The Bobster visits Brighton (again)

The human had to visit Brighton yesterday to do a few things so obviously I went too. After the 75 mile drive from London we had our usual walk along the promenade, which ended up with the usual cappuccino and a water for me at one of the cafes on the beach.

 Then it was time to head off to our hotel. For this trip the human thought we would try somewhere new so we stayed at the Malmaison Hotel at Brighton Marina.

This is me on arrival checking out the boats trying to see one with my name on it.

The hotel is right by the marina and there is a carpark there, a minute's walk from the hotel. There is also a drop off point, if you wish, by the lobby, but the parking is easy. At the entrance to the carpark there is a sign informing drivers that there is a maximum of 4 hours free parking but this is to be ignored. The best level to park at the reach the hotel is level 6 where the boardwalk leads straight to the hotel entrance and a lift to reception one floor up.

The human had somehow managed to bruise her leg and asked for ice. She really wants to thank the girl on reception who brought some but also helped bring her bag and me to the room (woof!) 5 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 for you, lovely receptionist. I wish we knew your name.

The bar area was off-limits but I had to sneek a peek. I think my human has some superpowers too.

I was allowed in the lounge area though, where food could be served.

The room was nice and clean (the human said the bed was mega comfy) and the bath products were awesome. One was labelled, This is the Best shampoo you will ever steal, and it is!!!
I was not provided with a bed or bowls or anything but do not think I was charged for this stay, unless it had already been included within the human's bill.

The human and I decided to go to one of the many cafes (there are around 20 or so) on the Marina for dinner and that was very pleasant indeed. (woof!)

We love Brighton and this is another side to it. However, it is a short drive to the hustle and bustle of the piers, and lanes, so this is in fact a good place to stay and take in all that Brighton has to offer throughout the day.
We had an early morning walk ( 7 a.m.) too early for any of those 20 or so cafes to open up for breakfast, so headed on back to London. All in all, a good trip. 4 🐾🐾🐾🐾

The Bobster's favourite walkies - Pitshanger Park

When I am not travelling, or exploring somewhere new, I go to my local parks. Pitshanger Park is in Ealing, west London. It has a small free carpark, and there is ample free off-street parking in the neighbouring streets. The park has a playground and a playgroup, football and tennis coaching, newly refurbished tennis courts and lessons for all ages run by Will to Win. They also provide excellent coffee and snacks, including dog snacks  (woof!) at their café, which has a patio where we dogs can sit. More seating is provided on the grass area next to the courts. This is my usual park. I look forward to getting back to it whenever I have been away and sniff out exactly what has gone on in my absence.

wishful thinking, trying to catch the ball

The park is a great asset to the local area, from old to young (humans and dogs) and has its regular walkers, so I get to meet my friends here. Near the bowling green the council have planted wild flowers. These are a very pretty addition to the park. In the heat of summer I like to walk through the allotments which lead out then back into the park, but offer welcome shade.

The wild flowers near the bowling green

The Bobster's favourite walkies - Richmond

I love Richmond Park. When I want to chill, this is where I go. It is my happy place and well loved by us dogs, our human companions, walkers, cyclists, runners and families who just want to get out and experience the great outdoors in all its splendour. It is an escape from the busy city, which can be seen in the far horizon (in fact there is a viewpoint through the park which leads to St. Paul's cathedral, whose dome is visible just among the distant trees) We need to cherish such places. In these days of pollution, they are the lungs of London. 5 paws 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

We travel there by car entering via Richmond Gate. There is free parking near Pembroke Lodge, a nice little coffee and ice cream cafe.
Our walk takes us to the left towards the wide open spaces where often the deer are seen roaming. The human keeps me on the lead if we get near the herds, as one never knows how deer will react, especially if it is rutting season.

My friend Holly and human friend Chelsea

Then we head out of the park, past the Star and Garter then through Terrance Gardens towards the river. The riverside walk leads to Richmond centre, where the human and I have a bit of a browse in the upmarket shops (yes, I am welcome in most shops and cafes here)

Terrace Gardens

Then it's back up the hill towards a well-earned sit down for a spot of lunch or dinner at my favourite place - The Lass O' Richmond Hill.  It has recently been refurbished but maintains its cosy charm, with fires lit in winter, and lovely seating areas outside in summer. I and my fur friends are welcomed here with treats, which are in jars by the door, and water bowls.

I am allowed in the large bar area, and also in the seated areas outside, one of which is for non-smokers, so that is a bonus. I hate cigarette smoke when I am eating (grrrr!!) The food is excellent and staff very friendly, so me and the human are a regular visitors. There are also board-games and colouring and a kid friendly menu if the little humans join us, so I give it 5🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