doesn’t provide anything for us four-legs so you need your own blankie; bed; bowls etc. We have suggested that they consider providing stuff in future and Katie said she would certainly put it forward to the owners.

I got my Rovernighter organised; Hum had her cup of tea; caught up on the news and we settled for the night.

We both had a super sleep – in fact I had to get Hum out of her big fluffy bed as she would have stayed there all day if she could I think! She rated the shower highly especially the clever button on the wall that let you turn it on before getting in so the water had time to heat up – that is a really clever thing – no squealing Hum as she gets hit with a blast of cold water!!!

Then there was the cafetiere coffee so Hum was REALLY, REALLY happy and in a good mood.

We had another walk in the garden before breakfast and Hum ordered the kippers and a poached egg which again was delicious and perfectly cooked.

Sadly after breakfast it was time to pack and go but not before a check out with the lovely Chloe who was the reason we got to stay at Redcoats – she moved rooms around to accommodate us and we are most grateful indeed!

So BIGGEST thanks Redcoats Farmhouse Hotel – you have a truly special place. Today I award 4 ½ paws but when you get that dog friendly dining area sorted and provide some stuff for us in the rooms you will be my perfect place to stay 🙂

Zuki[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4424″ alignment=”center” border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Paw Rating


pawprtingpawprtingpawprtingpawprting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]]

Hallmark Hotels launch Dog Friendly Pawfect Package for #NationalDogDay

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi my doggie friends,

There’s a new reason for canine companions to celebrate today, National Dog Day (Friday 26th August) as Hallmark Hotels launches its Pawfect Package, welcoming pet dogs to all 28 of its hotels across the country in response to the increasing demand of families wanting to holiday in the UK with their four legged friends.

In addition, to mark the occasion Hallmark Hotels is also embarking on a quest to reward the UK’s most deserving dogs with a free holiday.

Tom Hardy is famous for taking his dog Woody as his plus one to film premieres whilst Cara Delevigne sat front row with her husky, Leo, at the Chanel Couture Paris Fashion Week Show earlier this year.
The recent rise of the pampered pooch and an ever increasing number of holiday makers opting to stay-cate with their pet – with some choosing to forgo a holiday altogether rather than leave their dog at home – means holidays for hounds are in high demand.

Today, #NationalDogDay Hallmark Hotels launches its new Pawfect Package welcoming dogs, alongside their owners, at its 28 hotels across the UK.

Dogs booked in on the Hallmark Hotels Pawfect Package will be greeted by a personalised card and Welcome Pack in their (owners’) room on arrival. The package comes complete with Dog Treats, Paw Mat and Dog Bowl in the room, a large bottle of still water, a towel and a map recommending hotel grounds/nearby parkland to explore whilst they stretch their legs.

Robert Alley, Group Sales and Marketing Director at Hallmark Hotels comments, “The growth of the UK stay-cation, the price of kennels and the increasing desire to holiday with our hounds have all contributed to a major rise in demand for pet friendly hotels. We’re therefore delighted to be able to offer our guests the opportunity to get away with all the family.”

For £15 per night, the family dog can now stay with its owners in one of Hallmark Hotels’ 28 hotels across the country, many nestled within acres of land and scenic garden surroundings.

A recent survey carried out by vet charity PDSA revealed 1 in 4 dogs are depressed because they are lonely. Even more reason to book your pooch in alongside you when you holiday.

“Nationwide search to reward UK’s most deserving pooches with a Pawfect Package Mini Break”

Man’s best friend offers unconditional love and companionship for millions of Brits but hundreds of thousands of clever canines across the nation offer far more than that. Service dogs are a lifeline for people with a wide range of disabilities helping them with daily tasks so they can retain their independence. Detection dogs are used by the police and military to locate bombs, drugs and illegal paraphernalia. Search and rescue dogs help find missing people after natural disasters or in collapsed buildings. Guard dogs protect property from intruders or drive away predators from livestock. Therapy dogs allow unfamiliar people to touch and play with them as a source of comfort and affection. Actor dogs on the silver screen, herding dogs and lots more besides.

To celebrate the launch of the Pawfect Package, Hallmark Hotels would like to reward four of these deserving doggies, and their two legged companions, with a 2 night luxury mini break at the Hallmark Hotel of their choice.

To nominate a deserving dog, upload a photo to:

Twitter (@HallmarkHotels)

Facebook (Hallmark Hotels)

Instagram (@hallmarkhotels1)

Including the hashtag #PawfectPackage and a brief description why your canine companion well and truly deserves a break.

The winning four entries will be chosen and announced on October 1st 2016.

Competition closes midnight September 30th 2016.

Ts and Cs apply.

Contact our K9 Concierge at http://www.havedogcantravel.com for further information.

Zuki[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4331″ alignment=”center” border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][/vc_row]]

K+K Hotel George, London

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi my doggie friends,

Our 2nd hotel in London was the K+K Hotel George @kkhotelgeorge near Earl’s Court Station. The staff at K+K Hotel George are super-duper friendly to us four-leggy folks. ALL of them wanted to give me cuddles and play with me as did some of the guests!!

