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Crufts is the biggest event in the UK dog community and is held every year at the NEC in Birmingham. The show attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors over 4 days every March and is broadcast on TV all over the world. This year, Archie went to along with his friend Betsy to see what all the fuss is about! Getting there The NEC is around a 3 hour drive from London or you can take a train from London Euston to Birmingham International in just over an hour. Dogs travel for free on all UK train networks. Birmingham International station is connected to the NEC so you can enter mostly under cover. If you are driving, we also recommend you park at the station car park. It has plenty of spaces and is actually closer to the NEC building than their own car park. Parking costs £12 for all day and can be pre-booked. When you arrive, you will be directed by staff to the "dog" entrance. This year it was at Hall 3 (not sure if this changes each year) and you can come and go through that exit all day for toilet breaks. Staying in Birmingham If you want to experience the whole 4 days, you may want to stay overnight nearby. We stayed at The Hallmark in Birmingham courtesy of Pets Pyjamas. We wouldn't particularly recommend this hotel as they don't allow dogs in the restaurant or bar but it was all that was available last minute so we would advise you plan ahead as any pet friendly hotels in the area get booked up quickly. Taking your dog There are a few ways you can take your dog to Crufts. Galen Myotherapy is a branch of canine massage therapy and each year they look for dogs to treat at the show. You can register via their website or Facebook page and you and your dog will get free access to the show plus a free treatment. You will need consent from your vet beforehand. Archie has regular myotherapy sessions at home so do ask us if you have any questions or visit their website. Every exhibitor at the show is allocated a number of free tickets and dog passes so if you know anyone who is exhibiting or if you a really good customer of theirs, just ask them if they have any going spare. In return you can give them a shout out on social media. You may be invited to go along with your dog as a pet influencer or brand representative. Archie works with Edgard & Cooper so was invited to go along to help spread the word about their fantastic range of food. Use code "FOURLEGGEDFOODIES" to get 20% off your first order. Getting around the show Obviously there are a lot of dogs and a lot of people at the show so we wouldn't recommend you take your dog if they are nervous in crowded, noisy places or if they are not great around other dogs. All visiting dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and be discouraged from making any mess. There are exercise areas inside each hall which are fenced in sandy areas - you still need to pick up the poop in these areas. Crufts is huge! There are 5 halls of show rings and hundreds of exhibitors selling everything you could possibly want for your pooch. So obviously your dog needs to be fit and healthy as they will be walking around with you all day. Some of our smaller friends travelled around in a pet carrier or stroller - both of which can be purchased at the show. We went on the opening day which is usually quieter as it's a Thursday but you may want to time your visit to see a particular show group competing so check the schedule well in advance as this changes every year. Enjoy the show Visiting dogs aren't allowed in the main show rings where agility and show finals take place and they are not allowed in the human toilets or restaurants but they are allowed everywhere else. There are plenty of places to get sandwiches etc where the dog is allowed and tables and chairs for that well earned rest. You can watch the breed shows in the smaller show rings. If you plan well, you can enjoy a great visit to Crufts with your dog and get to see hundreds of dog products (most have show discounts) your dog can sample some new treats and you can even pop by and see your favourite charity. Our friend Hattie, who has been to Crufts for the last 3 years, recommended we visit the Jeep stand. They take a quick snap of your dog and then print the photo onto a black canvas bag, which came in handy for all that shopping! This is completely free and if you get there before the queues it only takes 5 minutes. Betsy was our 'Best In Show' but being SO fabulous is hard work!!

