It’s not an easy task to find a dog-friendly pub or a restaurant where dogs are welcomed with open paws and not just tolerated. What do you actually need after an autumn walk in the countryside, summer trip to a beach or a winter day out with a furry friend by your side? A cosy and relaxing atmosphere, delicious food, good selection of drinks and a comfortable space for your pooch.
What makes a pub dog-friendly? This is our comprehensive list, so tick the boxes:
- clear and obvious information about dogs on a pub’s website and a welcome sign at the entrance;
- a jar of dog biscuits at the entrance or in the bar area;
- a bowl of water provided for every dog;
- allocated dog-friendly area inside or enough space between tables so that your dog can lie down comfortably and nobody steps on his tail (oh, this has always been our biggest worry!!)
- we like to see a doggy menu with sausages, pappucinos and pupcakes;
- designated bin outside for dog poo and complimentary poo bags too;
- ideally, but not compulsory, a washing station outside for muddy paws;
Here is the selection of our favourite dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in the UK:
Dog-friendly pub #1: The Dog and Gun, a pub in the Lake District well-known for its Hungarian Goulash.
What makes the Dog and Gun so popular? Without doubt, this is the famous pub’s Hungarian Goulash that has been served there for 60 years. People say the wife of the previous pub’s owner was Hungarian, and she cooked this spicy and warming meal for tired walkers. Hungarian Goulash is a hearty meat stew, and it is made with beef, mushrooms, peppers and onions with plum tomatoes and a secret herb & spices mix.
Dogs at The Dog and Gun
Dogs are very welcome in all areas. Water bowls can be provided upon request. There is also a jar of dog biscuits in the bar area.
Pub #2: The Porch House, the England’s oldest inn in Gloucestershire.
Dating back to the 10th century and situated in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold, the Porch House is considered to be the oldest inn in England. Originally, it was a hospice for pilgrims, then an inn, possibly with a dog fighting pit, and finally a hotel with a pub. The Porch House is brimming with character, charisma and lots of original features like beamed ceilings, thick stone walls and even the witch’s marks above the 16th-century fireplace in the dining room!
Dogs at The Porch House
Dogs are welcome. A bowl of water for your dog is provided.
Dog-friendly pub #3: The Bell, the newest addition to Daylesford Organic’s pub collection in Oxfordshire.
The Bell is a dog-friendly 17th-century pub and a part of Daylesford Organic’s collection, among The Wild Rabbit in Kingham, The Fox at Oddington and The Three Horseshoes in Asthall. Conveniently located in the heart of the market town of Charlbury, the Bell was built around the 1600s and has been an inn since then. It was reopened in September 2023 after a beautiful restoration that kept lots of its original features.
Dogs at The Bell
Dogs are welcome inside and outside to accompany their humans. A bowl of water for every dog is provided.