30 miles out of London

Evidently, Chesham is a beautiful place. An ancient market town, full of interesting people, old buildings and exquisite countryside, it offers its dwellers country living just 30 miles out of central London, give or take. Found right at the end of the Metropolitan line, we have the Underground, with access all the way through to Aldgate; Chiltern Railways to carry us overground to Marylebone (or Birmingham – no need for HS2); or you can drive.

Anyway – it was a sunny afternoon, two friends at a loose end. “What shall we do?”, they asked. Despite the wonders that Chesham offers, there is a whole world out there to enjoy, with a world favourite capital city a mere 40 minutes away. So, they jumped in the car and off the friends sped to London. Through Enfield, and Finchley, Highgate and Holloway the two journeyed on until they soon arrived at The Russett, a dog friendly café/bar, nestled in the idyll of Hackney Downs Studios.

Here, the friends enjoyed a plate of delicious wholesome food and locally made lemonade. They knew that a special event, “Bark Shorts” was due to begin. Others arrived with their mutts and hounds, and were treated to a series of kanine themed short films whilst seated in comfy sofas and arm chairs. Some of the films were sad, some were funny, some were animated, like Dog Judo, others with people. At the end of each short, the people clapped and the dogs barked their appreciation and all had a jolly old time… After a stint with a drink in the sunshine and now joined by another, the friends ventured on into Hampstead, for more food and frolics by the Heath. They dined in Bistro Laz, where they stayed from evening ’til nightfall sharing stories and memories. By 11pm, tired but content, they piled into the trusty people carrier and headed Chesham bound. Home by Midnight. Easy.