Battersea Park is one of my favourite places in London to walk because it has something for everyone. There is plenty of water for swimming, big open spaces as well as ornamental gardens and some lovely picnic spots. It has it's own dog friendly cafe and also leads directly onto the Power Station development which is packed with fabulous dog friendly restaurants. Here are 5 of my favourite places to visit before or after your walk. London House Apparently Gordon Ramsay is a chef who is on TV a lot and likes to swear! Well I don't know about that but I do know he has some great pubs and restaurants in London where we doggies are welcome. Visit London House after a walk in the park or just get your driver to take you. Read Archie's full review here... Pear Tree Cafe If you're in the park then you just have to go to the Pear Tree Cafe. If the humans take too long to drink their coffee, you can entertain yourself by watching the ducks on the nearby pond. Read Archie's full review here... Mother Who doesn't love pizza? Well if you don't then don't worry you can also get pasta at this Italian restaurant on the Power Station development. Try their weekend soul brunch. Read Archie's full review here... Le Pot Lyonnais If you can't function until you've had your first cup of coffee then this French bistro and bar is a great place to get coffee and croissants before your walk or a delicious lunch afterwards. Read Archie's full review here... Vagabond Wines If your humans are like mine then this stuff makes them very happy. Stroll through the park to the Power Station development and see them smile when you show them this bar, restaurant and urban winery. Read Archie's full review here...

I don’t know about you my four legged friends but at weekends I like to take the humans for a walk somewhere different and of course that has to be followed by a visit to a nearby dog friendly pub. So last weekend we decided to explore Clapham Common with my friends Tika and Saffy. The park is a large triangular shape with plenty of paved paths so the humans can keep their feet dry, seems like those things they wear on their feet isn’t enough! But there is lots of grass for us pooches and three lakes for those who like to swim. There is also a Victorian bandstand for some great photo opportunities. There is plenty of free parking in the area at weekends or you can get the tube to Clapham Common or Clapham South - both are very close to the Common. At the south side of the Common you will find The Rookery, which we decided to try for lunch. The pub is tucked in between a row of shops on the main road (A24) opposite the Common but it is set back from the road and has a covered outside area at the front. Inside is small but there aren’t too many tables so there is room for us pooches to sit, even my larger friends. I particularly liked the staff as they greeted me first and made sure I had water before seeing to the humans. They even offered me a treat from the jar on the bar - well obviously I said yes. It would have been rude not to! Tika, Saffy and I entertained the other the customers by just being our usual cute selves while our humans enjoyed their food. The menu has a selection of small plates which the humans enjoyed along with a big portion of chips! There are also classics such as burgers (2 for 1 on Tuesdays), lasagne and fish and chips on the menu. The humans were pleased to see a decent selection of vegetarian options. If you're in a party mood, then the bar offers a selection of cocktails. Fancy dinner for 2 and a bottle of wine on us? Visit our Instagram page for details of how to win.

If your humans are partial to poetry, bagpipes and a wee dram of Whisky, here are 5 places you can go with them to celebrate Burns Night. You never know, they might share the haggis with you! The Albert - Kingston This super dog friendly Young's pub on Kingston Hill is hosting an evening of Scottish celebration. £30 for four courses and a complimentary whisky. Read Archie's review of The Albert here... Richard 1st - Greenwich Follow up your walk in Greenwich Park with a free warming dram of Glenfiddich 12YO. Just download the Young's app. Read our full review here... Little Blue Door - Fulham Join the flatmates for a Burns Night House Party filled with Scottish punch, whisky specials and bagpipes galore. Set within the tartan trimmed living room. Read Archie's review here... Narrowboat - Islington What better accompaniment to a delicious venison steak or game pot pie than a free glass of whisky. The Narrowboat is renowned for superb food and there are always treats for us pooches too! Download the Young's app to claim your free whisky. Read Jasper's full review here... The Marksman - Hoxton This famous East End boozer serves excellent food. On January 25th you can enjoy a 3 course menu, including haggis, neeps and tatties with a special selection of Whisky on offer. Read more about The Marksman here...

