Dog-friendly Brighton is a perfect place to take your dogs on holiday

Who Let The Dogs Out (in Brighton)?

Since we gave a home to Ginger, a retired greyhound, we’ve grown used to complete strangers making a fuss of him.

Unfortunately, he doesn’t always get a warm welcome from those who run the shops, pubs and eateries that we would previously have used on days out or holidays.

That said, some businesses have started to realise that by barring even well-behaved dogs they are also preventing their owners from putting money through their tills.

Some towns, like Brighton, are actively encouraging dog-owning visitors.

Arriving at the dog-friendly Hotel du Vin, a few yards from the promenade, the staff gave him as warm a welcome as they did my wife and I.

They even stepped in to help us with our bags while we steered him up the stairs to our room.

There, a large dog mat and a couple of bowls were in place for Ginger, who duly plonked himself down.

Although dogs are not allowed in Hotel du Vin’s main dining area, we were more than comfortable in the adjoining Pub du Vin, where dog biscuits were available for him while we enjoyed restaurant-quality food.

The hotel sits between the sea and the Lanes, an area of narrow streets and alleyways full of interesting shops aimed firmly at tourists.

After a morning exploring the town on foot, we were invited to sample the delights of one of the city’s many dog grooming establishments at Doggie Fashions, where our pavement-weary pooch was treated to a wash and blow dry and a nail trim by groomers Katie and Claire.

Looking as good as he did, we clearly had to find somewhere special for lunch.

Five minutes walk away we found Metro Deco, a trendy caf with a quirky selection of crockery. A range of speciality teas and a menu with a twist made this a great place to people-watch.

In my case munching on an artichoke and mozzarella toastie followed by parsnip and lemon cake. And no, I couldn’t taste the parsnips.

A stroll through town took us to the Royal Pavilion.

We weren’t surprised to find dogs were welcome in the gardens on a lead, but not inside the building.

So, while my wife and son soaked up the history of the building, built as a seaside pleasure palace for George IV, I sat by the garden caf soaking up the sun whilst my canine pal caught up on some sleep.

Having worked up a healthy appetite, it was time for our evening meal. With a dog called Ginger, we’d been told there was only one place to go, The Ginger Dog.

This gastropub looks like an ordinary pub from the outside, but the food they serve is remarkable.

My main of ricotta croquettes looked like something straight from MasterChef. My wife chose a vegetarian tasting platter, one of the nicest plates of food she’s had in a long, long time she said.

We were set for a quiet stroll back to our hotel but on the way we had one of those chance encounters that makes visiting a city like Brighton so fascinating.

Down the road snaked a dozen illuminated roller-bladers announcing their imminent arrival with a couple of boom boxes!

With clubs and bars open into the wee small hours, Brighton has reputation for being a party town, but you don’t have to go far to find more rural pleasures.

Just 20 minutes drive away is the Devil’s Dyke, a dramatic dry valley in the chalky South Downs.

Here an enthusiastic Phoebe from Dog Jog Brighton had offered to take our mutt on a run.

With the temperature higher than 25 degrees, Ginger sensibly opted for a brief jog followed by a walk and a large bowl of water at the dog-friendly pub at the top of the hill.

Her service could be popular with owners of more energetic breeds who can’t keep up with them.

After a cooling drink in the sunshine, we headed back to check out Brighton’s neighbour, Hove, where an enterprising couple have established Chubby Chops, which is a caf which caters for dogs as much as humans.

As well as a comprehensive menu for us they offer a range of treats for pets, including dog biscuits, donuts and ‘beer’ (actually gravy for dog food).

Evidence of just how in love with its dogs this area is came when we bumped into Amanda Neves, from along the coast at Arundel, where she’s setting up a doggie wedding service.

I’m all for looking after pets, but I think getting them married may be a step too far.

Useful websites to visit: www.visitbrighton.com, www.gingermanrestaurants.com, www.hotelduvin.com/pubduvin, www.metro-deco.com, www.doggyfashions.co.uk, www.dogjogbrighton.co.uk, www.facebook.com/chubbychopsbrighton.