There are many reasons that a sociable dog such as Teddy the Miniature Schnauzer, should be glad to find himself in Hampstead. Alongside the acres of Heath to explore, the beautiful ponds and the gazillion other dogs to run about with, there is Lily’s Kitchen, the local natural and organic pet food company.
Monday kicks off Hampstead Restaurant Week (September 15th-21st) and, thanks to Lily’s Kitchen, dogs will not only be welcome at three of the best local gastropubs, but they will also be treated to their own organic three-course feast. At The Wells (one of Teddy’s favourite eateries), The Horseshoe and The Holly Bush, the week’s exclusive doggy menu will feature Teddy’s favourite amuse-bouche, Truly Natural Little Liver Rewards, then comes a choice of chicken and turkey casserole or venison and wild rabbit terrine, followed by chamomile and honey post-dinner biscuits.
A doggy dinner will be free with the purchase of a human meal and diners will be invited to donate £5 to Kids Company, a charity that gives practical, emotional and educational support to vulnerable inner city kids.
In an effort to underscore Hampstead’s reputation as one of the dog-friendliest places in Britain, and to promote the Kennel Club’s Be Dog Friendly campaign, Lily’s Kitchen happily provides local businesses with water bowls, poo bags and dog treats, year round. With such a thoughtful, all-encompassing, dog-loving sentiment, it’s no surprise that the takeaway end to Hampstead Restaurant Week’s Doggy Dinner is a tennis ball to-go. I think we may be eating out rather a lot next week.