September 21st is the start of British Food Fortnight so we’ve put together a list of 9 places in London where you can take the humans to enjoy some great British grub. The Guardhouse, Greenwich In the original guardhouse building of the Royal Arsenal, The Guardhouse serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. They celebrate the best of British food by using seasonal ingredients throughout the year. Enjoy classics such as fish and chips or sausage and mash, then walk it off in Greenwich Park. The Narrowboat, Islington Situated on the Regents Canal, The Narrowboat serves British pub classics alongside their own modern inventions. Open every day for lunch and dinner. Try their famous Sunday roast then go for a stroll along the canal. The Tulse Hill Hotel, Brixton The Tulse Hill Hotel is a pub with rooms between Brixton and Dulwich serving breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Their seasonal British menus are complemented by their selection of organic and bio dynamic wines. M Restaurant, Twickenham The newest restaurant in the M chain is open daily for lunch and dinner, also brunch at the weekend. Their menu was designed by Great British Menu chef Michael Reid and is inspired by the London Grill Dining Rooms of the ‘70s. They also have a modern British cocktail list. Romeo Jones, Dulwich Romeo Jones is in the heart of Dulwich village and you can enjoy a range of dishes made from fresh British produce, whilst also appreciating the work of local artists. They also make a great cup of coffee and sell a range of Lily’s Kitchen dog food. The Marksman, Hoxton Open daily for lunch and dinner with a brunch menu on Saturdays, The Marksman is a great local East End pub. Their menus focus on the best of seasonal British food alongside a selection of local beers. The Prince Albert, Battersea Right outside the gates of Battersea Park you will find The Prince Albert, where you can get brunch, lunch and dinner every day. The team use the very best of British and locally sourced ingredients to produce such classics as chicken and ham pie and haunch of venison. You might need that walk in the park after that! The Mayflower, Rotherhithe The Mayflower is the oldest pub on the Thames, dating back to c.1550 and boasting the best fish and chips in London. The menu is fresh, seasonal and British with a selection of British ales. They also have an extensive selection of British cheeses. The Elgin, Notting Hill The Elgin has a grade II listed bar, real wood fireplaces and a British seasonal menu of classics with a twist such as treacle and mustard braised short rib of beef. They are open daily for brunch, lunch and dinner. They also serve a rugby World Cup breakfast.

Archie's favourite week of the year is when we celebrate the great British Banger! Here are 5 great places to get your sausage fix. Heaps Sausages, Greenwich We obviously had to have this place on the list. The cafe has so many sausage dishes on the menu we don't know where to start. Then afterwards pop into the shop to get more to take home. Read full review here.... Shake Shack, Covent Graden Ok we know they are more famous for burgers but they do amazing hot dogs too, try the Shack Meister Sausage! We doggies also get our very own menu. Read full review here.... Richard 1st, Greenwich A great pub near Greenwich Park where you can enjoy good old sausage and mash or a sharing board with salami and chorizo. Read full review here.... Tell Your Friends, Parsons Green We don't want the vegans to miss out on this week so head to this fabulous vegan bar and kitchen and try their Hungover Muffin. Even Archie couldn't tell it wasn't meat! Read full review here.... Paws For Coffee, Hampton Hill A definite must visit cafe for all London doggies. We have our own menu which includes...you guessed it, SAUAGES!! Read full review here....

Who doesn't love a stroll by the river? There's so much to see and plenty of things to sniff, it's great at any time of year and you're bound to bump into some four legged friends. Here's 5 great places to stop off along the way. Mother, Battersea Power Station The Power Station development is a great space and super dog friendly. Mother is an Italian Restaurant serving simple soul food. Read full review here.... Gauchos, Richmond Richmond Riverside is so pretty and is also home to Gauchos. In the Richmond restaurant we doggies are always welcome. Just hope that the humans share their steak with you. Read full review here.... The Bishop, Kingston If you take a stroll along the riverside in Kingston you might be lucky enough to bump into Archie. Join him at the "dog bar" in The Bishop where you can help yourself to treats! Read full review here.... The Green Room, National Theatre After enjoying all the sights and sounds of the South Bank, grab some great British food at this fabulous space behind the National Theatre. Read full review here.... Bondi Beach Club, Surbiton A beach on the Thames, what's not to love! Don't worry about the weather as inside is great too and we doggies are very welcome. Read full review here....