We were very early to the hotel so our room wasn’t ready but it was not a problem for the lovely Melanie and Jose. They took Hum’s case to look after, showed us to the lounge/bar where I was given some water and then took us to the garden so I could have a play!!!

Now here is something REAL special in the middle of the big city that is London where land is of a premium and space is a luxury. K+K Hotel George has a big and really beautiful award-winning garden!!

Such a thing is extremely rare apparently so we wos super lucky to be staying at the K+K Hotel George and to be able to enjoy this wonderful space.

I had a game of ball with Hum and a bit of an explore and then it was time to go to Hum’s granddaughter’s birthday party.

Hum joined the other humans and little people at the party and I enjoyed a date with the lovely dog sitter Glenn who took me to a big park for the afternoon.

After the party and back at the hotel we found our room was now ready and Oh My! What a lovely room it was too!!

A huge bed for Hum and a separate little area with a table, chair, desk etc. for me to do my Blog work at with a little soft cushion bed and bowls!!! My own little office cum boudoir dog peeps. Yeah!!!!

The room was a big hit with Hum – good toiletries, face flannel, huge fluffy bath sheets, tea, coffee and the best pillows she has slept on in ages!! Oh and we mustn’t forget a view of that beautiful garden and my Hum does love a view!! Happy, Happy Hum 🙂

She slept real well – I had to wake her up to get ready for breakfast!! A quick trip to the garden before eating.

Now at K+K Hotel George we dogs are allowed in the lounge/bar but not the restaurant but again the staff were really lovely and helpful and said we could sit in the little conservatory which was perfect.

It was a buffet breakfast but the eggs were freshly cooked and so it was really very tasty. Hum loved sitting out in the conservatory overlooking the garden and not only did she have everything she needed for our breakfast but she had a newspaper to read too!

I got more hugs on the way back to the room from Anne and Kristina and all in all I was really sad to have to leave 😦

So I totally recommend the K+K Hotel George to you and your humans especially the wonderful, friendly, helpful staff and of course the lovely garden.

Zuki[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4188″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Paw Rating


pawprtingpawprtingpawprtingpawprtingpawprting

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]]

Flynns Townhouse, Hammersmith, London

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi dog pals,

Me & Hum went to London at the weekend and I decided a couple of Dog Blog reviews might be in order.

Our first stop was at Flynns Townhouse. Flynns is owned and run by the lovely James who comes from Ireland like Hum so she was really happy to hear his accent and talk about Irish stuff.

James and his wife Joanalie have only been running Flynns for a year and have really made it into a hidden gem Hum said…

The décor was lovely and Hum approved of it a lot and guess what I did too as it matched my chosen blankie!

Not that I needed my own blankie dog friends ‘cos at Flynns we dogs have provisions – in fact I had 2 bowls and an absolutely beautiful golden quiltie just for me!!!

There is Flynns Pub & Kitchen which serves proper Irish food and then the rooms – Flynns Townhouse.

When we arrived Ninder welcomed us and even though he is scared of dogs, he gave me a cuddle and said I was OK ‘cos I is cute.

Ninder carried Hum’s bag and took us to our room. Now Hum got very excited and was MOST impressed. You see to get to the rooms you have to go through a little outside seating area with a water feature and through a door with a special code to put in and then up a metal staircase which was really quite fun!

When Hum’s little granddaughter came to visit she thought it was like a secret doorway to a magic staircase with a seating area where fairies might live and it was just specially for her Granny H 😉

The room was big and bright – dual aspect apparently (means windows at 2 sides of the room dog pals). I checked out my beautiful golden quiltie and Ninder insisted on getting me water as we was so hot after our journey on the underground train.

Hum was VERY happy with the room. Dressing table with powerpoint and mirror; tea & coffee with biscuits; fluffy towels; bar of soap; rainshower (yeah she loves those) and quality toiletries. No face flannel for her or treats for me but everything else was pretty perfect.

Ninder had told us where to go for a walk and James came to meet Hum and me in the bar area. He told us other good places to visit and reminisced with Hum about Ireland and told us about when dogs attending Crufts came to stay at Flynns and all set each other off barking in the night 😉

We had a walk to Ravenscourt Park which they recommended and it was lovely. Lots of walks, a lake and a special dog exercise area!

We didn’t have dinner at Flynns but Hum and family had teas and coffees late evening and agreed that everything was good quality and beautifully presented.

We slept very well at Flynns – Hum on her big bed, a fan provided to keep us cool and me on my special golden quiltie.

Hum noted how quiet it was considering we was in London on quite a busy road.

In the morning after Hum had her rainshower, coffee and caught up on the news, it was back to the park before breakfast.

What a treat breakfast was! Joanalie served us beautifully presented poached eggs on her home-made soda bread! How good was that!!! It was totally, absolutely delicious!! And Hum was again in Irish reminiscing heaven 😉

So do bring your Humans to Flynns dog pals. You get a fantastic welcome, beautiful accommodation and excellent food.

