Summer’s finally here – and there’s no better way to spend a sunny afternoon than sipping a cool pint with your dog at your side. Thankfully for dog owners, more and more pubs are offering dog-friendly spaces, meeting our surging demand to eat, drink, and relax with our four-legged friends. Whether you’re looking for a laidback country local, or a city pub for a post-walk pint, there’s a dog-friendly pub waiting to welcome you.
To help you find the best places to unwind and refuel with your canine companion, we’ve curated a list of the best dog-friendly city pubs in Britain.
How did we do this? We didn’t simply throw together a list based on opinions. Our results are data-driven, compiled from in-depth analysis of 100 dog-friendly pubs recommended by expert dog websites including ManyPets and DoggiePubs. Alongside dog-friendly amenities and beer garden features, we took into consideration customer reviews, proximity to walkies, and social media presence – especially those packed with happy dog photos.
The result? A bona fide list of the top pubs for a sunny pint with your pooch, with water bowls and treats at the bar, and open spaces for walkies just beyond the beer garden. As well as proof that you don’t have to wait for holiday – or even escape city life – to while away a summer afternoon with your dog.
1. Brandling Villa
Newcastle (South Gosforth), Tyne and Wear
More than just a spacious beer garden with lots of dog-friendly seating in the sun – water bowls, and treats available, of course – Brandling Villa goes one step further with a doggy menu including sausages and chicken. What about walkies? It’s just ten minutes’ from Exhibition Park – the perfect spot for a pre- or post-pint stroll.
“Our dog loves this place! Great service, welcoming staff, and a lovely garden for a pint in the sun.” Says a TripAdvisor review, and you only have to check out the pub’s Insta feed to see plenty of snaps of dogs enjoying the beer garden.
Website: https://www.brandlingvilla.com
2. The Greyhound Inn
Coventry, West Midlands
This friendly local in the West Midlands packs in the charm for both humans and hounds, with a large beer garden, water bowls, and free treats. Dogs are welcome inside and out, and the relaxed atmosphere means even nervous pups can settle in. It’s also right beside the Coventry Canal towpath, perfect for a scenic dog walk before or after your drink.
“Great dog-friendly pub with plenty of outdoor seating – our pup was spoiled with biscuits and fuss!” says one happy Google reviewer. And Instagram shows a steady stream of four-legged visitors lapping up the good vibes.
Website: http://www.thegreyhoundsuttonstop.co.uk/
3. The Cliff
Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset
Seeking sea air, sunshine, and wagging tails? Head to The Cliff for a coastal pub experience with your pup. After a stroll on Canford Cliffs Beach (dog-friendly year-round) in dog-friendly Dorset, kickback in the sunny courtyard for craft beers and cocktails. Dogs are welcomed with treats and water bowls, while you can enjoy a leisurely alfresco lunch – from stonebaked pizzas to Sunday roasts.
“Dog friendly, nice outside area for a relaxing lunch in clement weather,” notes one TripAdvisor reviewer.
Website: https://www.thecliffcanfordcliffs.co.uk
4. The Fishermans Arms
Plymouth, Devon
How about a country-style pub in Britain’s ocean city? Tucked away near the Barbican and The Hoe, The Fishermans Arms is one of Plymouth’s oldest pubs and the perfect watering hole for you and your pooch on a summer’s day by the sea.
Famed for its dog-loving ethos, the welcome doesn’t stop at dog treats, shady seating in the garden, and dog beds inside. There’s even a menu for dogs, and the resident pub dog – Mr Jones – has an ale named after him. We suggest you try the Mr Jones Ale Baked Pie, while your pooch enjoys a doggy dinner.
Website: https://www.fishermansarms.co.uk
5. The Tyne Bar
Ouseburn, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
A buzzing spot when the sun’s got its hat on, The Tyne Bar in Newcastle offers riverside pints with plenty of space for pooches to relax and soak up the vibes. Regular live music make this a great option for laidback dogs and owners that fancy toe-tapping tunes and local ales after walkies in the Ouseburn Valley.