November is World Vegan Month so lettuce celebrate at some of the best places where you can enjoy a plant based diet. Farmacy, Notting Hill This stylish restaurant serves up delicious seasonal food with ingredients from their very own farm in the Kent countryside. Read full review here.... Wulf and Lamb, Chelsea Run with the wolves and eat with the lambs at this bright and airy restaurant on the wonderful Pavillion Road. Read full review here.... Redemption, Shoreditch At Redemption they are not just vegan but also sugar, wheat and alcohol free. So if you fancy a super healthy lunch before the Christmas festivities begin then this is the place. Tell Your Friends, Parsons Green A super friendly welcome awaits all four legged foodies at this bar and kitchen overlooking the Green. Read full review here.... Flavourtown, Fulham Treat yourself to some vegan cupcakes such as Red Velvet and Biscoff Sundae from this award-winning bakery in Fulham. Read full review here....

18th to 24th November is Italian Cuisine Week and there are plenty of great dog friendly places to pasta time (sorry). Here are 5 of our favourites. Buon Appetito! Luna di Luca, Richmond A fabulous Sardinian cafe on Richmond Hill. Perfect after a walk in Richmond Park. Read full review here... Happy Face Pizza, King's Cross Great wood-fired pizzas at a reasonable price. You can also get antipasti and gelato. Located in the Coal Drops Yard, the restaurant is the perfect place for a spot of people watching Read full review here... Unico Gelato, Notting Hill If anyone tries to tell you it's too cold for ice cream in November, don't listen to them. Delicious Italian gelato can be enjoyed all year. If not you can still get coffee and cake in the cafe. Read full review here... La Goccia, Covent Garden This is the place to go for a special treat. Situated in Floral Court, they have 2 restaurants, a deli and shop. Read more here... Radio Alice, Clapham Fab pizzas including vegan and gluten free options. You can also find them in Hoxton and Canary Wharf. Read full review here...

Chelsea is possibly THE most dog friendly area in London. The majority of places to drink and dine are on or around the King’s Road, which is also a great place to shop with your pooch as most stores, including Peter Jones are dog friendly too. You can easily spend a whole day exploring Chelsea. Start with a walk in Battersea Park then stroll over the very pretty Albert Bridge which leads directly onto King’s Road. In between shopping and dining, explore some of the pretty garden squares and the colourful Bywater Street and Godfrey Street - great photo opportunities there! Be sure to explore the shops and eateries in Pavillion Road and Duke of York Square and if your pooch is in need of supplies then pop into Love My Human or Pet Pavillion. Aesop and Kiehl's also have dog grooming products. There are literally too many places to mention in one blog but here are a few of our favourites. And remember.....like dogs, Chelsea is not just for Christmas! Manicomio Situated in the pretty Duke of York Square, this Italian restaurant has a huge outdoor space in the square and a walled garden at the rear, with plenty of heat lamps. The perfect place to watch the stylish of dogs of Chelsea go by! If it is very cold, we doggies are also allowed to dine in the bar area. Read Pretzel's review here... Poilane A wonderful Parisian bakery just off the King's Road. The cafe serves delicious food but we can't resist the croissants! Read full review here... Wulf & Lamb If you're sick of all the turkey why not try a plant-based menu? Situated on Pavillion Road, the food here is simply delicious. Read full review here... Maitre Choux They currently have some fabulous festive treats but this is a place you should visit for a special treat any time of year! Read full review here... Tom's Kitchen A super dog friendly restaurant in Cale Street. The perfect place to refresh after all that Christmas shopping but also a good place for a festive slap up dinner! Read Pretzel's review here...

