Winter has arrived, bringing crisp morning walks, twinkling lights and the perfect excuse to duck into a warm pub with your dog by your side.
As more pubs open their doors to our four legged companions, enjoying a festive drink no longer means leaving your dog at home.
Whether you love a snug city hideaway or a neighbourhood favourite with a roaring fire, there is a dog friendly pub waiting to make your winter that little bit cosier.
To help you plan your next outing, we have rounded up the best dog friendly city pubs in Britain for winter.
This list is based on detailed scoring (see a summary of the scoring below) from one hundred pubs across the UK using metrics such as online reviews, dog amenities including water bowls, treats and dog menus, indoor fireplaces, Christmas menus and easy access to nearby walking spots.
Every pub below offers a warm welcome for both you and your dog, along with plenty of festive charm.
1. The Greyhound Inn, Hawkesbury, Coventry – 68.3 Score
The Greyhound comes out on top this winter and it only takes a minute inside to see why.
With glowing 4.6 scores on both Google and Tripadvisor, it has the easy warmth you want after a chilly stroll along the nearby canal, which sits just a minute from the door.
Dogs are treated kindly with water bowls and treats, and although there is no dog beer or menu, the pub more than makes up for it with a fireplace and a full Christmas menu.
It is the kind of place where you settle in and never feel rushed to leave.
2. The Fisherman’s Arms, Plymouth – 63.8 Score
There is something about this pub that feels instantly homely in winter.
With a strong 4.7 Google score, The Fishermans Arms is well loved by locals and dog owners alike.
Dogs can tuck into treats, water, dog beer and even a dog menu, while you warm up by the fire with a festive dish.
Hoe Park is only a short walk away, ideal for a breezy winter loop before heading inside for a slow afternoon.
3. The Cutty Sark, Greenwich, London – 63.6 Score
The Cutty Sark has a magic of its own in December.
Its 4.5 Google rating and thousands of reviews show how busy it stays, even when the weather turns frosty.
Dogs are always welcomed with treats and water, and there is dog beer for a fun seasonal extra.
A fireplace and Christmas menu bring that cosy winter feeling together, and with Greenwich Park just nine minutes away, a crisp walk followed by a warm drink feels like the perfect pairing.
4. The Cliff, Canford Cliffs, Poole – 63.4 Score
After a blustery seaside walk, The Cliff feels like a comforting retreat.
Scoring a solid 63.4, it maintains a 4.5 Google rating and delivers simple but thoughtful touches such as water bowls and treats.
Inside, the fireplace and Christmas dishes make it easy to settle in for a while.
Canford Cliffs Chine is a short stroll away, offering a peaceful winter route with your dog.
5. The Hartington, Brighton & Hove – 63.1 Score
This Brighton favourite has a relaxed charm that works well in winter.
With 4.3 on Google and 4.4 on Tripadvisor, The Hartington is clearly a well loved local.
Dogs do particularly well here thanks to the full dog menu, plus bowls and treats.
A fireplace and Christmas menu add a seasonal touch and Queen’s Park is only a fifteen minute walk if your dog enjoys stretching their legs between pub stops.
6. The Wharf, Castlefield, Manchester – 62.1 Score
Large indoor spaces make The Wharf ideal for colder days.
Holding a steady 4.5 Google score, it is a lively but comfortable place to settle with your dog.
Bowls are always available and the Christmas menu brings lovely winter comfort even though there is no dog menu.
Being close to Castlefield’s canal paths means you can build in a short walk before finding a warm corner to relax in.
7. The Dirty Onion, Belfast – 62.1 Score
The Dirty Onion always has a buzz about it and winter is no exception.
With over 5,000 Google reviews and a 4.5 rating, it is clearly a Belfast favourite.
Dogs are welcomed with treats and water, and inside you will find a fireplace and seasonal dishes that make escaping the cold even sweeter.
Cathedral Gardens are a short walk away for a break between drinks.
8. The Plough, Harborne, Birmingham – 60.2 Score
The Plough has a cosy neighbourhood feel that works beautifully during winter.
With a 4.5 Google score, it is a reliable choice for dog owners wanting something warm and welcoming.
Dogs get water bowls and plenty of fuss, and the Christmas menu and fire inside make it especially inviting on a cold afternoon.
Queen’s Park is a longer walk but still enjoyable if you want to make a day of it.
9. The Broadfield, Abbeydale, Sheffield – 60.1 Score
This friendly spot sits just above sixty points and blends great food with a gentle atmosphere.
The Broadfield has a strong 4.5 Google rating and offers water bowls and treats along with a fireplace and a festive menu.
Meersbrook Park is only a short wander away, perfect for a quiet winter loop before heading back in.
10. The Basketmakers Arms, North Laine, Brighton – 59.7 Score
With its soft lighting and relaxed charm, The Basketmakers feels especially cosy in winter.
It keeps a 4.6 Google score and treats dogs to water bowls and snacks, while the fireplace and Christmas menu add that warm seasonal feel.
The Level is close by for a short walk before settling into one of Brighton’s most loved pubs.
Summary of the Top Ten Pubs
| Pub Name | City | Google Review Score | Trip-advisor Review Score | Water Bowls | Dog Treats | Walking Distance to Nearest Green Space | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Greyhound Inn | Coventry (Hawkesbury) | 4.6 | 4.6 | Y | Y | 0.1 miles | 68.3 |
| The Fishermans Arms | Plymouth | 4.7 | 4.6 | Y | Y | 0.2 miles | 63.8 |
| The Cutty Sark | London (Greenwich) | 4.5 | 4.1 | Y | Y | 0.4 miles | 63.6 |
| The Cliff | Poole (Canford Cliffs) | 4.5 | 4.2 | Y | Y | 0.2 miles | 63.4 |
| The Hartington | Brighton (Hove) | 4.3 | 4.4 | Y | Y | 0.7 miles | 63.1 |
| The Wharf | Manchester (Castlefield) | 4.5 | 4.2 | Y | N | 0.3 miles | 62.1 |
| The Dirty Onion | Belfast (Cathedral Qtr) | 4.5 | 4.1 | Y | Y | 0.2 miles | 62.1 |
| The Plough | Birmingham (Harborne) | 4.5 | 4.3 | Y | N | 1.2 miles | 60.2 |
| The Broadfield | Sheffield (Abbeydale) | 4.5 | 4.2 | Y | Y | 0.4 miles | 60.1 |
| The Basketmakers Arms | Brighton (North Laine) | 4.6 | 4.4 | Y | Y | 0.4 miles | 59.7 |
Winter Pub Tips for Dog Owners
- Bring a towel in case your dog gets wet
- Keep them close and on a lead
- Visit at quieter times if they get nervous
- Pack a favourite chew to help them settle
- Look for fireplaces and indoor dog spaces to stay warm
Methodology
Data was taken from multiple sources to create a winter focused list of the top one hundred dog friendly pubs in UK cities.
Each pub was scored using indicators including Google and Tripadvisor ratings, review volumes, Instagram following, dog amenities such as treats, water bowls, dog beer and dog menus, plus indoor fireplaces, Christmas menus and proximity to parks or walking routes.
These figures were combined to create an overall dog friendly winter score out of one hundred.
