What’s Dog in a Doublet like?
This rustic 16th Century inn is located in the heart of the Fens in Whittlesey. There’s a real emphasis on food here and owners John and Della appeared on C4’s Four in a Bed back in 2017. The name, in case you’re wondering, was inspired by a former Dutch landlady, who knitted a doublet for her dog when he lost all his fur. Peterborough is approximately a 15-minute drive from the pub.
How dog-friendly is Dog in a Doublet?
Excellent. The staff here love dogs so they’re guaranteed lots of fuss from the moment they walk in. Pets are allowed everywhere aside from the main restaurant but in terms of dining, your four-legged friend can join you in the bar, library or outdoor areas. You’ll need to bring your own beds and bowls but if you’re lucky enough to visit on a Sunday, dogs can enjoy a free roast dinner. Doggy sausages are also available for breakfast. There’s an additional charge of £10 for dogs to stay.
Tell me more about Dog in a Doublet
There are 10 rooms available – four upstairs in the main building, four downstairs in the old function room and two in the old garage, as well as a log cabin and converted horsebox in the grounds. We stayed in Room 4, which was above the kitchen and had a set of double doors opening out on to a large, secure roof terrace. The room itself was incredibly spacious and decorated in neutral shades with pops of purple and green. There was a comfy double bed, large flatscreen TV, complimentary tea and coffee and lots of storage. The en-suite shower room also came complete with toiletries from The Scottish Fine Soaps Company.
While the room was lovely, we did hear quite a lot of noise from the busy kitchen below. There was also a vent right by the bathroom window so on a return visit, I would probably request a quieter room – several others also have enclosed outdoor spaces. Dog lovers are sure to appreciate the canine theme throughout the pub, from the outdoor graffiti to dog portraits on the walls and even the Dog in a Doublet tiled entrance floor. Guests are welcome to use the heated outdoor swimming pool all year round and are also encouraged to visit the resident animals in the petting zoo. These include pigs, goats, chickens, rabbits and horses.
What’s the food like at Dog in a Doublet?
Really good, if a little on the pricey side. Owner John – who is a former MasterChef contestant – prides himself in using fresh local produce in the award-winning Smoke & Embers restaurant. The menu covers everything from small plates to steaks and the Sunday lunches are legendary. We visited over a weekend and it was really nice to be able to tuck in to a roast – albeit a meat-free one, pictured above – while Ernie enjoyed his own meaty version, pictured below.
Breakfast is also well worth getting out of bed for, and all dishes are beautifully presented. While a continental brekkie is included in the room rate, cooked options are also available for an extra cost. Expect everything from devilled kidneys to American pancakes alongside usual suspects, such as a Full English. The drinks list is also extensive, with a range of local ales, fine wines and cocktails.
Are there resident dogs at Dog in a Doublet?
Yes. Rachel, Bodie, Bella and Richard can often be seen roaming the grounds, but we didn’t meet them during our visit. The pub is also popular with local dog owners so whether you plan to stay or just pop in for a pint, expect to make a few new four-legged friends.
Where are the best dog walks near Dog in a Doublet?
The inn is located next to one of the biggest locks in Europe and walks alongside the River Nene abound. There are no designated pathways, however, so do watch your step. The road immediately outside the pub can be quite busy too so dogs should definitely stay on lead. When we visited at the end of November, there were road closures in place due to localised flooding – so if you’re visiting during the winter months, I’d say wellies are essential!
Dog in a Doublet is also part of the Peterborough Green Wheel – a walking and cycling route that ‘spokes’ out from the city centre. The 20-mile trail uses a mix of traffic-free paths, quiet roads and urban cycle lanes and the section that covers the pub runs from Eton to Hadden via Farcet, Newborough and Whittlesey. The long-distance Hereward Way footpath also passes the pub. Try the 5.5-mile walk from Peterborough to Whittlesey.
What Ernie loved about Dog in a Doublet
All the free food for dogs, having some outdoor space to roam, the riverside walks
What I loved about Dog in a Doublet
The food, the bargain room prices, the quiet location
How to book Dog in a Doublet
Overnight stays start from £55, including breakfast. For more information or to book, call 01733 202256 or visit the Dog in a Doublet website.