Archie is Chief Eating Officer of Two Terriers Social Club and leader of the Four Legged Foodie pack. He is a 9 year old Norfolk Terrier and lives with his humans in Kingston upon Thames. “I love living here because we have Richmond Park on our doorstep and there are lots and lots of great dog friendly pubs. I also love to walk along The Riverside with all the smells coming from the restaurants along there. We are allowed outside at these so best to go on a dry day. When we are feeling energetic, we continue down the towpath all the way to Surbiton which has some of our favourite dog friendly cafes." If street food is your thing (and we don’t mean the stuff you find on the floor) then the Ancient Marketplace has plenty to offer. We can even go into quite a few stores in the town centre such as John Lewis and West Elm. Come and explore Kingston soon - it’s only 30 minutes by train from Waterloo and it has the best attraction of all - ME 😝 These are 5 of my favourite places: The Pottery Bar This is a Spanish tapas restaurant in Norbiton and we doggies are allowed in the bar area and in the garden. It is a really nice place to go on a dry day as the garden is very large with lots of tables and some comfy sofas. Some of it is partly covered. The humans can enjoy tapas, paella or something from their daily specials menu. Doggies will need to ask for water or bring your own. The Queens Head This is my local and I particularly like it here because they do fresh pork crackling as a snack which the humans let me share! They also have a jar of dog treats on the bar to help yourself to. We doggies are allowed in most of the pub (just not a small “restaurant”area) and they also have a lovely garden with a few covered and heated outdoor booths. In the summer they have a BBQ in the garden. The human food here is good quality with a seasonally changing menu. Poor Boys This place is tucked away down one of the alleys off the Market Square but is well worth seeking out. It is a small restaurant specialising in American food, particularly the New Orleans region. The humans love the Po Boy sandwiches and the staff are very welcoming to us doggies. The Boaters This pub is on the Kingston Riverside within a small park - Canbury Gardens. We are allowed everywhere inside and in the large garden area which has an outdoor BBQ and pizza oven. The humans can get takeaway pizza end enjoy it in the park! The humans can enjoy traditional pub grub and they have live jazz on Sundays. Wags n Tales One of my all time favourites! You can probably tell from their name that they are super dog friendly! This is a vegetarian all day cafe in Surbiton with very friendly, welcoming staff. They have a full doggie menu including muffins, biscuits and puppuccinos. An absolute MUST visit for all doggies! Find out more and read our full review of Wags n Tales here...

This unique cafe is on the Kings Road in the heart of uber dog friendly Chelsea. We popped in for a drink during Chelsea in Bloom when the area is full of colour. Matcha and Beyond delivers plenty of colour all year round and that colour is GREEN. The cafe is small but perfectly formed with natural wood, soft furnishings and splashed of bright colours. The back wall is a firm Instagram favourite! But best of all, they are extremely dog friendly. Matcha and Beyond is the brainchild of Olivia Nottin who wanted to provide coffee lovers with a healthier alternative. “Olivia is matcha obsessed. She felt it was a perfect alternative with a very delicate taste, texture and many health benefits.” Place your order at the counter, which will then be brought to you. Traditional coffee by Square Mile Coffee Roasters is available alongside numerous Matcha based alternatives such as Matchachino and Flat Green. Breakfast items such as porridge and croissants are served daily between 8am-11am. The all day menu is limited but they also prepare daily salads and specials. You can always go for one of their pretty cakes such as Green Velvet Cake. Vegan, gluten free and dairy free options are available. Here’s what Archie and Freddie have to say about Matcha and Beyond: We were very welcome in the cafe which is small but not too cramped so we didn’t need to worry about our tails getting stamped on. There is a bowl of water for us in permanent residence by the counter and they don’t even mind us sitting on the seats for those all important photos. We visited on a warm day and it was lovely and cool inside. We just have one question. When are we going to get Matcha Pupcakes? 🐾🐾