The 11 Most Dog Friendly Pubs in the UK Revealed
After working up an appetite there’s nothing better than visiting your local pub and settling into a cosy corner table next to a crackling fireplace with a drink or two – your furry friend relaxing at your feet.
Eat Drink Meet, a website and app that helps users discover nearby pubs, bars, and restaurants – with clever filtering options including ‘dog friendly’, ‘live music’, and ‘landmarks nearby’ is unveiling its top list of the most dog friendly pubs across the UK in partnership with Molson Coors Beverage Company, the brewer behind much loved brands including Carling, Madri Exceptional, Coors and Aspall.
Rebekah Jones I Senior Customer Activation Manager at Molson Coors said: “To us, what makes a brilliant dog-friendly pub is a great outdoor space, proximity to great walks, and venues that go above and beyond when it comes to treats and water. We are passionate about brilliant British pubs and it’s such a pleasure to celebrate these amazing venues from across the country.”
With around 36% households in the UK owning a dog, pet-friendly venues are not just a luxury, but a necessity. Ranked by Eat Drink Meet, below are pubs that go above and beyond to offer your pooch an unrivalled experience.
- Golden Retriever, Bracknell
Nestled on the outskirts of the picturesque Swinley Forest, the Golden Retriver is a charming country pub that was formerly a dog kennels (hence the apt name). Now a charming inn, it has become a beloved local hotspot offering a delicious range of dishes including pub classics and hearty Sunday roasts. With dogs allowed in the bar and beer garden areas, it’s the perfect place to rest your muddy paws and boots after a long stroll through the forest – especially after taking the renowned Bracknell route that conveniently ends at the venue. Living up to its name, this charming country venue also hosts regular Golden Retriever Walks – a sight to behold.
- The Devon Doorway, Birkenhead
With breathtaking views of the countryside, The Devon Doorway is a slice of heaven for dog owners looking for the perfect rustic country pub. Guests can choose from taking a seat in the chic bar area, delightful outdoor courtyard space or even relaxing in the beer garden. The pub also has a selection of drinks including real ales and lagers to wonderful wines. As well as offering a range of autumnal dishes perfect for any occasion.
- The White Lion Hotel, Ambleside
Located in the heart of the Lake District, The White Lion Hotel is not just the perfect place to visit after a long ramble with your pet, it boasts a delectable menu with countryside charm. The pub also doubles as a dog-friendly hotel with 7 beautiful rooms and four-legged guests being treated to a blanket, bowl, and treats to make them feel right at home when visiting the Lake District. TripAdvisor reviews have named it a “dog-friendly haven”.
- The Plymouth Arms, Cardiff
Look no further than The Plymouth Arms for the perfect pint shared with your canine companion. The pub takes its name from Elizabeth Lewis, heiress of a local landowner who married the Third Earl of Plymouth in the early 1700’s. It offers guests the very best in country pub classics and seasonal dishes. Guests can also indulge in a well-stocked bar with cask ales, fine wines and British gin meaning there’s a drink for every palate. There are also plenty of dog treats and water available for your furry friends to wind down in the bar area or in the crisp autumnal air on milder days.
- The Red Deer, Glasgow
Set in the scenic town of Balloch, just outside of Glasgow The Red Deer is a 15-minute walk from Broadward Loch and the nearby Palacerigg Country Park, making it ideal for dog owners and anglers alike. It’s the perfect place for you and your four-legged friend to warm up by the fire with some treats and a refreshing water bowl after an afternoon exploring the area.
- Hawes Inn, Edinburgh
The charming country pub the Hawes Inn has strong connections with the celebrated Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson. Local legend has its Stevenson stayed in the pub and wrote his famous novel ‘Kidnapped’ there, which includes a passage about the Hawes Inn in the book. So, stop off and enjoy a pint of cask ale or a glass of wine after a long dog walk around Edinburgh and indulge in a piece of Scottish history. According to the pub’s website, muddy boots and paws are very welcome.
- The Hoop and Grapes, London
This pub is considered to be one of London’s oldest buildings, built in 1593. It’s certainly the oldest licensed house in London. Housed in a Grade 2 listed building, the Hoop and Grapes narrowly survived the Great Fire of London in 1666. But now, you and your canine companion are most welcome to step back in time into one of the few surviving timber buildings of the era and enjoy a range of beers, spirits, and cocktails. Or if you have time, enjoy one of their hand-crafted London pies such as Chicken, Leek and Tarragon or Mushroom & Spinach Suet Pie. TripAdvisor reviews praise the pub for its dog-friendly, ‘proper pub’ atmosphere.
- The Mermaid, Wolverhampton
The Mermaid Inn is nearly 250-years old and is sandwiched between the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal and Wightwick Manor, making it ideal for boaters with dogs on board. So, after a long ramble along the canal towpath or exploring the old Wightwick Manor, it’s the perfect location for all guests whether they have two legs or four. No stranger to receiving this kind of accolade, the pub was ranked the top dog-friendly pub in Wolverhampton on International Dog Day last year.
- The Crown, Broxbourne
The Crown Broxbourne was popular with Victorian day trippers, and now, it's popular with dog walkers thanks to its friendly atmosphere and stunning views. Near the Stanstead Mill Stream in the heart of the forest, The Crown is perfect for relaxing with your pet in either the picturesque gardens or cosy log fires.
10. The Bumble Bee, Gloucester
Discover the rustic country charm of The Bumble Bee in Gloucester, a delightful country pub seamlessly blending the traditional with all the modern comforts. Nestled in the heart of the local community, this warm and cosy venue is the perfect rest stop after a country dog walk. Put your paws up in either the beautiful gardens or by the crackling log fires. It’s the ideal spot for you and your dog to unwind after a long day.
11. The Riverside, Bournemouth
The Riverside is located in Tuckton near the River Stour making this dog-friendly country pub the ideal place to visit after a long day exploring nearby attractions including the Red House Museum and Gardens, Christchurch Castle and Norman House and the Willow Way Marina. With a mouthwatering gastro pub menu including dishes such as Port & Cheddar Mushrooms, Pan-Fried Sea Bass Fillets and Signature Duo of Pork & Scallops. It’s the ideal location to raise a glass of real ale, lager, or wine after a day well spent with your canine companion.
Whether you're looking for scenic dog walking routes or just a great pint while spending time with your canine companion, these dog-friendly pubs offer the perfect setting for an autumn outing you'll never forget.
