THE BARNABY BLOG - NEIGHBOURHOOD NOTES - VOL 2 - FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2025

rob72401
Sep 15, 2025
4 min read

The New Malden After-School Treat Trail!

Woof! It's me, Barnaby, with the inside scoop on the best after-school adventure in New Malden

Right then, humans! Let me tell you about my absolute favourite time of day —when all the little humans finish school and come bouncing down the high street with their grown-ups. Being the unofficial Mayor of New Malden (and definitely the fluffiest), I've worked out the perfect after-school trail that gets tails wagging and faces grinning. Follow my paw prints!

Barnaby's Perfect After-School Route

🏫 SCHOOL PICKUP (I can hear the excitement from here!)

↓ (5 min walk - perfect for a sniff or two)

🥢 STOP 1: Asian Supermarket (Dinner Shopping Adventure)

↓ (5 min walk - lamp post checking required)

📝 STOP 2: Suttles (Stationery & Fun Supplies)

↓ (1 min walk - nearly at my bowl!)

🍦 STOP 3: Barnaby and Boo's (Where I live - the BEST stop!)

↓

🏠 HOME (everyone happy, especially me!)

Stop 1: Asian Supermarket - Dinner Shopping Adventure 🥢

Perfect for: Adventurous noses and curious little humans

Now, I'm not allowed inside (something about "health regulations" - honestly!), but I love watching families come out of the amazing exotic Korean, Kurdish & Asian markets with bags full of mysterious and delicious-smelling treasures. The little humans always look so excited, chattering about weird vegetables and wanting to try "that spiky fruit that looks like it's from outer space."

Barnaby's tip: I've noticed the smartest grown-ups let their little humans pick something new each time. Yesterday, I saw a small person emerge triumphantly clutching dragon fruit like they'd discovered actual treasure. The excitement was infectious—even made my tail wag from across the street!

Stop 2: Suttles - Stationery & Fun Supplies 📝

Perfect for: Creative paws and organizational minds

Right, this place makes even me excited, and I can't even hold a pen! (Trust me, I've tried—opposable thumbs are overrated anyway.) Watching little humans press their noses against the window, pointing at rainbow pens and sparkly notebooks, is pure joy. Their eyes go wide like they're looking at the Crown Jewels, but better because these treasures are actually within reach.

Barnaby's tip: I've seen that the magic words "well done this week" can work wonders here. Plus, the lovely humans who work at Suttles always give me a pat when I'm waiting outside, so they're clearly excellent judges of character and probably give great stationery advice too.

Stop 3: Barnaby and Boo's - The Grand Finale! 🍦

Perfect for: EVERYONE (especially schnauzers hoping for dropped sprinkles)

And here we are—my domain! This is where the real magic happens, where tired little humans transform into giggling ice cream monsters and stressed grown-ups remember what joy tastes like. From my prime position by the door (official Greeter and Quality Control Manager), I can confirm that every single person leaves here happier than when they arrived.

Barnaby's insider tip: The after-school crowd is my favourite—you'll find me doing my rounds, getting chin scratches and occasionally hoovering up the odd dropped bit of cone (purely for cleanliness purposes, you understand). The outdoor seating is perfect for "how was school?" conversations, and I'm an excellent listener if the grown-ups need a furry ear.

Why This Trail Gets My Paws of Approval

Listen, I've done extensive research (by which I mean I've walked this route roughly 47,000 times), and I can confirm it's scientifically perfect. It starts with mystery and excitement, continues with creativity and possibility, and ends with ice cream and me. What more could anyone want?

Timing: About 30-45 minutes of pure adventure, plus however long you spend giving me attention (which should be ages, obviously).

Best days: Every single day, but especially the days when someone drops a bit of waffle cone.

What makes it special: It's the kind of simple adventure that makes ordinary Tuesdays feel like the weekend. Plus, it always ends with visiting me, which automatically makes everything 847% better.

A Schnauzer's Wisdom About the Everyday

You know what I've learned from watching thousands of families do this trail? The best adventures aren't about going somewhere far away—they're about turning your own patch into somewhere magical. Whether you're discovering dragon fruit, finding the perfect purple pen, or deciding between vanilla and chocolate chip, it's all about the joy you find right here on your own doorstep.

And honestly, after a long day of professional door-greeting and amateur ice cream quality testing, there's nothing I love more than seeing families create these little moments of happiness together. It makes my schnauzer heart absolutely full.

One last thing: If you see me on your treat trail, please do say hello. I'm excellent company, give the best high-fives (okay, high-paws), and I promise not to judge your ice cream choices. Much.

Woof! That's all from me, Barnaby—your friendly neighbourhood schnauzer and official New Malden treat trail guide. Come find me at Barnaby and Boo's for the perfect ending to your adventure!

P.S. - Bring your own dogs! I love making new friends, and the grown-ups do great ice cream while we sort out the really important stuff, like who gets to sniff what first.