One reviewer on Licklist shared: “Love this place. Friendly staff, good food and drink, live music and it’s doggo friendly. Can’t lose.”
Website: https://www.thetyne.com
6. Free Trade Inn
Ouseburn, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Another Newcastle gem, the Free Trade Inn is a dog-friendly haven with unbeatable views over the River Tyne. The relaxed terrace is perfect for pups, with water bowls on hand and a friendly team with belly rubs on tap.
Not only one of of the best pub terraces in the North East, there’s plenty of places for walkies, too. It’s five minutes to Exhibition Park or take a longer route along the The Ouse Burn Way.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/thefreetradeinn
7. The Cutty Sark
Greenwich, London
A historic pub nestled by the Thames, The Cutty Sark has a stunning riverside terrace, where dogs are warmly welcomed. Just a short stroll from the wide-open spaces and woodland of Greenwich Park, it’s a magical spot for people-watching and pup-relaxing, with treats and water always available.
No wonder then, that ManyPets highlights The Cutty Sark as one of its top dog-friendly pubs in London, stating: “Head on over to Instagram to see just how much they love dogs – who can enjoy a doggy ice-cream as their humans enjoy a cheeky drink from their extensive collection of wines, cask ales and beers.”
Website: https://www.cuttysarkse10.co.uk
8. The Dirty Onion
Belfast, Northern Ireland
This stylish bar in a historic building has one of Belfast’s best – and biggest – beer gardens. What’s more, it’s proudly dog-friendly – inside and out. Expect water bowls, dog-loving staff, and live music. With a big focus on the latter, it’s best suited to dogs who don’t mind a bit of noise. But a quick scroll on Insta show plenty of pups enjoying the atmosphere.
When you need a break from the beer and good vibes, walkies are nearby, with Cathedral Gardens and the River Lagan walkway on the doorstep.
Website: https://www.thedirtyonion.com
9. The Wharf
Castlefield, Manchester
Overlooking the canal in Castlefield, The Wharf is a spacious, dog-friendly pub renowned for its expansive beer garden and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot to unwind after a walk along the canal towpath, offering dog treats, shaded or sunny seating options, and indoor spaces as well.
“I could not fault this place at all. The staff that served us were excellent and the food was wonderful. Also they are really dog friendly – they even brought out a bowl of water for our dog.” – TripAdvisor Review
Website: https://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/thewharf
10. The Sheep Heid Inn
Duddingston, Edinburgh
Nestled at the foot of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, The Sheep Heid Inn holds the title of Scotland’s oldest pub, dating back to 1360. Charming, yes. And its beer garden is a perfect spot for al fresco dining and drinks on a sunny day.
Why does it come up trumps in our top doggy pubs? According to a review on Dog Furiendly, “This 600-year-old pub is completely dog friendly and they even welcome our tail-wagging friends to join us on the skittle alley.”
Additionally, Rover.com notes that “They welcome dogs, provide water and even a dog bed,” ensuring your canine companion is comfortable during your visit.
Website: https://www.thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk
Methodology
Data was taken from multiple sources to create a seed list of 100 of the best dog friendly city pubs in the UK which featured a beer garden. These pubs were than analysed using mulitple metrics such as Google and Tripadvisor reviews, Instagram followers, third party data on dog amenities and more to rank them accordingly on which is the best for owners to take their dog and soak up some sun.
See the full list with scores to discover if there is a dog-friendly boozer in your area >
Tips for Taking Your Dog to the Pub
Always keep your dog on a lead
Check the pub’s policy: Not all pubs are dog-friendly, so call ahead.
Avoid peak times: If your dog is nervous, quieter times are best.
Bring treats or a chew: Keep your dog entertained while you enjoy your drink.
Social etiquette: Keep your dog close and be mindful of other patrons.
Ready to Explore More Dog-Friendly Spots?
Whether you’re after a lively pub or a quiet corner for a pint with your dog, the UK has plenty of options. Share your favourite dog-friendly spots with us on social media or in the comments below!
For more dog-friendly getaways, check out our blogs to discover new spots to explore with your furry friend this summer.
