Rainy day in Wandsworth? Six cafés for you and a damp dog

Rainy day in Wandsworth and the dog is giving you that look from the doormat? You still need a coffee, and they still need a change of scene. Start with the café that's fully dog friendly indoors, then keep the others in mind for a damp walk or a break in the showers.

When it's properly coming down

The Skylark Café

On Wandsworth Common, off Dorlcote Road, the Skylark is fully dog friendly indoors, so a soggy dog can come in out of the wet with you. It serves specialty coffee, all-day breakfast and brunch, and there's a traditional afternoon tea if you want to sit out a long downpour. It's fully licensed too, with wines, craft beers, spirits and cocktails, should a washed-out Saturday call for one. The café sits within 170 acres of open space, so a lap of the common is easy to fit in when the rain stops, and the terrace overlooks it all once the clouds part. There's a children's menu if the family's along, and it's rated 4.1.

Coffee stops around Wandsworth Town

Hopper Coffee Wandsworth

Hopper is on Wandsworth High Street, about a 10-minute walk from Wandsworth Town station, and it welcomes dogs on its premises. It's a neighbourhood spot rated 4.7, which makes it a good place to point a damp walk.

Little Frenchies

Two minutes' walk from Wandsworth Town station on Old York Road, Little Frenchies does specialty coffee and all-day brunch, and four-legged friends are welcome. It's rated 4.6 and makes a handy stop after a walk.

For when the showers ease

Some wet days come and go. These three all have outdoor seating, so save them for the dry spells.

Putt in the Park

For something sillier than a standard coffee stop, this café in Wandsworth Park, near East Putney station, pairs mini-golf with refreshments. There's outdoor seating and an enclosed garden where your dog can relax, and the venue told us itself that dogs are welcome. It's rated 4.5.

Lockdown Bakehouse

This Australian-inspired café on Ferrier Street is a short walk from Wandsworth Town station and has a warm community feel, having grown from its lockdown roots. It's known for fresh daily bakes and locally sourced brunches, and there's outdoor seating for you and the dog. The bakery told us itself that dogs are welcome, and it's rated 4.7.

Dilectio Coffee

Dilectio is an independent that started in Balham and puts quality and sustainability first. It welcomes dogs, has outdoor seating on Bellevue Road and is a 5-minute walk from Wandsworth Common station. It's rated 4.8.

Looking after the dog on a wet day

Pack a small towel and give paws and tummy a rub before you sit down, as a dry dog settles far more quickly. A walk first helps too, so they arrive ready to lie down, and a few treats will reward them for staying put.

Carry water and a folding bowl, and keep the lead short in a busy room, where wet weather tends to pack everyone in together. If your dog is nervous around crowds, aim for a quieter time of day and pick a spot away from the door.

For more options, see every dog-friendly café in Wandsworth.