The Barnaby Blog 2 Aug 2025

Woof! The Heart of New Malden:

Why Our Pack Needs to Stick Together

Fellow New Malden pack members! It's me, Barnaby – yes, the handsome Schnauzer you might have spotted trotting around our wonderful neighbourhood, usually trailing behind my humans at Barnaby & Boo's (named after me, naturally – I'm quite the celebrity around here).

Now, let me tell you something about our patch of London from a dog's perspective. When I'm out on my daily sniff-abouts, padding down the high street with my nose to the ground (picking up all the important neighbourhood gossip, obviously), I notice something special about our local spots that makes my tail wag uncontrollably.

Our local cafés, restaurants, and pubs aren't just places that smell deliciously of bacon and dropped crumbs – though trust me, they absolutely do. They're run by the most wonderful humans who always have a pat for a passing pup, a bowl of water on hot days, and genuine smiles that make even this old boy's heart sing. These aren't those boring chain places where nobody knows if you prefer your treats crunchy or soft – these are proper family businesses where everyone becomes part of the pack.

But here's where my ears perk up with concern: my human friends who run these amazing places are having a ruff time (see what I did there?). They're dealing with rising costs faster than I chase squirrels up trees, and they're competing with those delivery apps that zoom past on motorbikes (which, between you and me, I find rather suspicious – no proper sniffing introduction!). Every time a local chooses to support our neighbourhood businesses instead of those faceless chains, it's like getting the best belly rub ever – it just makes everything better.

What makes New Malden absolutely pawsome is our incredible mix of families and flavours. During my walks, I've sniffed my way past Korean families serving up something that makes my mouth water (kimchi pancake, my humans tell me), traditional British pubs where the humans gather like a proper pack, places like Aroma where the smells are so amazing I have to practice my very best sit-and-stay, and young entrepreneurs crafting the most spectacular cakes that I can only admire from afar (though I live in hope of dropped crumbs). We've got Italian trattorias like Al Forno that have been here longer than I've been alive – and trust me, that's saying something!

These businesses do so much more than just serve up delicious smells that make my nose twitch with joy. They're like the best dog parks for humans – places where friendships are made, where the pack comes together, where newcomers get properly welcomed into the neighbourhood family. They support local sports teams (though I still think a dog football league would be brilliant), help out with school fundraisers, and give jobs to our neighbours. When one of these special places closes, it's like losing your favourite stick – the whole neighbourhood feels a bit less bright.

But here's the tail-wagging good news: we can all help our local pack thrive! Every time you choose our local café over that big chain (where they probably don't even allow dogs – the audacity!), every time you tell your friends about that amazing meal you had, every time you leave a lovely review online, you're basically giving these businesses the equivalent of a really good ear scratch. And trust me, everyone loves a good ear scratch.

Try bringing your work pack for lunch, celebrate your human milestones at local venues, and maybe – just maybe – if you happen to drop a tiny bit of your sandwich while you're there, well, a certain handsome Schnauzer might just happen to be passing by to help with the cleanup.

Many of our local places are getting really creative about showing their appreciation too. Special offers, loyalty programs, community events – it's like they're learning to speak proper pack language, understanding that the best relationships are built on mutual tail-wagging and treats all around.

As I see it from down here at knee height, our choices shape the kind of neighbourhood we want to call home. Do we want a place where everyone knows your name (and your dog's preferred treat), where quality and character matter more than speed and sameness? Where the local businesses flourish like well-tended gardens that attract all the best sniffs?

So next time you're deciding where to meet your pack, grab a bite, or celebrate something special, remember us locals. Your support doesn't just buy a meal – it helps keep New Malden feeling like the best kind of home, where everyone belongs and every tail wag matters.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some very important squirrel surveillance to conduct and a few more local businesses to inspect. The work of a neighbourhood celebrity Schnauzer is never done!

Paws and love, Barnaby 🐾 (The most important member of Barnaby & Boo's)

P.S. – If you see me around town, I'm always available for ear scratches, belly rubs, and the occasional dropped treat. It's all part of my community service, you understand.

HAVE YOU SEEN BARNABY?

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