Top Dog

By Lucie Muir

Treat your canine companion to the very best that London has to offer

Next time you linger over a latte outside Ralph's Coffee and watch the world go by, be sure to cast your gaze past the hem of a long-line trench or the swish of a wide-legged trouser as the wearer strides past on Bond Street. It's here that you'll find a whole new breed of fashionista sporting an array of dapper looks; logoed sweaters, monogrammed collars and raincoats fitted with cut-outs for pointed ears and bushy tails. We are, of course, talking about the pooches of Bond Street who, thanks to the latest doggie fashion and accessories from brands ranging from Burberry to Hermès, have never looked so good!

Ideally located within a choice of Royal Parks including Green Park, Hyde Park and Regent's Park, Mayfair, is the ideal place for four-legged friends to be seen out and about. And, for those of you who wouldn't dream of leaving your loyal companion behind, many of Bond Street's 5-star hotels offer the ultimate home-from-home.

Leading the pack is Brown's Hotel. Its new Best Furry Friends package, BFF, is part of a partnership with the celebrated British textiles house, William Morris At Home. In addition to cosy dog beds and other accoutrements, all canine guests are welcomed with a secret recipe dog biscuit created by Chef Director Adam Byatt. And then there's the William Morris dog walk kit, which includes all-weather essentials - a soothing geranium hand cream for owners, and Paw & Nose balm for dogs.

The hotel has even devised a Doggy Guide to Mayfair which includes a list of the best trees, lamp posts and green spaces in the area, all of which is essential info when it comes to your fur baby's daily constitutional. Dogs are also welcome at Charlie's at Brown's restaurant before noon, where they can indulge in a bowl of raw chopped beef sirloin from the “À la Bark” menu.

As Brown's dog-loving managing director Richard Cooke says: ‘We understand that pets are considered family, and allowing dogs ensures that guests can enjoy their stay without leaving their beloved pets behind. Secondly, welcoming dogs enhances the overall guest experience by reducing stress for dog owners and allowing them to relax. By including dogs in travel plans, we provide opportunities for unique experiences and encourage guests to explore the city with their furry companions.’

Perfectly situated within a ball's throw of Hyde Park, The Connaught pulls out all the stops to make man's best friend feel right at home. Here, dogs are treated to a soft bed as well as food and drinking bowls, personalised with their name. Other thoughtful touches include a handwritten welcome note and a Connaught Hound stuffed toy. Meanwhile, the homemade biscuits from the “Pawtisserie”, made with natural and organic ingredients including peanut butter and mashed bananas will have them, and possibly you, licking their chops in no time.

Dogs are also welcome to visit and stay the night at Claridge's, though certain rules do apply. The breed and size of the pet must be advised in advance and only small, well-trained pooches are allowed to set paw in its beautiful Art Deco interior. And, in keeping with other well-heeled establishments, they must always be kept on a lead.

Finally, whether snoozing in a luxury hotel dog bed or enjoying walkies around town, you'll want your beloved hound to exude best-in-show glamour at all times. Our edit of Bond Street's finest doggie fashion and accessories, is designed to set tails wagging.