Defo one to recommend and I do hope I can stay again sometime 🙂

Zuki

 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4170″ alignment=”center” border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Paw Rating


pawprtingpawprtingpawprtingpawprtingpawprting

 

 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]]

Zuki checks if East Midlands Trains are as dog friendly as Virgin Trains East Coast

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi dog friends,

Last time I went to London we travelled with Virgin Trains East Coast @Virgin_TrainsEC but Hum decided we would have a change and try East Midlands Trains @EMTrains.

I thought this was a brilliant idea as I can offer you and your human-folk a comparison!!

So let’s start:

East Midlands Trains go from Nottingham which is a shorter journey for us – just 10 miles as opposed to 30 miles to Grantham for Virgin Trains East Coast.

East Midlands Trains arrive in St Pancras; Virgin Trains East Coast at King’s Cross so same place really for access to the Tube and such-like.

Parking at both is good but cheaper at Nottingham and there is a huge new car park there so that is a plus for the human-folk.

Neither rail service charges for us four-legs in either 1st or 2nd class and if your humans book well in advance the tickets are similarly priced for them on either service – they can get a 1st Class ticket for around £25 single which apparently is excellent…

I must say that staff on both rail services were super friendly to me BUT East Midlands Trains staff really did go out of their way to make a BIG fuss of me 🙂 From the get-go I got cuddles from everyone – Mick at the station; Steve on the platform and Mike on the train!

Hum didn’t fare as well as me however….

Virgin Rail put 1st Class peeps at the front of the trains so you don’t have to walk far at the station but with East Midlands Trains we were at the back.

Also Virgin Rail provide not just complimentary tea, coffee, water and biscuits for 1st Class passengers BUT also food and during the week they provide wine and beer and such-like (I knows this ‘cos the lovely lady with the trolley joked about whether I would like a beer when I travelled with them 😉

Unfortunately for Hum on East Midlands Trains you have to buy your food and at the weekend you have to go and queue at the Buffet to get your complimentary tea or coffee. During the week they do have trolley service but you still has to purchase the food .

Hum really likes her complimentary stuff and was real mean and wouldn’t buy us any food from the trolley on the way home even though I had already checked the menu and had in mind what I wanted 😦 We hadn’t long had breakfast was her excuse but really she was just being stingy.

HOWEVER, as I said before East Midlands Trains staff are super-duper friendly to us dog-folk and the lovely Sally and Anthony went off and brought me two deliciously yummy slices of ham and fed me and gave me cuddles 🙂 Thanks Sally and Anthony – you deserve a bonus 🙂

SO to conclude, for us doggy peeps either rail service is very good – dog friendliness was top-notch however at East Midlands Trains so if you travel with them you will have a lovely journey; super enjoy and make new friends.

BUT if your Humans like to be catered for like my Hum does then travel with Virgin Train East Coast – you will still have a pleasant journey especially in 1st Class 🙂

Zuki[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4155″ alignment=”center” border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Paw Rating


pawprtingpawprtingpawprting

pawprting

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]]

Zuki visits Ironbridge, Shropshire

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hello dog pals,

Thought I should let you know about another good dog friendly place you can visit. When we stayed at the Hundred House Hotel, we took a trip to nearby Ironbridge @visitironbridge.

Ironbridge is a small market town in Shropshire and right in the middle of it, spanning the banks for the River Severn, you will find the world’s first iron bridge which was constructed there and is now the internationally recognised symbol of the Industrial Revolution.

The bridge is indeed extremely impressive!

Hum used to live in a place called Telford near Ironbridge and so she wanted to go pay a visit and see how it had changed in 30 years!

She was pleased to find that Ironbridge itself hadn’t really changed a lot – very pretty with a nice church and interesting shops which of course Hum had to check out.

We visited the very dog friendly Hannah’s and Hum treated herself to some holiday clothes and then the not quite so dog friendly Darlington’s which sold lot of stuff for dog lovers but didn’t let us four-legs into the shop unless we asked very politely which of course we did.

Hum got a very appropriate sign to put up in the house at home – I think it is indeed very special and correct J

Today Ironbridge Gorge @IronbridgeGorge is a place of beauty with restored buildings set either side of the River Severn’s wooded valley with a maze of footpaths, bridleways and country lanes to explore and enjoy.

There are lots of museums for the human-folk to visit including Blists Hill Victorian Town @blistshill where us four-legged folk are welcome too as long as we is on our leads!

The Goldenball Inn is a dog friendly pub in Ironbridge but as Hum wasn’t ready for lunch we did a quick stop at Vanilla Ice for a rather tasty ice cream before making our way over the bridge to have a good old walk by the river.

I do believe there is something for all members of the family in Ironbridge so do get your Humans to pay a visit soon! A good dog friendly day out!

Zuki[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4121″ alignment=”center” border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Paw Rating


pawprtingpawprtingpawprtingpawprtingpawprting

 

 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]]